# XXXVIII explained — Veiled Women

> Chapter companion for Veiled Women by Marmaduke Pickthall.

## What happens

Barakah, longing to escape the harem and convert to Christianity, enlists Umm ed-Dahak's help to secretly contact an English official. After composing a letter, she receives an appointment for the next day. She spends her last hours in the harem reminiscing, saying goodbye to friends and her husband Yûsuf, and preparing to leave.

## Themes in this chapter

### Cultural Clash and Identity

Barakah's desire to convert to Christianity and seek protection from the English highlights the tension between her Muslim identity and her longing for a different life.

### Female Friendship and Solidarity

Umm ed-Dahak risks her safety to help Barakah, demonstrating deep loyalty and solidarity among women in the harem.

### Religion and Conversion

Barakah's secret plan to convert to Christianity drives the chapter's plot, emphasizing the personal and societal stakes of religious change.

## Character check-ins

### Barakah

Plans to escape the harem and convert to Christianity; writes a secret letter to an English official.

### Umm ed-Dahak

Helps Barakah deliver the letter and arranges the secret meeting, despite initial reluctance.

### Yûsuf Bey

Visits Barakah and expresses his enduring kindness and love for her.

### Afîfah

Barakah's daughter, seen feeding pigeons; Barakah considers taking her but decides against it.

### Gulbeyzah

Visits Barakah along with Bedr-ul-Budûr; Barakah recalls their past together.

### Bedr-ul-Budûr

Visits Barakah with Gulbeyzah; now grown obese but still attractive.

## Key lines

> “It is nothing but thy due,” he answered, greatly touched. “Thou art alone among us, and my cherished wife.”

Yûsuf tells Barakah that his kindness is only what she deserves, and calls her his cherished wife.

_Yûsuf's affectionate words contrast with Barakah's secret plan to leave him._

> “I want a letter carried to a great one of the English.” “I seek refuge in Allah!” gasped the old woman, grinning widely. “Knowest thou it is a crime unheard of that thou askest of me?”

Barakah asks Umm ed-Dahak to deliver a letter to an English official, and Umm ed-Dahak reacts with shock, calling it an unheard-of crime.

_Umm ed-Dahak's reaction underscores the danger and taboo of contacting the English._

> She implored the great official, of his mercy, his great kindness, to receive an English lady, long immured in the harem, where she had suffered greatly.

Barakah writes to the English official, begging him to meet an English lady who has been imprisoned in the harem and has suffered.

_Barakah presents herself as an English lady in distress to gain sympathy and protection._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/xxxviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/veiled_women_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters