Describe mariams relationship with nana

Nana refers to Mariam as a “harami" (bastard or illegitimate child) in order to suggest that Mariam's birth was the consequence of an extra-marital affair. The term "harami" frames her upbringing as one that is illegitimate, a reference that Mariam herself makes in a later chapter.

Mariam and Nana spend their days feeding and milking animals, making bread and rice. When Miriammakes plans to go to the cinema with Jalil, Nana finds Mariam's intention a sign of her being ungrateful to her, and she tells Mariam she must stay home. Mariam does not listen to Nana and feels resentment towards her for treating her like a burden.