Essay Questions

What is the biggest evil of the old-fashioned Egyptian culture according to the book From Sleep Unbound?

The traditional culture of Egypt is depicted as a tool used to demean women in society. Men are in control of everything and they have come up with societal laws to consider women as properties of men. Women have no say but to strictly follow the instructions issued by men. For instance, Samya is a young girl with a bright future because she has an interest in finishing her education. However, her father has a selfish interest and he exchanges her for wealth through early marriage. Samya's dream of getting a good education and a good life is killed through early marriage. She has no power to question her father or refuse to get married because that is what the society dictates.

Why are women not opposing the oppression directed to them in the story From Sleep Unbound?

The sad reality is that women in this society are playing a role in their oppression because they are supporting this culture of early marriage. Probably, most of them were married off when they were young and they do not realize any evil associated with ancient culture. When Samya is marred off to Boutros, she is welcomed by women in that village and they bring her many gifts to congratulate her. It is sardonic that these women have not realized that Samya is a young girl who should be in school but not married to an old man. The actions of this women show that they are supporting the oppressive culture that has ruined their lives without knowing.

Why are men ill-treating their wives without any penitence?

Culturally, a man pays dowry before marrying his wife. The culture assures men that they own women as soon as they pay dowry. Afterward, the woman becomes the property of a man. Therefore, many men feel entitled to treat their wives as they wish because they have no say in the entire process. Boutros is an example of men who treat their wives with cruelty. He mistreats Samya because he paid for her dowry. Samya's father is not either interested to make a follow up of Samya's progress because he is already paid.