Anthropology and the study of humans
Fernea's husband is an anthropologist who has come to learn about humans of ages past, but in a way, Fernea is also a cultural anthropologist of this living culture. While her husband is studying artifacts, she is studying a living community by participating in it. She experiments in intimacy with these women. To them, community is their lifeline, because often they are mistreated as women, and so they stick together. They are helpful to Fernea in her struggles of loneliness.
El Nahra village imagery
The village of El Nahra is its own imagery for Fernea. To the women who live in town, the village is simply their life. They are skillful at navigating their surroundings and finding success with the limitations and challenges of their community. On the horizon, Fernea sees that the rapid changes in technology are coming and will change the landscape of the village forever, so she feels as though she is witnessing an ancient way of life in its last legs.
Attire and the imagery of self
The attire of Al Nahra is a startling imagery to Fernea, especially since it means she has to change the way she dresses. She cannot fit in perfectly because her appearance is unique in the village, but by dressing in accordance to the local customs, she demonstrates a willingness to behave according to their culture. She is arbiting her self through attire, and the imagery points to modulation of the self and personality.
Women in community
Although the culture of El Nahra is not gentle on the women in town, the women form communities of support that are beautiful and powerful. They support each other through the spousal abuse they sometimes suffer, and they depend on their mothers and sisters for emotional support. They all share the abaya, except when they are alone. When the women of El Nahra are alone, they come out of their shells and are full-blown personalities. They are a portrait of resilience through community.
