Woman At Point Zero: Symbolism of Money
The novel “Woman at Point Zero” by Nawal El Saadawi tells the tale of a woman, named Firdaus being interviewed by a journalist before her execution. She is in prison on the charge of murdering a man, in an extremely sexist culture, which has a lot of disparity between men and women. One of the recurring symbols in the novel was that of money. Money was a very negative symbol in the novel, and it was highlighted by Firdaus that one could not possess both money and integrity. Another important appearance it made was in determining how Firdaus would live and it seemed to be the factor, which controlled her life and her movements. Firdaus never found freedom until she made her own money, which showed how powerful it was and how people used it to control her. The third usage of money, was in its association with characters, namely Sharifa and it foreshadowed their greed and future actions, which would revolve around it. These occurrences, which all tie in with money, show the negative impact that it had on society and women in 20th century Egypt.
One aspect, which was brought to attention was the inability to retain your honor, and still be rich. The first example of this was shown through Sheikh Mahmoud. Sheik Mahmoud is abusive and controlling, and doesn’t permit Firdaus any money of her own, nor any freedom. This enables her to eventually run away to a coffee shop, where she meets Bayoumi. Her relationship with him begins in a positive way, however when she requests a job, he is enraged. He beats her severely, before allowing his friends to have their way with her in a sexual manner. A possible reason for this, is the reason that Firdaus would be earning her own money, which would give ...
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...e to do what she wants, and free not to do it.” Firdaus’ newfound freedom directly correlated with her making her own money, and this shows the power of money.
In conclusion, the symbol of money in Woman at Point Zero is a very important one. It brings several aspects to the story, and has several underlying meanings. The first of these, is the depiction of a persons inability to be rich and honourable at the same time. The second is the hidden meaning to the colour green, and the materialistic and sexist nature of the people at that time period. It showed how much they relied on money, and needed it to feel adequate and powerful. Finally, the usage of money in the book showed how money was directly linked to freedom and power, and this was shown through Firdaus, as she became free once she found money and made it on her own.
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The pursuit of money and the corruption of those who aim wealth, are the main subjects of critique in books like: “The Great Gatsby” and “Motorcycle Diaries”. These books present different visions of the effects the use of money have, and the social condition of “wanting more than needed”. This condition has the power of turn one simple and non-important object, into something important that could even seem vital for us. In our society, and the societies presented in Fitzgerald and Guevara’s books, money means more than a piece of paper or metal that it is supposed to make easier the exchange of things. People do not control the money, is money the one who control us. Hard cash and capitalism work by the usage of our vanity to sell us different products. It works by telling us that, what we have is not, and may never be, enough. This ideas implant a need of establishing a perpetuation of our sense of superiority. In the books “The Great Gatsby” and “Motorcycle Diaries” the reader is able to realize the repercussions the...
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