Select one of the following to respond to:
1. What do you learn about the role of women in the societies described in the selections by Djebar, Rifaat, al-Idlibi, and Ayyoub? Discuss how the women cope with the conflicts they encounter.
Note: If you responded to the essay about the role of women and conflict in Unit 2, you may not choose to respond to essay (1).
2. Setting (the time and place in which a literary work takes place) and mood (atmosphere) are important elements in many of these stories. Choose one story and describe some aspects of its setting: where it takes place; what mood is created by the details of weather, place, and time; and how this setting helps to convey the theme of the story.
Select the link to access the English Essay Rubric.
I will respond to prompt number 1:
In the selections by Djebar, Rifaat, al-Idlibi, and Ayyoub, we learn about the role of women in various societies and how they cope with the conflicts they encounter. These stories shed light on the struggles and challenges that women face in patriarchal societies.
For example, in Djebar's story, we see women who are confined to traditional roles and face oppression from men in their community. Despite this, the women in the story find ways to resist and assert their agency, whether through small acts of defiance or by seeking their own independence.
Similarly, in Rifaat's story, we see women who are trapped in restrictive marriages and struggle to find ways to break free from societal expectations. The protagonist in this story faces inner conflicts as she grapples with her desire for freedom and autonomy.
In al-Idlibi and Ayyoub's stories, we also see women navigating societal expectations and traditions, while also confronting their own desires and ambitions. These women cope with their conflicts by finding inner strength, seeking support from other women, and challenging the status quo in their societies.
Overall, these stories highlight the resilience, courage, and resourcefulness of women in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges they encounter, the women in these selections find ways to navigate their circumstances and assert their own agency. Through their stories, we see how women cope with conflicts by finding inner strength, forming alliances with other women, and challenging oppressive systems.