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.
In the selections by Djebar, Rifaat, al-Idlibi, and Ayyoub, we see a variety of roles that women play in society, from traditional to more modern.
In Djebar's work, we see women struggling against societal expectations and norms that restrict their freedom and agency. They cope with these conflicts by finding ways to assert themselves and challenge the status quo, often at great personal cost.
Rifaat's work explores the struggles of women in conservative societies, where they are often marginalized and oppressed. Women cope with these conflicts by finding small ways to assert their independence and autonomy, even if it means going against the expectations of their families and communities.
Al-Idlibi's work showcases the strength and resilience of women in the face of war and conflict. Women cope with the challenges they encounter by banding together, supporting each other, and finding ways to protect themselves and their families in a hostile environment.
Ayyoub's work delves into the complexities of women's roles in modern Arab societies, where they are torn between tradition and modernity. Women cope with these conflicting expectations by navigating a delicate balance between the two, often at the cost of their own happiness and fulfillment.
Overall, the women in these selections navigate their respective societies with courage, resilience, and determination, finding ways to cope with the conflicts they encounter and asserting their agency in the face of oppression and adversity.