Midaq Alley Analysis

English – Written Assignment

Thomas Hughes

Midaq Alley by Naguib Mahfouz

Word Count: 1419

Candidate Number: 006362 – 0036

Centre Number: 6362

Doha British School

How does Mahfouz present entrapment through Hamida in Midaq Alley?

Contents

Introduction 3

Background 4

Theme 6

Comparison 7

Conclusion 8

References 8

Bibliography 8

Introduction

I will be giving a brief insight into Hamida, supported by quotes of the impressions and attitudes towards her from other characters in the novel. I will then follow by explaining the theme of entrapment, and how it is used in the novel. With those points, I will give examples of Hamida and the effect entrapment has upon her, following up with a comparison of her main characteristics

It is constantly referred to, and reflects on my many of the characters, specifically the younger members of the alley. As the story progresses, we are introduced to a character, Faraj, who is a pimp for a nearby brothel, outside of the alley. Hamida notices him trying to convince her for the first few days, after Hamida and Abbas have already agreed to marry. A quote to mention is between Umm Hamida, Hamida’s foster mother, and her about the situation.

‘Umm Hamida – “The matter isn’t easy to decide. Have you forgotten that you are engaged? And that I confirmed it by reading the Qu’ran with Abbas. Hamida – “that barber!” (Mahfouz, 1992)

This short passage shows Hamida’s disregard and her lack of interest in Abbas’ gentle and quiet demeanour, which ultimately changes at the end of the novel, leaving Abbas to throw a bottle at Hamida in rage, and to be killed by being physically assaulted by British troops who were in her company at the time.

Hamida’s pursuit for wealth can be seen clearly halfway through the novel, when she talks about seeing the young Jewish girls, who at the time of the book being written, were known for being affluent during this period. Hamida longs for the privileges they have, and objectively, their money. The passage from page 85 displays one of Hamida’s moments when money sparks her

We see this confident siren-like character longing for the greater things in life, as Mahfouz uses contextual settings to draw Hamida away from the alley, away from the seclusion. Unlike many characters of the prose, Hamida feels restricted in this environment, partially to do with her personality, but also because of her age. Following the storyline of the novel shows Hamida’s first real exposure to the outside world. After Faraj manages to convince her to become a prostitute, we see Hamida fall from her sheltered life. I believe that Mahfouz set it so that her intentions were confused, this “opportunity” given to her did indeed promise her escape from the alley, but also compromised her values, which gives a realistic take on the scenario. As a lustful, yet innocent young lady, she has made a lifestyle choice for the worse, as she will be labelled as a prostitute for the rest of her life, and in the eyes of the alley, would be rejected. Referring back to the context, women in this situation, of being confined in a monotonous world that is the alley, and also growing up in a poverty-stricken environment, means the mirage of an independent, well-paying job, with the attention from many others, at least in Hamida’s case, would be the most appealing idea for