Isolation of Islamic Families
The presence of European thought could be observed in most societies throughout the world's history. Therefore, from a historical aspect, European culture has affected the Islamic society, although not as intensely as it was in the case with other non-Western cultures. In the novel Palace Walk, Naguib Mahfouz helps to understand how the people of Egypt were affected by the country's status as a British protectorate. In the novel, Mahfouz presents a portrait of the Abd al-Jawad clan, a devoutly Muslim family living in the old section of Cairo. It is also a portrait of a country in transition. The whole family is a relic of the old Islamic society, which like the country as a whole is being forcibly dragged into the 20th century. One may argue, however, about the extent of influence on middle-class Islamic families, and, as in this case, the influence on the family of Ahmad Abd al-Jawad. The isolation of this particular family from the Western culture evolves from the differences in personalities, religious beliefs and customs, political and economic circumstances between them. Much of the novel is concerned with the manner in which Ahmad Abd al-Jawad, the head of the household, well-respected and likable outside the ho
For Kamal, Abd al-Jawad's other son, he actually liked the Australian troops, when they watched him in delight as he entertained them with his beautiful singing. For other members of Abd al-Jawad family, they cared about the British soldiers in the same way others did. They were much more concerned with the head of their household, since he was so frightening. image too much, and for sure he did not know many things about his family members. For example, he never had a chance to realize that Fahmy had been participating in violent demonstrations. He believed that the fatal demonstration was Fahmy's first, and certainly last. While the entire family is affected in some way by the British occupation, and has opinions on it, it is primarily through the thoughts and activities of Fahmy, Abd al-Jawad's second son that the audience learns about what motivates those who fight for a better future and for autonomy from political domination. Fahmy, like other "brothers," was a brave and intelligent young man. Perhaps, his tragic death was unexpected, and it really touched his father, who may be for the first time realized how he will miss his son. Abd al-Jawad was concerned with his Unfortunately, most of the people in the West presently do not know much about the values and culture of Islamic families: Again, this proves the vast differences between the Western culture and that of the Islamic society. As for the family of Ahmad Abd al-Jawad, they represented a regular middle-class Islamic family. However, the fear and strict rules of the father did not allow the other members of the family to be connected to the outside world. Amina, the wife of Abd al-Jawad always listened to him, since he was the only source of news. Because of the lack of information they stayed isolated. One of the daughters became married to escape her father's severe teachings, one son became a debauche
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1299
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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