Use these questions to guide your thinking about the novel, to prepare for class discussion, and eventually for writing your own thoughts about the ideas in the novel.
1. List the men who played key roles in shaping Firdaus' life experience. (Describe in terms of their roles -- e.g., her father.)
2. How does el Saadawi (or al Saadawi, depending on which version of the book you have), the author, use Firdaus' connections to these men to make her point? What is her point?
3. This story takes place in Egypt, where the public religion is Islam. Is the novel an attack on the way Islam treats women?
4. What is the main cause of Firdaus' overwhelming trouble in life -- her low socio-economic class, or her sex?
5. Are there any notable women in Firdaus' life? Do they provide her with the emotional support she needs?
6. Do you see stereotyping at work in Egyptian society, as pictured in this novel? (Say why or why not.)