To be silent or silenced....

    The meaning of Isra dying at the literal hands of her own husband Adam, was her first and final act of retaliation, her way of breaking away from the dark shadows of basement where she lived with her husband. Isra's way of showing her voice was through her action even if it meant that she would potentially die trying. This is shown within the book "A Woman is No Man", where it's shows Isra's perspective after getting caught running away from home, and seeing how even in her last moments she was able to find her voice that had been suppressed for so long. 

    I believe the reason why Etaf Rum chose to add the tragic scene at the end to prove that Isra's story lives on, it gives the readers an afterthought of what Isra had experienced in her marriage from the family oppression to self isolation. The ending of the books was perhaps intentional to connect the dots on Isra's life, her struggles throughout the story, especially with always seeking love from her husband and validation from her in-laws. If the author had decided to place Isra's death in the middle of the story when the readers first discovered through her daughter (Deya) that she was dead, the entire framework of the story would end. Perhaps maybe it's a form of symbolism as to say, through death she lives on and her resilience as a mother and women will not go silent and be heard. 

So why should women share their stories?

    Individually valuable: Women are a sense of self, they are able to write their own experiences without any limitations to what they can and can't because it's their life story. Allows women to fully express themselves and show their character and personality, but it's also empowering it gives motivation to continue to speak out and help others find the courage to speak out. 

    Socially valuable: Brings women together and helps raise awareness to common issues that women face especially in marriage, and the right to be able to freely express their own opinions without any form of punishment. Can also push the social barrier on certain topics that other women were too afraid to address and brings a sense of community that will allow more women to share their experiences.

    Culturally valuable: Allows women to give create outlets for themselves opening their creative ability and becoming writers and journalists, editors who can spread these story. It can create a safe space for women who felt trapped within the cultural "code of silence" and felt like their voice will never be heard will now be able to find community in other woman, while advocating for a change.

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