Who Is The Narrator In Woman At Point Zero

Introduction
Nawal el Sadaawi employs a frame narrative and first person perspective in her novel ”Woman at Point Zero” in order to invoke a sense of authenticity and immediacy of the story, and by using this form of narrative, is able to give the character of Firdaus a powerfull voice which speaks with dignity and truth.
The frame narrative and first person perspective in the novel is used as a way for readers to identify with the doctor. The character and the narrative are used to introduce the power and dignity that Firdaus possesses and provide readers with a reliable and trustworthy source. In effect the doctor serves as a replacement for the reader and shape the way in which we understand the character of Firdaus. Given her position in

The reader picks up that the doctor suspects that Firdaus might have some sort of strength or knowledge for which the doctor is desperate and as an effect, approach the second chapter of the novel seeking wisdom and guidance. In addition, this effect which Firdaus has on the doctor is further revealed in how the doctor revels in how “The woman sitting on the ground in front of (her) was a real woman, and the voice filling (her) ears with its sound, echoing in a cell where the window and door were tightly shut” This is important because the reader senses that there is something about Firdaus that is different from everyone the doctor has ever met. The reader understands that Firdaus has become something more than just a case study for the doctor as when the doctor observes that Firdaus is a “real woman”, she means that there is something so obviously real about Firdaus and her experience in jail. Through the first chapter Firdaus becomes a symbol of truth to the reader as she is undeniably an individual, given the doctors account but also through her Life story. She has always had to fight

Saadawi achieves this through Firdaus, who has gone through the many vices of male hypocrisy and dominance, and allowing her to speak during the novels second chapter. The opening of chapter two reads “let me speak” which shifts the reader’s attention to Firdaus, Saadawi continues to write “All my life I have been searching for something that would fill me with pride, make me feel superior to everyone else, including kings, princes and rulers.”, this is significant as the reader understands that Firdaus current situation, Firdaus doesn’t fear death and instead, is looking forward to it. Since her whole life has been spent under men’s control as the novel later reveals, and because that life has never really brought her any happiness, she is looking forward to ending it. She says that her whole life has been a quest to prove to her that she is equal to the men who control her world. As a result she has nothing but contempt for these rulers. All she sees in men is hypocrisy and deceit. They trick women and abuse power, but at the same time they are terrified of being less powerful than they think they are. Adding on to the hypocrisy of men, Firdaus explains that “Men impose deception on women and punish