James Harris INTL 3111 Mr.

Robert Arnold 2/19/2014

Within Another Evening at the Club, Alifa Rifaat showed how many cultures value certain aspects of life over others. From the very beginning, there was an arranged marriage set up. Neither person had any information about the other besides what they saw. This immediately showed the value of looks, and the value of status within this culture. This judgment was not only coming from the soon to be husband, but from the future bride as well when she noticed his high profile clothing. Throughout this story, Abboud Bey is in a constant battle with holding up his image. Immediately, he buys Samia a flashy diamond bracelet and emerald ring. He even tells her to act more dignified, and with more respect. She was marrying into a completely new life and would have to put on a mask. She is even asked to lie about her fathers career and her true home life all to keep up appearances. When she loses her ring later in the story, it gives an opportunity to see how much power and control one has just by holding an appearance as her husband did. When accusing the made of stealing the ring, the expectation is that the issue will be handled with or without a single piece of evidence. The fact that Abboud calls directly down to the Superintendent of the Police showed how unfair this system was operating. There was an uneasy feeling given off when she finds her ring had fallen off of her dresser and the maid was innocent. Even with her innocence proven Abboud refused to call down to the station to stop her punishment. He did not do this because of how his image would be affected. He would rather go and purchase another ring and leave the poor girl to be intimidated down at the station, then to tell the truth of how a mistake was made. Another interesting thing that happened throughout this story was how her husband treated the wife. He would do things such as calling her little girl. This showed his value that was place on her, and where her power would lie when it came to him. This was reinforced when

James Harris INTL 3111 Mr. Robert Arnold 2/19/2014

he would take actions such as patting her cheeks, and raising his hand to slap the servant. It showed no respect for women or their power within the society.