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"Woman at Point Zero" Feminist analysis based on patriarchal oppression, the

nature of power, and gender violence PROPOSED SUPERVISOR

Research Proposal · September 2023

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 RESEARCH PROPOSAL FOR BS (English)

“Woman at Point Zero” Feminist analysis based on patriarchal oppression,

the nature of power, and gender violence

PROPOSED SUPERVISOR

Miss. Raheela Akhtar

Submitted By

Snober Abbas

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

GOVERNMENT UNIVERSITY, FAISALABAAD

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Research Statement

3. Research Question

4. Framework of study

5. Chapter Division

6. Analysis/ Findings

7. Conclusion

8. References
 Abstract

Feminism is a feminist movement that advocates for equality and justice in the face of sexist
oppression and exploitation. The campaign began with the realization that women had equal rights
to men. Women endure prejudice in society as a result of societal conventions and customs. Women
cannot, under any circumstances, accept the social behavior that intimidates them. A descriptive
qualitative method was adopted in the investigation. A lady called Firdaus wanted to fight for her
rights not just as a woman but also as a person, and the novel Lady at Point Zero by Nawal
ElSadawi explains how difficult her situation was. The researcher herself, a work of fiction, and a
table are the instruments for identifying the components of feminism. Results include: 1)
Patriarchal oppression: First, "Woman at Point Zero," tells the story of a lady who endures
constant abuse from males. The lady is referred to as Paradise. Firdaus was frequently sexually
harassed by the men around her. Firdaus' parents treat her differently since she was born a woman,
which causes her troubles. Third, her uncle, who was regarded as a decent man, sexually molested
her. Her uncle got a sixty-year-old widower to marry her. Fourth, her uncle, who was regarded as
a decent man, sexually molested her. Her uncle got a sixty-year-old widower to marry her. First,
Firdaus' spouse frequently physically abused her. Second, Firdaus' parents did not treat him fairly,
3) Violence against women, First, Firdaus' uncle, who was regarded as a decent man, sexually
raped her. Second, she was wed by her uncle to a widower who was sixty years old. Third, she
meets a man who discovers her on the street and later starts working as a prostitute. The study
talked about feminism and how women in the novel fought for their rights.

INTRODUCTION

Feminism refers to a group of social, political, and philosophical groups. Gender parity

in political, economic, personal, and social realities should be defined, advanced, and achieved.

Charles Fourier was the pioneer of Feminism and coined this term in 1837. He

established a female legacy within French socialism. His criticism of current society's inequities

included a critique of women's subjugation, and he imagined that in the perfect world of
harmony, he pictured, women's liberty would be secure. Women would have the same freedom as

males to live, love, and work. Women would be able to live, love, and work with the same freedom

as men. (Charles, 1837).

Bell Hooks claims that Hooks advocates a new definition of feminism, one that does

not just fight for the equality of men and women (of the same class), but for a movement fighting

to remove sexist oppression and exploitation while ignoring other types of oppression like racism

and classism. ( Hooks,2015)

A women’s movement known as feminism is present practically everywhere. A societal

movement known as feminism strives to eradicate sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression. The

understanding that women had equal rights catalyzed the movement. The expansion of feminism

into theoretical or philosophical fields is known as feminist theory. It includes anthropology,

sociology, economics, women's studies, and literary criticism among its many academic areas.

Feminism contends that societies that value male opinion over female opinion unfairly punish

women. This may be improved in several ways, including by combating gendered stereotypes and

boosting women’s opportunities and results in education, business, and interpersonal relationships.

(Sarah Gamble, 2001).

In feminism, women want equality or liberation and fight against any inequalities that

society imposes. Moreover, as stated by Paludi (2010:4) feminism is the belief inequality of social,
economic, political, and judicial for certain principles. Women and men are treated differently in

a setting that supports conventional culture, which tends to treat men better than women. Feminism

appears to make sense. Feminism appears to be a sensible and overdue remedy for the historically

persistent lack of access that women still endure. (Paludi, 2010). It implies that feminism wants

women to have access to these opportunities so they can get greater experience than males. They

are unable to distance themselves from these prohibited activities as a result. However, applying it

in society is not always simple. Some societies continue to retain the traditional beliefs that they

claim they do not need to change.

Numerous feminist movements and ideas have developed over time, each expressing a

different viewpoint and set of political goals. Since the 19th century, labor-proletarian women's

movements that eventually evolved into socialist and Marxist feminism based on the theory of

class struggle have been contrasted with first-wave liberal feminism, which sought political and

legal equality through reforms within a liberal democratic framework. Artwińska, Anna; Mrozik,

Agnieszka (2020).

Feminism is a movement that advocates for women's rights, equality, and independence.

Conflicts over class, race, and gender are all directly tied to feminist beliefs as a tool used by

women to fight for their rights. Creating a contrast between stronger and weaker groups as well as
dismantling the dominance and hegemony structure are important principles shared by feminism

and class struggle. Feminists reject injustice brought forth by a patriarchal society, history, and

philosophy being controlled by males, subjects being egocentric (use notion), and women being

heterocentric. is a movement against sexism, sexist abuse, and injustice. Feminism, a women's

movement, is prevalent almost everywhere.

The novel Woman at Point Zero’ a fascinating phenomenon that contributes to

feminism, gender, and literature is the novel’s perspectives on gender dilemma. In an attempt to

discover some feminist literature reviews that covered the analysis, concern with gender equality,

inequality, and observing the position of women in society in the novel Woman at Point Zero.

(Nawal, 1973-1977).

Woman at Point Zero, the debut novel of Egyptian doctor and feminist Nawal El Sadaawi,

was released in 1975. The story, which has its Egyptian setting in Cairo, follows sex worker Firdaus

as she kills her abusive pimp out of desperation before being given the death penalty. Sadaawi

draws on her personal experiences of being imprisoned for speaking out against injustices against

women in Egypt to paint a sympathetic picture of those who suffer as a result of the sex industry's

neglected and appallingly mismanaged practices. A woman that Sadaawi met while conducting a

study on the psychological impacts of jail for women in Egypt served as the inspiration for part of

the character of Firdaus. (Nawal Sadaawi). "Women at Point Zero" by Nawal El Saadawi is a
literary masterpiece that powerfully challenges and subverts patriarchal structures and traditional

gender roles. Through its compelling narrative and the experiences of its protagonist, Firdaus, the

novel serves as a profound critique of the oppressive societal norms that govern women's lives.

The novel challenges patriarchal structures by portraying the journey of Firdaus, a woman who

defies the limitations imposed upon her by a male-dominated society. Firdaus' life is a reflection

of the struggles of countless women who are confined to prescribed roles and subjected to abuse.

Her story reveals how patriarchal norms strip women of their agency and perpetuate their

subjugation. As Firdaus rejects her assigned place, the novel underscores the inherent resistance

within women against these structures.

In her interactions with men, Firdaus continually challenges traditional gender roles. She

refuses to be defined solely through the male gaze and asserts her right to define her identity on

her terms. This subversion of traditional gender roles is also evident in Firdaus' refusal to conform

to societal expectations of female submission and silence. Her defiance exposes the fragility of the

constructs that uphold patriarchal power.

Moreover, the novel dismantles the notion of women as passive victims by portraying

Firdaus as an active agent of change. Her decision to reject societal norms and reclaim her

autonomy can be seen as a radical act of rebellion. This challenges the narrative that women are

passive recipients of their fate and underscores their capacity to initiate change.
 Firdaus' encounters with other women further emphasize the solidarity and strength that can

arise in the face of oppression. Through her relationships, the novel demonstrates the potential for

women to support and uplift one another, defying the divisive tactics often employed by patriarchal

systems. The novel's critique of traditional gender roles is most vividly illustrated in Firdaus'

refusal to adhere to the societal expectations of women's silence and submission. Her boldness in

confronting men who attempt to control her and her insistence on asserting her desires challenge

the age-old norms that confine women to passive roles. Through Firdaus' actions, the novel

beckons readers to question the origins and implications of such roles in society.

The novel also critiques the economic foundations of patriarchy. Firdaus' experiences as a

prostitute highlight the economic exploitation that often underpins gender inequality. Her refusal

to accept this exploitation can be interpreted as a rejection of the economic subjugation of women.

The anonymous psychiatrist Sadaawi recalls her time working as an Egyptian psychiatrist

in the opening chapter of the book. She had no idea one day, as a result of her empirical research,

she would be imprisoned for her advocacy a prison. The psychiatrist is recommended to read a

book with a highly moving tale during one of her appointments, trips to the Qanatir prison. Firdaus

a person who killed a pimp, is currently waiting to be executed. None of the people she has

attracted think she is capable of committing such a crime. Unexpectedly, she disregarded her
doctor’s recommendations to challenge her death sentence. Firdaus agrees to see a psychiatrist the

day before she is put to death. (Nawal, 1973-1977)

“Her wings are cut and then she is blamed for not knowing how to fly.” (Simone- 1949)

Simone de Beauvoir talks about women’s emancipation and the cruelty of society. He said

that a woman is not born by nature but the societal rules make her weak and the most horrible thing

is that she accepts it.

Mary Wollstonecraft is the mother of Feminism and the most influential writer. She

highlights the points of a financially dependent and independent woman in his book A Vindication

of the Rights of Woman in 1792. “Thus, those who have weakly educated, are often cruelly left by

their parents without any provision.” On the other hand, “How much more respectable is a woman

who earns her bread by fulfilling any duty, than the most accomplished beauty.” After that, he

approaches his feminist point by saying, “This is the very point I aim at I do not wish them

(women) to have power over men; but to over themselves. “(Mary, 1792).
RESEARCH STATEMENT

In “Woman at Point Zero” Nawal El Sadaawi investigated the patriarchal societal norms, gender

violence, and Socio-cultural effects on women’s lives through feminism theorization. She

provokes a broader sense of thinking about gender equality and women’s rights. This study aims

to meticulously analyze how Nawal El Saadawi's "Women at Point Zero" challenges and subverts

patriarchal structures and traditional gender roles. Through a comprehensive exploration of the

protagonist Firdaus' journey, this research seeks to unravel the narrative techniques and character

dynamics that serve to deconstruct established norms, offering insights into the novel's potential

as a catalyst for reimagining gender dynamics in society.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1: How do the patriarchal oppression, nature of power, and gender violence affect women

in “Woman at Point Zero.” ?

2: How do Women at Point Zero challenge and subvert patriarchal structures and traditional

gender roles?

FRAMEWORK OF STUDY

This research will employ a qualitative research approach. Feminist analysis was used to

describe the information. She highlights how the dominant society subjugated women, women lost
their identities. The data and the source were from the novel “Woman at Point Zero”. El Sadaawi

is the author of this piece work. Additionally, secondary sources such as scholarly articles, books,

and critical essays will be reviewed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the novel’s

patriarchal oppression, nature of power, and gendered violence that affects women. These

supplementary sources provide a broader context, allowing for a more holistic interpretation of the

novel's themes.

SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

The study will be significant in providing insight into the process of rewriting to give us

an insight into the plight of women who live in a patriarchal society and then for independence.

This study is important to feminist literary studies because it helps us understand how Women at

Point Zero function as a potent force for societal change. This research holds significance within

feminist literary studies as it contributes to the understanding of Women at Point Zero as a powerful

catalyst for societal change. By critically exploring the novel, this study aims to shed light on the

multifaceted struggles endured by women in patriarchal societies, fostering a profound

understanding of their lived experiences and the potential for resistance and agency. Furthermore,

the findings of this research can contribute to the broader discourse on women's rights and gender

equality, highlighting the transformative power of literature in empowering marginalized voices

and effecting social transformations.

Through a critical analysis of the book, this research hopes to increase knowledge of the complex

problems faced by women in patriarchal systems as well as their capacity for agency and

resistance. Furthermore, by highlighting the transformational potential of literature in elevating

underrepresented voices and bringing about societal change, the research's findings can contribute

to the larger conversation on women's rights and gender equality.

The Woman at Point Zero is one of the noteworthy texts on colonial power in Egypt because

it has not only unveiled the true face of Egyptians who dominated women within a patriarchal

society. While critics have praised Sadaawi for exposing the oppression of women in Middle

Eastern societies, Chin Duyang points out that Arab critics view Sadaawi's work and his popularity

in Western nations with suspicion because they believe it perpetuates unfavorable Western

stereotypes of Arab-Islamic men.

The woman at Point Zero illuminates the sufferings of Egyptian women for a larger

audience. Patriarchal religious discussion is strongly connected with Arab Feminist philosophy.

African Feminism, on the other hand, is mostly secular (unconcerned with religion); it emerged in

the twentieth century as somewhat moderate, primarily opposing Western feminism. African

gender theorists, with some justification, criticized Western feminism as a type of cultural

imperialism against which African traditions needed to be defended.

Chapter division
Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2. Literature Review

Chapter 3. The Woman at Point Zero analysis by Nawal on Male dominance society

Chapter 4. “Sex” in Egypt Society

Chapter 5. Challenges Faced by Firdaus

Chapter 6. Patriarchal Oppression in Women at Point Zero

Chapter 7. Conclusion

ANALYSIS

According to Miles & Huberman (1994, p: 10) analysis consists of collecting data, data

reduction, data display, and concluding. All the sources were taken from the novel Woman at Point

Zero the three women, The objective was based on Feminism about patriarchal oppression, the

nature of power, and gendered violence, First The researcher reads the novel and second identifies

the elements of feminism in Woman at Point Zero. Third give codes and put and classified in the

table. The data is displayed and concluded.

 The novel “Woman at Point Zero” is a novel that talks about a woman who was often

abused and tormented by men. The woman is named Firdaus. She is often abused sexually by men

around her. From the time she was a little child until she ultimately took her own life on the

scaffold, all cases occurred. She had issues since her parents treated her differently because she

was born a woman. Her uncle, who was thought to be good, violated her sexually. Her uncle got

her married to a widower who was sixty years old. Firdaus has never had better health. She ran

away from her husband because he frequently beat her physically. She then met a man who found

her on the street and later turned her into a prostitute. She had to murder a pimp who wanted to

price her at the end of the story. According to the account, Firdaus assured that she seemed to

accept similar treatment with guys. She did not, however, fight for her rights in society. She was a

strong woman, but because she was a woman, she was perceived as weak. She became a passive

woman as a weapon against the sexual assault she suffered, including her quiet acceptance of the

death penalty.

FINDINGS

1.Patriachal Oppression

First, “Woman at Point Zero” is about a woman who is often molested and tortured by Men. The

woman is known as Paradise. Men around her often Molested Firdaus sexually. Second, Firdaus

has problems because her parents treat her differently. After all, she was born a woman. Third, she
was sexually assaulted by her uncle, who was considered a good person. Her uncle married her to

a widower who was sixty years old. This shows the oppression of males on females and how they

treat them and subjugate them.

2. The Nature of Power

Firstly, Firdaus’s husband often beat her physically.

Secondly, her parents treat her differently.

3. Gender Violence

First, Firdaus was sexually assaulted by her uncle who was considered a good person. Then she

married sixty years old man.

Second, she begins working as a prostitute after meeting a man who finds her on the street.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, "Women at Point Zero" is a testament to the strength of literature as a catalyst for

change. It challenges and subverts patriarchal structures and traditional gender roles through the

lens of Firdaus' journey. The research challenge in this study is How to Analyze a Woman at Point

Zero; based on Feminism of patriarchal oppression, the nature of power, and gendered violence,

the researcher can explain how women suffer injustice. There will be no patriarchal tyranny,

therefore the family will be happy, and the wife will not leave the home, there will be no sexual
harassment, and there will be no difference in behavior between men and women if there is a

degree of equality. In short, if women have equality with men, then there will be no ape or

oppression of women. "Women at Point Zero" is a powerful work that challenges and subverts

patriarchal structures and traditional gender roles through its portrayal of Firdaus' journey. By

depicting the struggles, resistance, and agency of women in the face of oppression, the novel

invites readers to question and confront the deeply ingrained norms that perpetuate gender

inequality. Through Firdaus, the novel offers a compelling narrative of empowerment and

transformation, encouraging us to envision a world where women can define their identities and

destinies free from the constraints of patriarchy.

 REFERENCES

Charles, Fourier. (1837). The man who coined the term “feminism. Made for minds.

El Saadawi, Nawal. 2007. The woman at Point Zero. London Zed Book Ltd.

El-Sadawi, Nawal. (2007). The woman at Point Zero. London: Zed Books Ltd. Freeman, Jo.

"From Suffrage to Women's Liberation: Feminism in Twentieth-Century America".

Gamble, Sarah (2001) [1998]. "Introduction". The Routledge Companion to Feminism and

Postfeminism. Routledge. pp. VII. ISBN 978-0-415-24310-0

Hooks, Bell. (2015). Feminism Is for Everybody: Passionate Politics. New York:

RoutledgeTaylor and Francis Group.

Paludi, Michele A.(2010). Feminism And Women’s Rights Worldwide.California:

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