2020 IB Extended Essays

Interestingly, in God Dies by the Nile , we see a very similar political structure portrayed, however its dictatorial nature means it lacks the subtleties of Gilead’s government. In Gilead the population is controlled and pacified by calling their roles as God’s servants ‘honourable’ and ‘essential’. However, in Kafr-El-Teen, the way hierarchy is established is not filled with false pretences of honour in being God’s servant. Rather, there is no need for pretences because the theocracy and hierarchy is historically imbedded into their society, it is as it has always been and so there is no need for explanation. The dictatorial governing highlights the absolute control of men in Kafr-El-Teen and makes the political situation seem more dire in comparison. Within an authoritarian government there is still the hope of improvement through democracy whereas with a dictatorial leader the only avenue for political change is through a coup d’etat, which is a much more unlikely prospect. In Kafr-El-Teen, the representation of dictatorial theocracy is through the characterisation of the Mayor. El-Saadawi purposefully never names him to immortalise and dehumanise his character. His character serves as an overarching oppressor that abuses his power, and by only referring to him as his political role, El-Saadawi reduces his person to a merciless authority who only values power over others. Meaningfully, El-Saadawi also wants to have the Mayor represents all males in positions of power. In Kafr-El-Teen, El-Saadawi incorporates many examples of victims internalising the Mayor’s patriarchal and oppressive ideals and resultantly, perpetrating their own oppression. The Mayor’s saintly image at the Mosque results in the Kafr-El-Teen population having an unwavering faith in him and thus help the manifestation of his power. This self-oppressive concept is most apparent Om Saber’s willingness to perform genital mutilations and virginity verifications at the Mayor’s will. El-Saadawi shows a woman cooperatively performing these monstrosities at the will of a man to show the reader how deeply rooted patriarchal authority is within Egyptian societies and uses this shock and disgust to communicate a crucial need for change.

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