Woman at Point Zero p. 93-104

In the passage, El Saadawi uses syndetic Listing, which is - "A list broken up by conjunctions like 'or". What is the purpose of this specific type listing in this case?

• The list creates a rushed, chaotic tone, showing that Firdaus feels overwhelmed by too many choices.

• The repeated use of "or" emphasizes Firdaus’s newfound freedom by listing multiple options equally, highlighting both possibility and uncertainty.

• The repetition of "or" downplays the significance of each option, making them seem unimportant and trivial.

What does the symbol of the library suggest in this passage?

• To emphasize the contrast between her transactional life and personal life. To show that she values knowledge as a form of agency and power

• To emphasize the contrast between her free time and working hours.

• To emphasize that the protagonist likes to read.

What does the simile suggest in this passage?

• That Firdaus' epiphany has wounded her sense of identity (pride)

• That Firdaus' epiphany has made her angry and vengeful

• That Firdaus' epiphany has fueled her desire to hurt men

Based on what Di'aa told Firdaus, what words come next in the passage?

• trusted woman

• wealthy woman

• respected woman

What does the cigarette smoke symbolize in this passage?

• The hate that men have towards the concerns of women

• The indifference that men have towards the concerns of women

• The difference between men and women

What does the imagery (including the 'oven' metaphor) suggest?

• That Firdaus has hit rock bottom, and needs to find her true path

• That Firdaus is determined to fight and struggle to gain respect

• That Firdaus is indifferent to the struggles and challenges of ordinary people

Although Firdaus was insulted and demeaned as a prostitute, her current reflection in this passage suggests that ...

• there is a slight possibility that men and women could have a fulfilling and profound mutually beneficial relationship

• Firdaus believes that her past as a prostitute is an isolated experience

• transactional relationships are ubiquitous (omnipresent), expected of women in every profession

What does Firdaus’ experience in the company suggest about the way women are treated in professional environments?

• Women are judged solely based on their skills and hard work.

• Professional environments offer true equality for men and women.

• Women are still expected to exchange sex for professional advancement

• Women in professional roles face no discrimination.

What does the comparison between prostitution and professional work reveal about how men in the novel view women?

• Men value women for their intelligence and work ethic.

• Men respect professional women more than prostitutes.

• Men treat professional women and prostitutes completely differently.

• Men reduce women to their sexuality, regardless of their profession.

What does Firdaus' reflection that she was respected more as a prostitute suggest about the universality of patriarchal oppression?

• It only affects women in prostitution.

• It exists in all areas of life, from the streets to corporate offices.

• It is less severe in professional environments.

• It can be avoided by following the rules of society.