Palace Walk

As the central figure in Palace Walk, al-Sayyid Ahmad has a domineering effect on the narrative and on his family. He is a cruelly authoritarian figure who demands that everyone who lives under his roof must adhere to his strict rules. As a result, nearly all of the events in the novel are either directly or indirectly influenced by his family’s attempts to either adhere to or circumvent The Toxic Effects of Patriarchal Authority that he wields. Whether Amina disobeys him by sneaking out of the house or Yasin embarrasses him by repeatedly causing scandals, al-Sayyid Ahmad is surrounded on all sides by people who deeply desire greater freedom from his tyranny. Each member of the family is keenly aware of al-Sayyid Ahmad’s need for respect and obedience. They may not always provide this obedience, but they always offer their respect. Even on the rare occasions when they disobey or disappoint the family patriarch, they live in constant fear of his reaction and potential punishment. The pattern of the story is therefore predicated on how closely the family members can adhere to his demands, and he dictates the course of their lives through sheer force of will.