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CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY
This chapter consists of three parts. The first part is the object of the study. It explains about the novel and the focus of the analysis. The second part is
dealing with the approach used in conducting the study. Moreover, the last part talks about the procedure that is applied in the study.
A. Object of the Study
This study analyzes the work of Nawal El Saadawi Woman at Point Zero as the object of the study. It is a Feminist novel that presents the setting of Egypt
society.. It was firstly published in Arabic as
Emraa enda noktat el sifr
in 1979 . Moreover, in 1983 the book was then published in English by Zed Books Ltd.
under the translation of Sherif Hetata, S aadawi‟s husband.
The novel used in this study is the one published in 2007. It was published by Zed Books Ltd. The book consists of 114 pages. It is divided in to three
chapters. The book also includes information about the author, the praise for the b
ook, foreword, and author‟s preface. The book was written based on the acquaintance of Nawal El Saadawi with a woman prisoner, called Firdaus in Qatar
Jail. Further, this novel tells the life story of Firdaus who received a death sentence for murdering a pimp. Nawal El Saadawi tells Firdaus story from her
unfortunate childhood to her last day in jail before the death sentence.
There are some characters in Woman at Point Zero. The writer of the novel Nawal el Saadawi contributes herself as the narrator in the novel. She is the woman
doctor whom the main character shares her story to. The main character in the novel is Firdaus. She is a prostitute who experiences a very dramatic life and
finally receives death sentence for killing a pimp. The other characters are Firdaus‟ father, Firdaus‟ uncle, Sheikh Mahmud, Bayoumi, Sharifa, Ibrahim, and
a pimp. The setting of the novel is in 1970s and the story takes place is in Egypt. The novel portrays Egyptian life and culture and also presents some information
about the picture of woman life in Egypt. Moreover, the novel emphasizes a criticism toward woman exploitation happened in Egypt in that era. It is depicted
through Firdaus character who dares to revolt the unfair treatment toward woman. The story describes her struggles to achieve her self-determination, as she
develops to be brave, autonomous, determined, and confident. Firdaus is a young Egyptian girl who comes from a poor peasant family.
Since her childhood, Firdaus has worked hard to help her parents. However, she does not get enough affection in her family. She never gets the touch of love from
her parents. Moreover, living in a patriarchy society makes Firdaus stands lower than man. In her childhood, she experiences clitorydectomy as a part of her
cultural rule. This procedure later becomes a traumatic event for her throughout her life. In addition, Firdaus has come in to contact with sexual abuse since she is
very young. After the death of her parents Firdaus moves to Cairo with her uncle. She
goes to school until secondary school level. However, school does not bring better
luck for her. After her graduation, she is forced to get married to an old Sheik who treats her dreadfully. She finally escapes from her husband house and meets the
next man who firstly offers her help, but finally sells her as a prostitute. Firdaus then meet Sharifa a woman prostitute who introduces her to the real prostitution
world. It brings her to the life as a prostitute. In prostitution, Firdaus finds her value and honor. She feels prostitution is the best way to gain a better living in her
society. She uses prostitution to take revenge toward every oppression , pain, and unfair treatment she experienced. Her acquaintance with unfair treatment, abuses,
and rape has changed her to be a brave-determined woman who is confidence, and autonomous.
It is stated that Woman at Point Zero is a powerful Egyptian novel relaying the life story of a woman awaiting death row in a Cairo prison for
murdering a pimp. Her crime is one she confesses to with no shame. Moreover, New York Times Book Review states that” Nawal El Saadawi writes with
directness and passion, transforming the systematic brutalization of peasants and of women in to powerful allegory.”
B. Approach of the Study