Nur's Role In 'The Thief And The Dogs'

Women take on various roles in different societies. In conservative and reactionary societies, a woman’s role is generally restricted because they are only assigned with stodgy and repetitive housework, where they have no control over voicing their sentiments. On the other hand, liberal societies allow more freedom for women to engage in society. Nur is one of the few women characters encountered in the novel; a woman with scarce opportunities.

In The Thief and the Dogs, Nur’s role is closely associated with the stereotype of prostitutes and women in a bigoted Arab society. Nur tries to accomplish a mission of abolishing the hackneyed formula of prostitutes and exploited women in a reserved community by debating that prostitution is a …show more content…
Her depression is brought about by her worry for Said, because all she wants for him is to be safe and intact.

Towards the end of the novel, unusual characteristics arise from Nur, as Mahfouz twists the storyline by completely removing her, leaving the reader to determine her escape as contrived or spontaneous, because she has only showed tenacity towards Said. This whim is rather ironic as she has always been by Said’s side and has never left him, but his asperity and recent malicious acts have led her to absolve from his responsibly and abide.
Said’s lack of interest in Nur at the beginning is a build up to Nur’s recognition that Said will never give up his chase for revenge on the ones who have ruined his life, and if there is a chance for their love, it is ephemeral. Thus to ensure from not drowning into a dilemma, this assurance drove her to escape.
Said’s await for Nur has caused him a lot of mental torment because he feels weak and helpless not knowing her location and safety condition. Her support with love, allegiance and sincerity was noticeable by him and the reader, and this can be the reason why Said has slowly fell in love with