# Female Friendship and Solidarity in Veiled Women

> Theme guide for Veiled Women by Marmaduke Pickthall.

Despite the competitive dynamics of polygamy, the book highlights deep bonds between women—such as Barakah's friendships with Gulbeyzah and Bedr-ul-Budûr—that provide emotional support, humor, and resilience within the confines of the harem.

## Where it surfaces

- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/vi): Gulbeyzah becomes Barakah's close confidante, sharing secrets and offering emotional support, while the harem ladies collectively engage in trousseau preparations.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/vii): Despite the rough play, the women ultimately welcome Barakah, and she finds camaraderie and joy in the shared experience.
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/xi): Barakah is welcomed by Amînah Khânum and other ladies, and Gulbeyzah shares intimate stories of women's tragic choices.
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/xiv): Fitnah Khânum's love for Barakah deepens during her illness, and the harem ladies unite in indignation when barred from the sickroom, showing strong bonds of female care and collective resistance.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/xv): Gulbeyzah's desire for sisterly bonds with her co-wives and Barakah's friendship with her are contrasted with Julia Long's rejection, showing both the support and rupture in female relationships.
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/xvi): Barakah and Bedr-ul-Budûr form a supportive bond, sharing a cabin and confiding in each other against the backdrop of male dominance.
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/xviii): The harem women form a close-knit society, sharing possessions and children, and Barakah is embraced by them.
- [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/xxii): Barakah finds comfort in Umm ed-Dahak's humor and understanding, highlighting a bond that transcends cultural barriers.
- [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/xxiii): Barakah's bond with Umm ed-Dahak deepens as the old woman becomes her confidante, entertainer, and protector, despite her manipulative tactics.
- [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/xxv): Barakah's close bond with Gulbeyzah and Bedr-ul-Budûr, who provide emotional support and shared memories.
- [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/xxxvii): The harem women, including Murjânah, Fitnah, Leylah, and Umm ed-Dahak, rally to comfort Barakah despite her attempted flight.
- [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/xxxviii): Umm ed-Dahak risks her safety to help Barakah, demonstrating deep loyalty and solidarity among women in the harem.
- [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/xl): Barakah sits on the roof with Gulbeyzah, Na'imah, and Yûsuf's sisters, sharing memories and conversation.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/themes/female_friendship_and_solidarity
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/themes