# Polygamy and Marriage in Veiled Women

> Theme guide for Veiled Women by Marmaduke Pickthall.

Polygamy is depicted as both a social institution and a source of personal drama, with characters debating its merits and drawbacks, and the narrative showing its impact on wives' status, jealousy, and daily life.

## Where it surfaces

- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/ii): The Pasha's multiple marriages and the harem dynamics are discussed, including his first wife's retirement and his second wife's opposition.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/iii): Conflict between co-wives Fitnah and Murjânah over the Pasha's decisions regarding Barakah's marriage.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/ix): The wedding is depicted as a ritual of endurance and display, with Barakah's role defined by her husband's expectations and the harem's politics.
- [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/x): The conflict between Fitnah and the English bride highlights tensions inherent in polygamous households, where jealousy and rivalry threaten marital harmony.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/xv): The chapter centers on Gulbeyzah's arranged polygamous marriage, with negotiations, inspections, and the ideal of sisterly co-wives, while Barakah defends polygamy in her letter.
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/xxi): The chapter contrasts Eastern and Western views on marriage, showing Hamdi's forced wedding turning happy and the harem women's acceptance of polygamy as natural.
- [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/xxxi): Umm ed-Dahak defends polygamy as natural and religiously sanctioned, while Barakah feels neglected by Yûsuf's absence.

## Links

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