Midaq Alley

One of the main themes in the last seven chapters of the novel is The Desire for Independence in mid-20th-century Cairo. Salim Alwan’s encounter with Sheikh Darwish in Chapter 29 encapsulates the dynamics between different forces in society. Alwan’s hostile behavior toward a peaceful and reverent man, who symbolizes the old rhythm of life, reflects the influence of colonial attitudes that devalue traditional practices. However, his subsequent remorse shows that the situation is constantly changing. The residents of Midaq Alley have access to the cultural authenticity and spiritual connection that colonialism threatens to erode.

The introduction of alcohol and its effect on Abbas and Hussain Kirsha in Chapter 30 symbolizes the corrosive nature of European vices on Egyptian society and the Tensions Between Tradition and Modernity. As the friends frequent Vita’s bar, the allure of the Western lifestyle takes them away from their cultural roots. This underlines the internal struggle faced by individuals as they navigate the pull of modernization, while preserving their national identity.

Hamida’s transformation into a successful sex worker in Chapter 31 and her mastery of Western practices, such as makeup and Western dance, underscores the pressure to conform to foreign standards of beauty and behavior, highlighting the themes of Societal Expectations of Love and Sexuality and Women and Modernity in Egyptian Society. For Hamida, love, sexuality, and modernity are intertwined, and her society opposes her desires in all of these areas. Because of this, her struggle is symbolic of Egypt’s struggle as a whole during this period. Her disillusionment with her relationship with Ibrahim Faraj mirrors Egypt’s disillusionment with the promises of modernity, which often come at the cost of cultural and personal integrity. Likewise, Abbas’s encounter with Hamida in Chapter 32 becomes a microcosm of Egypt’s struggle for sovereignty. Hamida’s manipulation and defensiveness reflect a nation grappling with the complexities of navigating its relationship with the West. The idea of revenge and the possibility of escaping parallel Egypt’s simultaneous pursuit of both cultural revival and liberation from colonial control.

Radwan Hussainy’s pilgrimage in Chapter 33 symbolizes the search for spiritual and cultural redemption. His decision to undertake the pilgrimage is driven by a desire to reconnect with his roots and seek solace in a world disrupted by colonial influence.

The tragedy of Abbas’s death in Chapter 34 is a poignant metaphor for Egypt’s struggle against colonial oppression. Abbas chooses to fight for the only thing that, according to him, he has self after Hamida’s departure—his honor. Honor, which is depicted in a deeply masculine condition related to the loss of a woman to another man, represents Abbas’s identity—the only identity he has left. His confrontation with Hamida and subsequent violent ending mirrors the country’s efforts to assert its identity and resist colonial forces, even at the risk of eradication. The involvement of British and American soldiers underscores the pervasive influence of colonial powers in Egyptian affairs. Therefore, it is not by coincidence that Abbas is killed by the same foreign forces for which he previously worked. The occupation of one’s country and the struggle for independence inform the day-to-day lives and decisions of its citizens, particularly those of the younger generations.

The concluding chapter, which shows a return to routine activities, highlights the resilience of Egyptian society. Despite turmoil and tragedy, life in Midaq Alley goes on, reflecting the endurance of cultural identity, even in the face of external pressures, along with the deep-rooted presence of poverty. Sheikh Darwish’s verses mark a contemplative end, suggesting that the struggle for identity is ongoing and that the answers lie in a complex interplay of tradition, modernity, and resistance.