Sketch the character of Rahima

Answer

Question: Sketch the character of Rahima.

Rahima is the central character of the novel Tree without Roots by Syed Waliullah (1922-1971). She is the first wife of Majeed. Rahima is the most widely developed character among the women in the novel. 

Dedicated to Husband: Rahima has great respect, reverence, and fear for Majeed. She earnestly believes that the source of Majeed’s power is the shrine itself. She does not understand the difference between religion and superstition. The village women plead to the shrine through this soft-hearted woman.

Industrious: Majeed considers his first wife an ideal housewife. She is an intelligent as well as a beautiful woman. She works hard to satisfy Majeed. She speaks gently and obeys the order of Majeed. She always tries to remove the sorrows of Majeed. She remains busy all day long with the household activities during the harvest time. 

Symbol of Dominated Woman: Rahima is the symbol of a dominated woman. She has no child, but she does not give any blame to Majeed. Yet she cannot forget this because she regards being childless as her failure. Therefore, when Majeed tells her about his second marriage, she becomes silent. All of her futility floats in her mind. Rahima is a strong woman, but she fears her husband. She also believes in her husband’s divine power. 

Motherly Attitude: She becomes very upset when Majeed talks about his second marriage. But Rahima eagerly accepts Majeed’s second wife, Jamila, since she is very affectionate. She treats Jamila with much ardour like a mother. In this way, Rahima accepts Jamila very cordially. 

In termination, we can say that Rahima is the central and supportive character in the novel “Tree Without Roots”. She loves Majeed from her heart. She supports him to establish his family. So, she is the best and most adventurous character in the novel.