Role of the female characters in “Tree Without Roots.”

Answer

Discuss the role of the female characters in “Tree Without Roots.” [2021] ✪✪✪ 

Syed Waliullah (1922-1971) presents women with care and realism in “Tree without Roots” (1948). Their roles shape the village and its faith. Through them, we watch belief become power. We also see how power hurts belief. The women love, hope, fear, and sometimes resist. Their choices are tied to hunger and custom. The shrine’s rules press on their daily lives. These women carry both sorrow and strength. Their actions keep the plot moving forward steadily. Their voices reveal the novel’s true moral center.

Rahima the Mediator: Rahima stands between women and the shrine’s gate. She listens with patience and quiet dignity. She prays for known and unknown villagers with care. The narrator marks her role clearly: 

“It was Rahima… advocate of the village women before the divine will.”

Her childlessness sometimes makes her fear Majeed. Yet she continues to serve the women without pride. She guides them to the mazar during times of trouble. 

Amena and Faith: Amena longs for a child and seeks holy help. She trusts village stories about pirs and blessed water. The narrator says, 

“The coming of the pir had filled Amena with new hope.”

Majeed sees that hope and plans a test. He orders fasting and seven circles of the shrine. Amena faints, and Majeed urges a divorce. He then soothes pain with a soft lie. 

“Allah takes away those whom he loves best.” 

Jamila and Resistance: Jamila initially appears shy, but then takes bold steps. She questions rules and refuses forced piety at night. She will not accept obedience without meaning. She even spits on Majeed during his violence. That act breaks the spell of fear. It exposes the emptiness behind hollow commands. Jamila’s defiance also awakens Rahima’s quiet strength. Resistance enters the women’s world through her stance. Jamila demonstrates that faith without truth can become control. Her brief rebellion becomes a turning point of