Compare Rahima with Jamila in “Tree Without Roots.”
PremiumCompare Rahima with Jamila. Point out the signs of change Rahima shows as we come toward the end of “Tree Without Roots.” [2016]
Syed Waliullah’s (1922-1971) “Tree Without Roots” (1948) illustrates how women live under the constraints of religion and male control. Rahima and Jamila are two starkly different representations of womanhood. Through them, Waliullah studies fear, faith, and freedom. Rahima accepts her fate and hides her pain. Jamila questions it and breaks the silence. Both women reflect the social world of Mahabbatpur, where faith influences every aspect of life.
Rahima’s Fear and Faith: Rahima, Majeed’s first wife, is a large and strong woman, yet childless. She came to Majeed after being a widow. Her life is filled with faith, fear, and quiet service. She accepts Majeed’s authority without protest. She believes that his power comes from the mazar. Her heart is full of kindness, and she prays for others. As the quote says,
enter;">“It was Rahima… advocate of the village women before the divine will.” She listens to women’s troubles and speaks to Majeed on their behalf. She represents the ordinary woman who suffers silently but keeps her faith alive.Rahima’s Silence and Submission: Rahima’s silence shows her helplessness in a world ruled by men. She cannot express anger or resistance. Her fear grows from Majeed’s harsh control and her belief that defying him is a sin. Majeed often uses religion to maintain his power, saying, .
Rahima accepts such words as truth and never questions them. She lives under the shadow of both faith and fear. She believes that her pain is part of divine will.“It is well that a man should know it when he sins… ignorance is the greatest sin of all.”
Jamila’s Rebellion and Courage: Jamila, Majeed’s second wife, is young, fearless, and full of energy. At first, she appears shy, but her true nature soon emerges. She laughs openly and refuses to obey Majeed’s commands. She challenges his authority and mocks his false holiness. Her attitude makes Majeed furious, and he calls her
Jamila sees through the illusion of the shrine and realizes that Majeed’s system is hollow. She dares to reject both him and his false religion. Jamila represents a new voice of freedom in a society built on superstition.“a snake… her charm is a snare, her sweet winsomeness a trap.”
Rahima’s Change and Inner Strength: At first, Rahima seems completely submissive, but she slowly changes. She begins to speak on behalf of the village women and becomes their guide. She prays for their families and their suffering. Gradually, she starts to understand the false pride behind Majeed’s power. The change becomes clear when Jamila’s fire touches her calm heart. She no longer fears Majeed as before. By the end, Rahima dares to face him and even commands him. This growth shows her moral strength and quiet awakening.
Contrast between Rahima and Jamila: Rahima and Jamila represent the two extremes of womanhood. Rahima is calm, soft, and bound by social rules. Jamila is fierce and sharp, breaking those rules. Rahima prays and serves; Jamila protests and questions. One lives in fear; the other dies fighting it. Their contrast gives balance to the novel’s moral world. Rahima represents the traditional woman of a patriarchal society, while Jamila symbolizes the new woman who refuses to live in lies.
In essence, Rahima and Jamila are not just characters; they are two sides of women’s struggle. Rahima begins as a fearful believer but ends with quiet strength. Jamila begins as silent but becomes bold and rebellious. Both reveal the author’s vision of women’s endurance under faith and control.