Representation of prostitution in the novels woman at Point Zero by Nawwal el Saadawi and Nights at the Circus by Angela Carter

Abstract

Most of us tend to associate the word ‘prostitute’ with negative connotations. Synonyms of the word are used as a slang term against women we want to label as ‘characterless’. When we hear stories of prostitutes in fiction, films and news, most of us are either sympathetic towards them for taking this profession because of difficult circumstances, or we judge them for falling so low as to sell their bodies for money. Women at Point Zero by Nawwal el Saadawi shows us the world from the perspective of a prostitute, a woman who willingly chose this profession and was unregretful and proud to do so. Nights at the Circus by Angela Carter is another novel where women were happy as prostitutes. This thesis explores, compares and contrasts the representation of prostitution in the two novels, along with the characters and themes. It takes a look into the culture inside brothels and the relationship of the prostitutes with each other, their superiors and their customers. It explores the social, cultural and religious background in the novel that drove the women into prostitution. This thesis also tries to connect prostitution with feminism and tries to explore prostitution from a feminist point of view.