Exploration of Female Sexual Agencies in Nedjma’sThe Almond

Abstract

Through the novel,The Almond, Nedjma chooses to speak out loudly and unabashedly whichexpresses the private life of a Muslim women, a world that most people do not often get opportunity to peak into. The writer uses body to fight political and religious prohibition, judgments, operations and cries for gender equality .The entire conflict of the novel revolves around Badra and her sexuality which becomes a tool for her personal growth. Badra, the main protagonist, escapes from thing-hoodin order to capture true freedom and abletoobtainmasculineethostowards sexwith help of AuntSelma, another major character,who is reasonable, conscious and always takesgood decision at the right time. Through these two characters, thewriter empowers women in every sphere of life.Driss, a faithless male characteris healed with his ill mentalityandundergoescomplete transformationtospirituality. Similarly,female character is healed through sexuality, not onlycontrols herself, but also controlsthe relationships she participates in,showingthe victory of female over orthodox patriarchy.