Chapter 16, The Woman's Room, Princess: Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia

In Chapter Sixteen, the oppression against women is a major theme, shown in the story Sultana tells about her friend who is placed in a woman's room. The girl's only sin was to enjoy the freedom her father gave her and to fall in love. The Saudi culture does not allow for this behavior unless the guardian agrees, however, so the girl's new guardian takes action against her. The guardian first has the girl married, but when this does not work out, he has her locked in a room with only herself for company. This treatment is cruel and would never be allowed in a country where women are appreciated. It is action like this that prompted Sultana to tell her story and to hope for change one day.