Chapter 7, Modesty and the Poetry of Love Summary and Analysis

As previously mentioned, romantic relationships pose a threat to the patrilineal social structure that the Bedouins hold dear. Because these romantic relationships are considered somewhat subversive, they are a common topic for ghinnawa poetry. One of the most common themes in poetry about love is thwarted love. Arranged marriage is the culturally accepted model of marriage among the Awlad 'Ali. Families have the right to arrange marriages for their children. Many of these marriages end up being long lasting, but some arranged marriages are miserable.

Oftentimes, the reason for misery in arranged marriages is that one or both partners wanted to marry somebody else. This, therefore, is a topic often mentioned in ghinnawa poetry. The author talked with the Haj about this, and he told her that there were...