upation deemed low in status and prestige by society. Finally there is the difference in social cast between Hamida and her husband. Hamida comes from a poor family while Khan Sahib is among the elite of the community. This difference is even more important in India where the cast system is a determinant factors in society. I think that Khan Sahib purposely chose a wife that is of lower status than him. In being of higher status than her this gives him control over her. In addition Khan Sahib likes to feel important, his wife's family dependence and admiration for him, makes him feel superior, "He was fond of his brother-in-law who return adored, worshipped him. When Khan Sahib sang, and tears of joy coursed down his face that God should allow beings to reach so high." [718, 14]
             Because in a traditional society the woman's sense of identity derives from an identification with the husband. Hamida is powerful among her family. Her stubborn insistence on going to her niece's marriage even thought she knows that this is not an ap
             ...