What can we in the Western world do to help women of Saudi Arabia? Should we do anything? Consider this: if citizens of a sovereign country believe that their treatment of women adheres to the dictates of their religious faith, is it right for the Western world to impose its particular moral values on them?ġ1. If you were a woman in Saudi Arabia, what would you find most difficult: living in fear.the boredom of purdah.the sense of degradation.the injustice of it all.or what?ġ0. Despite the lack of respect they show her, Sultana says she maintains respect for the men in her life. How do you account for their strength and perseverance? How would you fare under such oppressive conditions?Ĩ. A number of women in the book display courage in the face of oppression and abject powerlessness. Which episodes in this book do you find you most horrifying-Sara's arranged marriage. Other than the obvious wearing of the veil, talk about the numerous ways are women treated as non-entities in Saudi Arabia.Ħ. How does Saltana portray the Islamic faith? After reading the translated passages at the back of the book, what do you think?ĥ. Saltana insists that the oppression of women in Saudi Arabia is a misinterpretation of the Q'uran rather than a true and accurate reading. Why is misogyny so pervasive throughtout the Muslim world? What do men fear.or dislike about women?Ĥ. Care to comment on this statement from Sultana?-'I waited for my destiny to unfold, a child as helpless as an insect trapped in a wicked web not of it's own making.' Aside from being 'trapped,' what does the simile suggest?ģ. How would you describe Princess Saltana's personality? Does it change as she matures into womanhood and marriage? Would you have her courage?Ģ. Read-Think-Talk (a guided reading chart)Īlso consider these LitLovers talking points to help get a discussion started for Princess:ġ.Generic Discussion Questions-Fiction and Nonfiction.How to Discuss a Book (helpful discussion tips).

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Princess by Jean Sasson