Midaq Alley

Hamida is the protagonist of Midaq Alley. She is a young woman whose presence is marked by a blend of allure, ambition, and vulnerability. In addition to her beauty, she exhibits a fierce and spirited character, described as follows: “She was by nature strong, and this strength had never once deserted her. Sometimes her eyes revealed this inner strength; some thought it detracted from her beauty, others that it enhanced it” (39). The split opinion about whether Hamida’s strength enhances or detracts from her beauty shows people’s differing attitudes toward women and agency during that time period. This is a central dilemma for Hamida, who is always dependent on others to make her way in life.

Although Hamida is a flat character—as are all of Mahfouz’s characters in Midaq Alley, with the possible exception of Abbas—her characterization is a nuanced exploration of the complex interplay between societal expectations, personal desires, and the pursuit of agency. Hamida’s inner strength is the force that informs her desire for wealth and a social position outside of Midaq Alley. Hamida is often characterized by her inner thoughts. Although she uses her relationships with men to obtain what she wants, Hamida is never completely subjugated, even when she becomes a sex worker under coercion.