Mernissi Symbolism

Mernissi begins by explaining the dining habits on Yasmina’s farm, “We never knew when we would eat. Sometimes, Yasmina only remembered at the last minute that she had to feed me” and then goes on to compare the difference between farm life and life in Fez “But dining in our harem in Fez was an entirely different story...we had to sit at our prescribed places” (116). Fez seems to be a place of the past for Mernissi while life on Yasmina’s farm seems to be her current situation. However as Mernissi continues, it becomes clear that the farm has little to do with the story, only used for the purpose of setting up two contrasting dynamics. By setting the scene in such a way, Mernissi makes it clear that there are two different ideologies explored in the story; Fez’s strict policies and Mother’s carefree attitude- both of
Mother continues to fight against Fez’s rules by ignoring meal schedules, holding family picnics of her own, and wishing for her daughter’s happiness. Mother explains that happiness comes from the “right to exercise all kinds of rights, from the right to move to the right to create, compete, and challenge and at the same time could feel love doing so” (118). Mernissi’s father on the other hand is a mixture between the two contrasting dynamics, “he sympathized with Mother, and felt torn between his duty towards the traditional family and his desire to make her happy” (116). Father feels a strong a sense of responsibility to hold onto traditional family values, but often puts aside such values to make Mother happy. The dialogue used within “Moonlit Nights of Laughter” further exemplifies certain situations and personalities. Quoting words from that person gives further characterization and insight rather than Mernissi just telling it as it