Sultana's Dream

Sultana is the narrator of the story and its protagonist. She represents the Bengali Muslim women who have been conditioned to submit to the purdah system. In her conversations with Sister Sara, Sultana initially reinforces the conventional patriarchal views of the purdah system, suggesting that it is designed to protect women, as they are weaker than men. However, Sultana’s name, meaning “empress” or “wife of a sultan” in Arabic, hints at her gradual empowerment in the story.

Sultana feels a sense of shame when Sister Sara first coaxes her to walk the streets of Ladyland unveiled. Her fear that she may be seen by a man illustrates the purdah system’s emphasis on modesty and restricting women’s freedom. She is also skeptical about the practices of Ladyland, worrying what would happen to the political and commercial enterprises of India if all men were confined to zenanas. Her responses demonstrate how she has internalized patriarchal discourse. However, Rokeya charts Sultana’s increasing enjoyment of her liberty on her tour of Ladyland. The pleasurable sensual experience of the feeling of walking “on a soft carpet” of flowers is emphasized (8). Persuaded by Sister Sara’s arguments, she also becomes more relaxed and is increasingly amused to see the Gender Role Reversal scenario in Ladyland.

Sultana emerges as an inquisitive person who keeps asking questions about every new custom or technology she encounters. While admitting that she cannot follow all of Sister Sara’s explanations, since her “scientific knowledge [is] very limited” (12), she is eager to learn, emphasizing the theme of Knowledge as Power. Increasingly enthusiastic about the beauty and efficiency of Ladyland, Sultana undergoes a political awakening, envisioning a similar transformation of Indian society.