As suggested by the title, the number three is extremely significant in this story. Firstly, according to the Muslim tradition, each wife is entitled to

Noumbe’s thoughts undergo a great deal of transition throughout the story. The author uses various symbols to depict this transition. The “ faint rustling of the palm trees ” highlights her emotional state of mind. Noumbe was lonely and needed care. She was elated by the thought of having Mustapha all for herself. At the beginning of the story, the clouds “ riding high ” symbolize Noumbe’s confidence and her feeling in good form, ready for Mustapha’s arrival. Later, as the “ dark-grey ” clouds appear highlighting her confused state of mind, her thoughts make a drastic transition. She begins to question her unfair treatment and the polygamic rule of the three days. She feels that every woman should have her husband only for herself. Although she has an ongoing debate in her mind, she never stops waiting for Mustapha. Her “ dimly lit ” room compares to a glimmer of hope that her husband might still show up. But in the end, when Noumbe gives up all hopes of Mustapha’s arrival, her room is totally dark, “ everything is shrouded in darkness ” as though she has lost everything.

Ousmane uses various elements to depict the state of Noumbe’s health. Noumbe has a weak heart and Mustapha’s actions were just

Some topics in this essay:
Mustapha Noumbe’s, Sembene Ousman’s, Ramadan Muslim’s, Thirdly Noumbe’s, Tradition Polygamy, Holy Koran, Koran Allah, Secondly Noumbe, muslim tradition, unfair treatment, days husband’s company, entitled days husband’s, third wife, entitled days, husband’s company, days husband’s, mustapha’s arrival, waiting mustapha, women stand, ousmane various,