The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi

In keeping with the theme of The Conflicting Worlds of Domesticity and Adventure, Amina’s ship, the Marawati, is the vessel of freedom. It is literally and symbolically her ability to live up to her potential to have adventure. She longs for it physically when she is on land just as she mourns for her old life at sea when she is at home, and it isn’t until she’s back on the ship that she feels like she is doing what she is made to do. She notes that even praying becomes more stimulating when it’s done out in the sea air with the sound of the ship beneath her. Thus, the ship also serves to help her with the struggle of Rekindling and Strengthening One’s Faith. Being on the ship makes her feel connected to her higher calling, to her potential, and to God’s power. Sailing and commanding a crew is what she excels at, what she lives for aside from her daughter, and the ship itself has been her source of independence and freedom ever since she was a teenager. It therefore continues to be the ultimate symbol of her ability to be her true self and live the life she is meant to have.