Reconsider the concepts of ‘agl, ḥasham, and aṣl. After reading Abu-Lughod’s text, what are the roles of these forces in Awlad ‘Ali society? What tensions do they produce among the community?

How are femininity and poetry connected in Awlad ‘Ali society? Is poetry a positive force within Awlad ‘Ali communities?

Consider Abu-Lughod’s hesitations about the effectiveness and purpose of her work as an ethnographer. Which of her goals does she achieve? Is her estimation of the value of her work, as outlined in her afterword (written 30 years later), valid?