" (66) Little did he know, this dramatic change he experienced would lead him to be imprisoned in the Alley and within himself. .
Ashur's new wife, Sitt Fadeela, proves to be as perfect as he could have ever imagined. He realizes early on that his lover desired to control every aspect of his life. And so, "he lives between her two hands." (66). However, he is still blessed by her in many ways, so " in spite of this he goes on basking in love, comfort and satisfaction." (66) Eventually, without a job and the ability to naturally live his life as he desires, he quickly becomes bored and unhappy. "True, he lacks nothing, but he's a prisoner just the same. Silk chains to replace his old iron ones draw tighter on his throat and boredom floods him." (66) He develops a desire to work to keep him entertained and busy, as he finds that time becomes his worst enemy. He grows antsy, complains, becomes bitter, and eventually releases his unhappiness and anger by "[slapping] her on the right cheek." (66) She kicks him out of his paradise life and he leaves. Ashur's dream of marrying a rich widow and never again having to be accountable for himself imprisons him. He is locked within her control and cannot live his own life. On many occasions Sitt asks him to return to her, and each time he stubbornly refuses. Ashur's lifestyle and dependence on others within the Alley cause his downfall and his imprisonment. The Alley and his life within the Alley becomes constricting and causes him to experience extreme boredom and unhappiness.
Saqr Mowazeeni is imprisoned in this novel as a consequence of the Alley's traditions and culture. His father died and he, being the eldest son, is left as the guardian of his family. Although Saqr tries his hardest to support his loved ones on the small salary he earns, he feels as though "Life locks its windows and squats like a stone." (70) He is trapped in his role as a parent and feels as though his life will forever revolve around trying to support them and therefore he will be unable to marry and lead what he sees as a normal life.