How does priestly create sympathy for Eva smith?

In his novel "The Priest of Medina," Mika Waltari creates sympathy for Eva Smith, the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad, through various literary techniques and narrative elements. Here are a few ways in which Priestly generates empathy for Eva Smith:

1. Portrayal of her inner struggles:

Priestly portrays Eva Smith as a complex and multifaceted character who is caught between her love for Muhammad and her longing for her home and family in Mecca. Readers can understand her internal conflicts and sympathize with the emotional toll her circumstances take on her.

2. Exploration of her background:

Priestly provides insight into Eva Smith's background and experiences before she met Muhammad. Readers learn about her upbringing in a wealthy Meccan family and her marriage to a previous husband. This exploration humanizes Eva Smith and helps readers relate to her as an individual with a history and desires.

3. Emphasizing her devotion:

Priestly emphasizes Eva Smith's unwavering devotion to Muhammad and her belief in his mission. Despite facing challenges and hardships, she remains loyal and supportive of him. Readers can appreciate her unwavering love and sacrifice, which evokes sympathy for her plight.

4. Contrasting her with other characters:

Priestly contrasts Eva Smith with other characters in the novel, particularly Muhammad's other wives. By highlighting her unique qualities and vulnerabilities, he creates a sense of empathy and understanding for her position.

5. Exploring her vulnerabilities:

Priestly exposes Eva Smith's vulnerabilities and fears, making her relatable to readers. Her struggles with jealousy, insecurity, and loneliness humanize her and allow readers to connect with her on an emotional level.

6. Empathy from other characters:

Priestly also creates sympathy for Eva Smith by having other characters in the novel empathize with her. For example, Muhammad himself displays care and compassion for her, which reinforces her worthiness of empathy from the readers.

7. Narrative perspective:

Priestly often presents Eva Smith's perspective and emotions directly to readers. This allows readers to intimately understand her thoughts and feelings, fostering empathy and connection.

By employing these techniques, Priestly successfully generates sympathy for Eva Smith, making her a complex and compelling character in the novel "The Priest of Medina."