Abdul Character Analysis in Brick Lane

A male co-worker of Hasina’s at the garment factory, he always wears a fresh shirt to work. He calls Hasina “sister,” but eventually they begin walking to and from work together and he tells her he loves her. Hasina hopes they can marry someday, but then she is fired from the garment factory for their rumored sexual relationship. Abdul, who confessed to the affair to save his job, is not.

Abdul Character Timeline in Brick Lane

The timeline below shows where the character Abdul appears in Brick Lane. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Cultural and Religious Sexism Theme Icon

...for the women workers, who don’t understand the electricity involved. One of the male workers, Abdul, always refers to Hasina as “sister.” Every day he wears a clean shirt to work. (full context)

...Hasina is only dry when she’s at the garment factory, where Shahnaz is worried that Abdul is paying Hasina too much attention. At one time, Abdul courted Shahnaz, but she rejected... (full context)

...factory. She doesn’t know what she’s done, but no one will speak to her except Abdul. Everyone whispers about her and treats her unkindly, but Hasina hopes this is only temporary.... (full context)

Hasina’s next letter is dated April 1990. She writes of Abdul insisting on escorting her home. The protesters have left, so there’s no real danger, but... (full context)

...(she rarely takes a lunch now) and she is saving her money. Also, she has Abdul, who she thinks may be in charge of the factory someday. He is smartly dressed... (full context)

...Shahnaz, who says she is disappointed in her. Out of friendship she’d warned Hasina about Abdul, she says, but Hasina threw her friendship in her face. Hasina is distraught and says... (full context)

...who calls Hasina to the office is famous for his scaly skin and fish smell. Abdul is in the office, too. The manager proceeds to yell at Hasina, to scold her... (full context)

...married Malek. She left him. She took a job at the garment factory. She let Abdul walk her home. She lived in Mr. Chowdhury’s apartment without paying. (full context)