My Name is Red: Chapter 16 Summary & Analysis

Shekure admits that every time Esther leaves her house, she feels “confused” and “wretched.” Orhan comes in, and Shekure puts away the letters and embraces him. She asks him if he would wish to have a father, and he replies he wouldn’t because he wants to marry her himself. Shekure then goes to see Enishte, who admits that he is distressed by Elegant’s murder. Shekure tells him that she would like to get married as soon as possible and Enishte is shocked, reminding her that she is already married. Shekure says that the previous night she dreamed her husband had died, and Enishte replies that although this is enough to convince him, a judge would need further proof. Enishte blinks hard, a nervous habit. He confesses that he’d been afraid of being murdered because of the book, but if Shekure and the boys leave he will “welcome death.” Shekure stops herself from mentioning the fact that she knows Enishte sleeps with Hayrire at night. Enishte asks who wants to marry Shekure; she doesn’t respond and her eyes fill with tears. Later, Orhan comforts her, and Shekure asks the reader to forget what she said about Enishte and Hayrire.