what are similarities between Ramatoulaye and Aissatou? and what are their differences?

Ramatoulaye relates the story and in doing so, reveals much about her personality. Rama writes during her sequestered mourning period, but as a young adult, Rama wanted to expand her knowledge and horizons. As a teacher, wife and mother of twelve, she delights in the fullness of her life. And when twenty five years later, the carpet is ripped out from under her when her husband abandons her, she is strong as steel and carves out a future for herself. Ramatoulaye strongly believes in the bond of marriage and that it is the foundation of society. She does not believe she must give up her belief in Islam or in many traditions of her culture, but she will not tolerate women not having a voice of their own.

This diary in the form of a letter is written to Aissatou. This tells us of Rama’s close bond with her. Aissatou has a strong thirst for knowledge and believes in equality, Aissatou grew up poor, the daughter of a goldsmith, and when she married Mawdo they had similar views on the world. Mawdo’s choice of taking a second wife drives Aissatou to divorce him, and this is where she shows her mettle, her lack of compromise, and her dignity. Quite late in life, she returns to her studies and quickly rises to an outpost position at Senegal’s embassy in the US.