Tamburlaine's Wife

Tamburlaine’s wife is the subject of the anecdote that the narrator tells at the end of the story. Tamburlaine’s wife is portrayed as loyal and “virtuous” (246). However, when she tries to surprise her husband with a mosque for his return from battle, the architect persuades her to kiss him. The architect succeeds in this persuasion because of an analogy using water and vodka in three different bowls. After discovering that his wife kisses the architect, Tamburlaine exiles his wife, and she becomes an old lady who sells flowers in a market in Samarkand.

Tamburlaine’s wife is important because she captures the essence of the city of Samarkand, and she explores the theme of love through her relationship with the architect. Throughout the story, Carter establishes the scenery and atmosphere of the city and its citizens. At the end of the story, Carter connects Tamburlaine...