Bâ poignantly portrays the emotional turmoil inflicted by polygamy on women like Ramatoulaye. Stripped of her life partner and confidante after decades of marriage, she grapples with betrayal, loneliness, and the societal pressure to accept her husband's choice. Through Ramatoulaye's experience and her memories of Aissatou's own refusal to endure polygamy, the novel critiques the institution's inherent inequality and its devastating emotional consequences.

The novel beautifully captures Senegal's transitional phase, caught between its traditional past and a burgeoning modernity. Ramatoulaye, a schoolteacher, represents a generation embracing education and female empowerment. Yet, she is still bound by customs and expectations that limit her agency. This clash is further exemplified through her children's choices, highlighting the generational differences in attitudes towards marriage, career, and societal norms.

Throughout her ordeal, Ramatoulaye finds solace and strength in her lifelong bond with Aissatou. Their enduring friendship, sustained through letters despite geographical distance, becomes a lifeline. Aissatou, having escaped a polygamous marriage herself, offers empathy, advice, and a vision of independent womanhood. Their bond emphasizes the importance of female solidarity in navigating societal pressures and achieving personal fulfillment.