Mariam refuses to see visitors and have witnesses at her trial for several reasons that tie deeply into her character and the themes of the novel.
Firstly, Mariam has always struggled with feelings of unworthiness and shame due to her illegitimate status and the lifelong stigma attached to it. Seeing visitors or having witnesses could intensify her feelings of vulnerability and expose her to judgment. She has endured enough judgment throughout her life, and the thought of others witnessing her trial becomes a source of great anxiety for her.
Moreover, Mariam’s decision can also be viewed as an act of self-protection. By isolating herself, she believes she can shield her loved ones from the consequences of her actions. She has lost many people in her life and does not want her trial to affect anyone else negatively.
Finally, her refusal can be seen as a form of empowerment. In choosing to stand alone at her trial, Mariam takes control over her narrative. She is not seeking pity or compassion from others; instead, she is accepting her fate and the reality of her situation. This moment reflects the significant growth she experiences throughout the novel, transforming from a girl who felt powerless to a woman who embraces her strength and agency.