Discussion Topic B

The novel A Thousand Splendid Suns, written by Khaled Hosseini, captures the harsh details of the lives of two women who have sacrificed in order to survive in their struggle against men. Hosseini’s portrayal of these women gives insight to the realism of gender relations amidst Afghan society. Using the literary elements of characterization and foreshadowing, Hosseini is able to effectively explore the issue of gender relations. Early on in the novel, Hosseini presents very distinct ideas and beliefs of men through Nana’s eyes. Nana’s character is immediate and clear-cut, which is evident in her words to Mariam. Nana tells Mariam, “Learn this now and learn it well, my daughter: Like a compass needle that points north, a man’s accusing finder always finds a woman.” (pg. 7) Nana’s analogy warns that a man will always blame a woman. Because her life revolves around her daughter, Nana wants to keep Mariam from having to go through the adversity that she knows women have to face in their culture. She was never reluctant to express her resentment for men because of what she experienced with Jalil, which showed her firsthand the power men had in destroying the lives of women. Hosseini’s characterization of Nana illustrates the oppression and the series of false hope that Afghan women endure time and time again. Nana’s warnings also foreshadow the disappointments that Mariam and Laila both encounter as women later on in the novel. When Mariam is married off to Rasheed, a shoemaker living in Kabul, Rasheed immediately sets the standards that Mariam must abide by as his wife. In his declaration, he asserts that where he came from, “one wrong look, one improper word, and blood is spilled. Where I come from, a woman’s face is her husband’s business only. I want you to remember that.” (pg.63) Rasheed requires that Mariam cook, clean, and wear a burqa. The burqa is representative of not only Afghan culture, but also Rasheed’s desire to control Mariam and her identity. Hosseini’s characterization of Rasheed is a direct example of the manner in which men take in order to be superior to women. This ultimately symbolizes the power Rasheed wishes to hold against Mariam, foreshadowing future turbulence in their marriage resulting from his selfish, protective nature. Hosseini’s depiction of Mariam and Rasheed’s marriage demonstrates the rarity of meaningful, loving relationships, resulting from the gender issues in their society.