Discussion Topic C

The novel A Thousand Splendid Suns, written by Khaled Hosseini, provides insight on how past events can affect the present actions, attitudes, and values of a character. The novel presents the story of two women, one of which is named Mariam, who was raised to know her place in society as a harami, or bastard child. In Hosseini’s delineation of Mariam’s life over the years, it can be seen that Mariam’s relationship with her past shapes her character as she transitions further into adulthood. As Laila and Mariam finally become civil with each other, they begin to form a bond that is new to the novel. “Laila examined Mariam’s drooping cheeks, the eyelids that sagged in tired folds... it was not an adversary’s face Laila saw, but a face of grievances unspoken, burdens gone unprotested, a destiny submitted to and endured.” (pg. 223) Laila can see in Mariam’s features the struggles and injustices Mariam has endured, and for that Laila has grown respect for her. At this point, many years have passed, and the reader is able to see all that Mariam has been through. When Rasheed’s abuse worsened upon discovering Laila’s encounter with Tariq, Mariam could see that the situation would not be alleviated and she made a life-changing decision in mere moments. “She turned it so the sharp edge was vertical, and, as she did, it occurred to her that this was the first time that she was deciding the course of her life.” (pg. 311) Mariam, who had endured the longest span of abuse, decided to end it once and for all in killing Rasheed. Mariam had already lost her mother, one of the few people who she had a truly loving relationship with. Mariam knew the pain that came with losing a loved one, and she did not want to let Laila die. The reader can perceive that Mariam killed Rasheed not only for herself, but more as a sacrifice to protect Laila, Aziza, and Zalmai, all whom she has grown to love. And for the first time in her life, Mariam, a woman, had power over a man. After being tried and sentenced to death for the murder of Rasheed, Mariam looks back upon her life, and is satisfied. “She was leaving the world as a friend, a companion, a guardian. A mother. A person of consequence at last. No. It was not so bad, Mariam thought, that she should die this way… This was a legitimate end to a life of illegitimate beginnings.” (pg. 329) Mariam feels that she has done all she could in an unforgiving society. The ending of her life appears legitimate to her because she has experienced instances of happiness during some times in her life, whereas the beginning was illegitimate, or unfair. Mariam’s past has allowed her to weigh out her decisions and actions. For the majority of her life she has witnessed the discrimination and injustice women have faced and her sacrifices stem from her desire to bring happiness to another woman and her children.