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.

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.