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A Thousand Splendid Suns

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A Thousand Splendid Suns: Conclusion Analysis

The theme in the novel “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini is the inner strength of a women even in the darkest of times, which he has shown through symbolism, metaphors / similes, and irony. Both Mariam and Laila endure so much heartache in their lives because they are women, yet they continue the strength to pull together and persevere. Mariam was born in a world which turns their back on women. She has a father who refuses to acknowledge her existence, a husband who abuses her for twenty-seven years, and the need to murder her husband when he attempted to kill Laila.

Even though every situation, she remains to accept what fate hands her. Laila faces the loss of the boy she loves, the deaths of her parents and the marriage to Rasheed who abuses her for first producing a girl instead of a boy and then finding out it’s not his child. In the end, Laila faces the challenge of being a woman who returns to her home country with the intention of helping rebuild the country and honoring the memory of Mariam.

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The biggest symbol in the story is the title “A Thousand Splendid Suns” where it refers to a poem in which the city of Kabul was described as having a thousand splendid suns, and also used as a symbol for Mariam. The reason for that is because after Mariam gave up her life for Laila to live out hers, Laila realizes that Mariam is still looking out for her and her family as she always has been. “Mariam is in Laila’s own heart, where she shines with the bursting radiance of a thousand suns. (page 366) The poem that the title is evolved from, is by the Persian Sufi poet Hafiz, in which he compares the mystical relationship with God to the power and brilliance of “A Thousand Splendid Suns” within you. One who has attained this mystical relationship cannot be harmed by evil for she/he is joined to Eternity. Another piece of symbolism is when Mariam remembers how Nana used to say that “each snowflake was a sigh heaved by an aggrieved woman somewhere in the world. ” That all the sighs would drift into the skies and gather as clouds to soon break into tiny pieces that silently fell onto the people below.

Mariam then thinks that it was meant “as a reminder of how women like us suffer, how quietly we endure all that falls upon us. ” (page 82) Another symbol is “One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs, Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls. ” (page 172) Laila’s father Babi, is the one reciting the lines from an old poem written in the seventeenth century. Laila may not have understood the significance of his words at the time. Seeing how Kabul would see such difficult times it’s hard to imagine anyone talking about it in such a positive light.

Then, considering the nature of the obstacles Mariam and Laila faced, one might suppose Laila may never forget the sad memories from her past. It comes as a surprise when Laila says Mariam’s memory shines within her with the intensity of a thousand splendid suns. This gives a sense of completeness to Laila’s story to be able to connect that line back to the ending when shes referencing Mariam. Many metaphors and smilies were intertwined in the novel to compare the characters and situations as well.

For example, when the movie Titanic became a huge hit, Laila and Mariam would always watch it, and thats where this quote came from; “Everyone wants Jack,” Laila said to Mariam. “Everybody wants Jack to rescue them from disaster. But there is no Jack. Jack is not coming back. Jack is dead. ” (page 270) Such is a metaphor for life under the Taliban which was dangerous and a scary place. Or what Nana said to Mariam when she was a child that “Like a compass needle that points north, a man’s accusing finger always finds a woman. (page 7) That quote can be seen repeated all throughout the novel because of women segregation, and how they could always be found in blame no matter what the situation. Another example of a similie is “She would never leave her mark on Mammy’s heart the way her brothers had, because Mammy’s heart was like a pallid beach where Laila’s footprints would forever wash away beneath the waves of sorrow that swelled and crashed, swelled and crashed. ”(page 130) Laila’s mother loved her two older sons more then her. Laila always felt the need to prove her importance to her mom, to show that her daughter can be just as good as her sons.

Another element that is important to note is irony – when something happens, or is seen, or is heard that we may know, but the characters do not, or that appears opposite of what is expected. Some examples of irony include: that in chapter 4, Jalil told Mariam about Queen Gauhar Shad who had raised the famous minarets in Herat in the 15th century. This is ironic that a queen would be so honored when men have such power over women in Afghanistan. Another example is that Mariam’s father Jalil, asked Mariam at the end of his letter that if he were still alive, (page 277) if she could come to see him.

He wanted to take her into his arms, and he would be waiting for her knock. Then, he, ironically, wished her a long and prosperous life. How could he have known that she would die at the hands of the Taliban? (page 329) A final example of Irony is “In a few years, this little girl will be a woman who will make small demands on her life, who will never burden others, who will never let on that she too has had sorrows, disappointments, dreams that have been ridiculed. A woman who will be like a rock in a riverbed, enduring without complaint, her grace not sullied but shaped by the turbulence that washed over her. (page 355) The passage is talking about Mariam and all the sacrifice she will have to endure in the future, that she doesn’t know is yet to come. All the symbolism, the metaphors plus similes, and the irony bring the story together in a captivating, unforgettable manner. They bring out the theme of women struggles growing up and living in a country so against their beliefs. That women didn’t deserve to be educated, seen, or heard, and the penalty of a minor crime was death. Laila and Mariam fought together for their happiness, rights, and freedom as people.

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Women’s rights in a thousand splendid suns.

Women’s Rights Over the years, women’s rights have lessened in the Muslim society after the Taliban took over. For example, things like laughing, singing, writing, even having an education was all forbidden (Hosseini, 248). A Thousand Splendid Suns written by Khaled Hosseini, is a prime example of this, telling the lives of two women, Mariam and

Feminism in a Thousand Splendid Suns

To persevere is to maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement and continue consistently. Throughout the novel, it is present how much women struggle. Both Mariam and Laila have endured so much heartache partially because they are women, but yet have managed to have pulled together the strength to persevere. Mariam, from

A Thousand Splendid Suns: Aspects of Afghanistan Short Summary

Khaled Hosseini, the writer of "A Thousand Splendid Suns," explores different aspects of Afghanistan and its people – men, women, and children. In his book, he presents a comprehensive portrayal of Afghanistan from the 1970s to the present day, revealing problems like government corruption, an undeveloped economy, and notably emphasizing the challenges faced by women

A Thousand Splendid Suns: Short Summary

Raised to fully appreciate her education. Her father encourages her that marriage can wait, and education cannot. Her father tells her “Afghanistan is going to need you as much as its men, maybe even more” (Hosseini 103). Laila eventually gets married at a young age to Rasheed, after her parents die. She no longer pursues her

A Thousand Splendid Suns – Book Report

Book Report

A thousand splendid suns written by Khaled Houssseni is a story set in Afghanistan during the 1960s to the early 2000s. The novel is about Mariam and Laila who end up having to marry to same man due to some unfortunate events in both of their lives. During this essay I will discuss the plot

A Thousand Splendid Suns Short Summary

Domestic Violence

As I have read A Thousand Splendid Suns, one of the connections from the book to the world is domestic violence. After Mariam lost her baby and the many others after that, Rasheed became very remote towards her. At the end of part, Rasheed made Mariam eat rocks to show her how badly her rice

Theme of Feminism in Thousand Splendid Suns

The novel A Thousand Splendid Suns provides an optimistic ending by showing increased rights of women. The country Afghanistan is directing towards freedom, progress and acceptance. It gives hope to all the women in Afghanistan that they can be free and peaceful. To understand the condition of a country the first thing to be noted

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A Thousand Splendid Suns Analysis Essay

A Thousand Splendid Suns is a novel written by Khaled Hosseini. The story follows the lives of two women, Mariam and Laila, who are born in Afghanistan in different centuries but share a similar fate. Despite their differences, the two women develop a strong bond and support each other through the many trials and tribulations they face. A Thousand Splendid Suns is a powerful tale of love, loss, and hope in the face of adversity.

Khaled Hosseini is an Afghan-American author who was born in Kabul, Afghanistan in 1965. He moved to the United States in 1980 and became a doctor. Hosseini is best known for his novels The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns. Both books are set in Afghanistan and explore the themes of war, exile, and family. A Thousand Splendid Suns was published in 2007 and was a New York Times bestseller. The novel was also nominated for the prestigious Man Booker Prize.

A Thousand Splendid Suns is an emotionally powerful novel that tells the story of two women who are forced to confront the many challenges of life in Afghanistan. Mariam and Laila share a strong bond that helps them survive the many trials they face. The book is a testament to the power of friendship and love in the face of adversity.

A veil of silence descended on the room. A Thousand Splendid Suns is a novel by Khaled Hosseini that tells the story of two women, Mariam and Laila, who are forced to marry a man they do not love. The novel follows their lives as they are subjected to abuse and violence at the hands of their husband.

Despite the horrors they experience, Mariam and Laila find moments of happiness and friendship. The novel explores themes of love, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity. A Thousand Splendid Suns was published in 2007 and was adapted into a Broadway play in 2013. The novel has been translated into over forty languages.

Khaled Hosseini is an Afghan-American author who has written two other novels, The Kite Runner and And the Mountains Echoed. Hosseini was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 1965. He moved to the United States in 1980 and became a citizen in 1992. A Thousand Splendid Suns was highly acclaimed by critics and won several awards, including the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Novel and the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism.

When A Thousand Splendid Suns was published, it became an instant bestseller. The book tells the story of two women who are forced to marry a man they do not love. Mariam is from an upper-class family, while Laila is from a lower-class family. Rasheed is a warlord who has killed many people. Mariam and Laila are both subjected to abuse and violence at the hands of their husband.

Despite the horrors they experience, Mariam and Laila find moments of happiness and friendship. The novel explores themes of love, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity. A Thousand Splendid Suns was highly acclaimed by critics and won several awards, including the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Novel and the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism.

In A Thousand Splendid Suns, the focus is on women’s rights, particularly in the Taliban era. Mariam and Laila live through regimes that are not horrible. Despite her father’s family forcing her to marry Rasheed, Mariam has the final say as to whether she will accept his proposal.

Laila’s family is much more traditional, but her mother does not lose her identity after marriage. Both women must deal with Rasheed’s increasing control and violence as the Taliban takes over Afghanistan.

Despite the challenges they face, Mariam and Laila are both strong women. They find ways to help each other and to resist Rasheed’s abuse. In the end, they are able to escape his grasp and create a better life for themselves and their children. A Thousand Splendid Suns is an important reminder that women have always been strong and capable, even in the most difficult circumstances.

It is also a testament to the power of friendship and love between women. Khaled Hosseini has written a beautiful and moving story that will stay with readers for a long time. A Thousand Splendid Suns is an excellent novel and deserves all the accolades it has received.

The women in this group were—what was Rasheed’s term? —”modern.” Yes, modern Afghan women married to modern Afghan men who did not mind that their wives walked among strangers with makeup on their faces and no head coverings.

They had attended universities in America and Europe. They worked as doctors and lawyers and wore pantsuits to the office. A thousand splendid suns Mariam born illegitimate in a small village in rural Afghanistan, Mariam has spent her entire life as a virtual prisoner of her conservative father.

When she is not under lock and key, she is busy laboring in the family fields. So when an opportunity arises for her to escape—to go live with her mother’s sister in Kabul—she takes it, even though she must leave behind her beloved young son.

When Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns was published in 2007, it became an instant bestseller, spending over two years on the New York Times Best Seller list. A rich and complex story set against the backdrop of Afghan history, A Thousand Splendid Suns tells the tale of two women, Mariam and Laila, whose lives are forever changed by the Taliban’s rise to power in the 1990s.

The story begins in the late 1970s, with Mariam living as a virtual prisoner of her father. A product of an illegitimate union, she has always been treated poorly by her father and other members of her village. So when she is offered an opportunity to escape to Kabul and live with her mother’s sister, she takes it, even though she must leave her young son behind.

Laila is born into a more fortunate family in Kabul, but the rug is pulled out from under her when the Soviets invade and occupy Afghanistan. Her father is executed, her brother disappears, and her mother flees to Pakistan, leaving Laila behind to fend for herself.

The two women eventually cross paths in Kabul, where they are both living as refugees during the Taliban’s rule. Mariam has been working as a servant for a man named Rasheed, while Laila has been selling flowers on the street to support herself and her young daughter. The two women become unlikely friends, despite the many differences in their backgrounds.

However, the Taliban’s rule is a difficult time for women, and both Mariam and Laila must face increasing restrictions and dangers. Mariam is forced to marry Rasheed, an abusive man who takes pleasure in controlling and humiliating her. Laila is nearly raped by a member of the Taliban, but is saved by her former fiancé, Karim.

As the years go by and the Taliban’s grip on Afghanistan Tightens, Mariam and Laila are increasingly desperate and frustrated. Finally, they find an opportunity to escape—but it comes at a high price.

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A Thousand Splendid Suns

Khaled hosseini, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

A Thousand Splendid Suns: Introduction

A thousand splendid suns: plot summary, a thousand splendid suns: detailed summary & analysis, a thousand splendid suns: themes, a thousand splendid suns: quotes, a thousand splendid suns: characters, a thousand splendid suns: symbols, a thousand splendid suns: theme wheel, brief biography of khaled hosseini.

Historical Context of A Thousand Splendid Suns

Other books related to a thousand splendid suns.

• Full Title: A Thousand Splendid Suns
• When Written: 2004-2007
• Where Written: California
• When Published: 2007
• Literary Period: Contemporary
• Genre: Novel
• Setting: Herat and Kabul, Afghanistan
• Climax: As Rasheed is preparing to choke Laila to death, Mariam kills him with a shovel—thus ensuring both her own death, but also a hopeful future for Laila and her family.
• Antagonist: Rasheed, Laila, and Mariam’s husband; the Taliban
• Point of View: The story is told in the third person, alternating between Laila’s and Mariam’s point of view—the section and chapter divisions specify which one. The narrator never deviates from the perspective of each woman, but at times provides foreshadowing hints to the reader concerning what awaits the characters.

Extra Credit for A Thousand Splendid Suns

Poetry Slam Hosseini’s favorite book of all time is the collected “Poets of Hafez,” a revered Persian poet, which he originally read as a schoolboy in Kabul.

Culture Shock When Hosseini arrived in California as a fifteen-year-old, he only spoke a few words of English. Now, though, he finds English the most natural language in which to write.

The Novel “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini Essay

A Thousand Splendid Suns is a novel written by Khaled Hosseini that focuses on the life and struggles of two women who became wives of one man by chance. While the novel predominantly focuses on the tragedy of one family, it explores the lives of women and the society they live in through several generations and changes of political regime. There are two main characters in the novel, Mariam, and Laila, who are opposed to each other in their characterization. This essay will focus on Mariam’s characterization and evaluate its efficiency for Mariam and Laila’s path to friendship.

Firstly, Mariam’s story lies at the foundation of the novel’s plot. Mariam is described as obedient to a man’s opinion. Born as harami, Mariam enjoys spending time with her father as he makes her feel “deserving of all the beauty and bounty” there could be in life (Hosseini 10). The part describing Mariam’s childhood explains her complex relationships with Rasheed, who initially was kind to Mariam but became abusive after her miscarriages. Later, Mariam can be characterized as a submissive and kind woman initially frightened of Laila. Opposed to Mariam, Laila was freer to express herself from a young age and experienced the joy of mutual love. Therefore, the novel explores how women with different upbringings faced the problem of the political regimes making restrictions on their freedom.

In conclusion, examining the work that the author put into the description of Mariam and Laila’s childhood defined the characterization of both women later in the novel. Devoid of her father’s attention and ashamed of their origin, Mariam falls into the cage of marriage with no way out. After initially rejecting Laila, who was more intelligent and willful, Mariam sacrifices herself to save her friend. The final segment where Laila receives the videocassette with Pinocchio cartoon from Mariam’s father emphasizes Mariam’s soft, innocent, and kind nature. Thus, the novel effectively characterizes both women and Mariam in particular by describing their childhood and recalling important details from their past.

Hosseini, Khaled. A Thousand Splendid Suns . Center Point Pub, 2007.

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1. IvyPanda . "The Novel "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini." February 25, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-novel-a-thousand-splendid-suns-by-khaled-hosseini/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Novel "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini." February 25, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-novel-a-thousand-splendid-suns-by-khaled-hosseini/.

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Themes and Analysis

A thousand splendid suns, by khaled hosseini.

'A Thousand Splendid Suns' digs deeply into issues of motherhood, sacrifice, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of unfathomable sorrow.

Article written by Charles Asoluka

Degree in Computer Engineering. Passed TOEFL Exam. Seasoned literary critic.

‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ explores a variety of themes, such as the difficulties Afghan women experience in a patriarchal society and the harsh gender roles that are enforced on them. It shows how women are denied fundamental freedoms and rights and how the expectations of males influence their life. It also talks about the unwavering love and selflessness of its female protagonists, who are ready to endanger their lives for those they care about. It illustrates how love may promote optimism and resiliency despite extreme adversity.

Khaled Hosseini also explores the catastrophic effects of conflict on common people during a time of political unrest and war in Afghanistan. It shows how homes and towns are destroyed, lives are lost, and millions of people are displaced. ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns ‘ characters are a testament to the resilience and tenacity of the human spirit. The protagonists can withstand extreme tribulation and still maintain optimism in the face of difficulty. It shows how the human spirit can triumph in the face of the most trying situations.

Afghan History

The setting of ‘ A Thousand Splendid Suns ‘ is Afghanistan, a nation whose tribal tribes have fought for hundreds of years between foreign invasions. The characters’ struggle for survival amid conflict clearly reflects the conflicting political forces and factions that vie for control of the nation and its citizens. The novel’s historical elements cover a sizable amount of time—30 years—to depict how the effects and pain of war are passed down through generations. Laila’s family experiences the impact of the Soviet occupation while Mariam navigates the first years of her marriage to Rasheed. The Soviets fire Laila’s father from his position as a teacher, and Ahmad and Noor, two of Laila’s brothers, are killed while battling the Soviets. Although Laila’s family is in trouble, Laila’s teacher supports the Soviets and maintains that the populace has overthrown the former government. Due to the loss of the boys—first to the army and then when they are killed—her mother experiences despair. Laila struggles to feel like she belongs in the family because her parents always quarrel. The ongoing conflict and political change cycle has shaped Laila’s entire young life.

For Laila’s family, the Soviets leaving seemed like a happy turn of events, but a tribal faction’s attempt to seize control leads to conflict between them. Tariq’s family departs Kabul for Pakistan due to the instability. Giti, Laila’s best friend, is destroyed by a rocket, and her parents are killed by shelling her home. Rasheed and Mariam are necessary for Laila’s life, but this circumstance quickly becomes unsustainable as well. Laila, Mariam, and Aziza have no chance at all of evading capture when the Mujahideen take over Kabul, and they are sentenced to home confinement, where they almost dehydrate to death. Then, the ongoing conflict between tribal tribes and the Taliban’s extensive territory turns into a full-scale campaign on women. Rasheed is pleased that a more conservative government is in place, but because of the Taliban’s severe regulations, Laila must deliver Zalmai via cesarean section without anesthetic. The cruelty of the Taliban is matched by the cruelty Rasheed exhibits at home. No aspect of life for any of the characters has not been touched by war.

Shame, Social Status, and Reputation in A Thousand Splendid Suns

Several of the characters make decisions based on how their actions will impact their reputation rather than their desires. This dissonance results in varied degrees of humiliation for numerous characters. Rasheed’s interactions demonstrate how reputation may be used as a weapon, while Nana’s treatment of Mariam demonstrates how reputation can be used as a tool to instill shame. The plot of the novel is set in motion by Jalil’s shame at having Mariam recognized as his daughter. Mariam would not have wed Rasheed if he had not worried about what other people would think of him. Throughout the book, Mariam is identified by her reputation as a harami. Laila, who consistently prioritizes her own goals over those of others, is one of the few characters who can struggle with throwing away her reputation. Mariam eventually succeeds in doing this as well, and it turns out to be the turning point in her story. A person’s reputation in Afghanistan matters not only personally but also politically. The Taliban’s Shari’a laws have serious consequences for women who do not experience sentiments of shame, like Laila.

Genuine Love in A Thousand Splendid Suns

The concept of pure love contrasts and coexists with the terrible outcomes of arranged weddings. Mammy (Fariba) and Babi (Hakim), Laila’s parents, had a real love-type marriage. Despite their frequent arguments in Laila’s early years, they still spoke with affection about how they met and fell in love. They still like relating their courtship tales to Laila. Their relationship is stressed out by life’s occurrences rather than a lack of affection. The author implies through these two characters that true love does not involve violence but rather involves sticking together and making decisions as a couple. Mammy and Babi delay leaving Kabul until they are both on board, a choice that ultimately costs them their lives. Laila remembers them as having a loving relationship, even though she is subjected to horrific brutality in her arranged marriage. Laila finds the courage to confront Rasheed and the understanding that she does not deserve his violence from the memories of her parent’s love for one another.

True love is demonstrated through Laila’s narrative with Tariq, which demonstrates that it endures. Tariq, her high school sweetheart, ends up being her lover. Afterward, Laila is committed to protecting his child, even if it means wed to the hateful Rasheed. When she thinks Tariq is dead, Laila keeps his memory alive and rushes to him when he knocks on her door. Laila is aware that Tariq’s presence in the home will lead to issues, but she is unsure of how harsh Rasheed’s response will be. She is prepared to deal with the repercussions, though, to speak with Tariq. When Laila must flee, Tariq waits close by, and she follows him. In the novel’s conclusion, they are married, and despite the sadness that comes along with their happiness, their love is still strong.

Another illustration of genuine love in the book is Mariam’s devotion to Aziza, Laila, and later Zalmai. Mariam’s narrative emphasizes the virtue of being prepared to make sacrifices for loved ones. Because of her love for Zalmai, Mariam is unwilling to run to safety with Laila, even if she is willing to risk her life to save the latter. She doesn’t want Zalmai to have to deal with living with his father’s murderer. She loves Laila and Aziza too much to insist on their staying, though. She values their security more than her own life. Because she was able to love Laila and the kids, the family she always desired, Mariam claims she has had a fulfilling life. Despite her fear of dying, she is able to meet her death peacefully because of this understanding.

Pain and Resilience in A Thousand Splendid Suns

All of the characters in ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns ‘ have experienced both physical and emotional agony. But this sorrow manifests itself in various ways. Losing a loved one causes its unique brand of acute pain, frequently in a way that doesn’t appear to offer any sort of solace. But, there are other forms of hardship that the characters voluntarily put up with to save others. ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns ‘ appears to be struggling with how to establish a hierarchy of suffering and loss. Is the death of Laila’s brothers—which occurred after Babi, or so Mammy alleges—allowed them to fight the Mujahideen somehow worse than the accidental rocket that took Giti’s life? Several techniques are used by the characters to deal with such hardship. After the passing of her sons, Mammy seeks solace in her gloomy bedroom but never fully appears to be able to get over her grief. Laila is more practical; she marries Rasheed as a result of her parents’ passing rather than despite it because she believes it to be her only alternative. This kind of tenacity seems to be encouraged in the book rather than the immobility that can result from suffering. Even though the characters’ pain may be irreversible, there is strength and value to be derived from their ability to survive.

This is particularly true when the characters voluntarily choose to endure. For instance, Laila voluntarily consents to be beaten by the Taliban for going alone as a woman to visit and spend time with her daughter Aziza who is being raised in an orphanage. Mariam naturally decides to kill Rasheed to give Laila a better chance at life, despite knowing full well that she will be found guilty and put to death by the Taliban as a result. It is suggested that women, in particular, excel at this capacity to willingly suffer for the benefit of others. From Mariam’s sacrifice to Laila’s very difficult childbirth, women suffer on their own.

Intergender Dynamics and Afghan Women

Hosseini can highlight particular facets of Afghan life and history that diverge from the mainstream historical narrative by recounting the tale of ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns ‘ from the perspectives of two Afghan women. In reality, the book makes use of the restrictions placed on Afghan women to examine how women have dealt with, overcome, and defied these restraints. Throughout the book, gender relations vary according to the occupying troops and the regulations that go along with them. For instance, under communist control, girls are allowed to go to school and work outside the family. Babi pushes Laila to capitalize on this status and praises it. Yet, before being married, girls are advised not to spend too much time with people of the other sex. Gender relations can also be influenced by particular cultural or traditional customs; Mariam, for example, has been forced to wear a burqa by her husband for a long time before it was made legal. The ones who go off to fight are the males, like Laila’s brothers, while the women stay at home and frequently have to deal with the effects of war.

The Mujahideen and, later, the Taliban arrive, significantly altering the comparatively progressive gender norms of communism. The limitations on Laila’s freedom of expression and travel have the effect of removing Kabul, the city she always believed to be hers. Nonetheless, the protagonists manage to buck these expectations. Laila slips to the orphanage across town, and Mariam plots an escape from Rasheed with her. Although Rasheed’s brutal beatings may have been lawful under the Taliban, Hosseini is unmistakably on the side of more rights for women, and the reader is intended to support Laila and Mariam as they fight against these injustices.

What is the main theme in ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns ?’

The persecution of women in a patriarchal society is one of the main themes in ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns. ‘ The book is set in Afghanistan, a nation where women are required to act by gender norms and are denied fundamental freedoms like the right to an education and the freedom to travel around as they like.

What lessons can be gleaned from ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns ?’

One of the lessons in ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns ‘ is the value of human fortitude and the capacity to bear unfathomable agony. Throughout the upheaval of war, Mariam and Laila, two women who struggle in a patriarchal culture, forge an unshakable relationship. Their experience is told in the novel. The tale also teaches readers the value of female unity. Mariam and Laila develop a strong friendship despite coming from different origins.

What genre is “A Thousand Splendid Suns” ?

Khaled Hosseini’s ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns ‘ is a work of fiction that falls within the literary and historical fiction categories. A subgenre of literature, known as historical fiction, uses historical persons or events as the backdrop for fictional stories that are set in the past. The novel ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns ‘ is set in Afghanistan in the 1980s, during the Soviet occupation, and in the 1990s, during the Taliban administration.

Why did Mariam stay with Rasheed in ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns?’

Mariam’s decision to endure the violence and stay with Rasheed can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, societal and cultural pressures played a significant role. Growing up in a society where women were expected to be obedient and submissive, Mariam internalized these expectations and felt trapped in her marriage. Additionally, Mariam felt a sense of duty and responsibility towards her role as a wife and mother, despite the mistreatment she endured.

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A Thousand Splendid Suns

By khaled hosseini, a thousand splendid suns study guide.

Khaled Hosseini 's second novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns , was written after Hosseini traveled back to his native Afghanistan to examine for himself the nation’s situation in the aftermath of decades of turmoil. In early 2007, Hosseini told Time Magazine about this rationale: "On the one hand, I was hoping I'd got it right, that I didn't screw up [in The Kite Runner ]. On the other hand, what I'd written was so terrible, part of me was kind of hoping that it wasn't quite that bad. The reality was that it was actually worse."

Hosseini had left Afghanistan before the Soviet takeover, and Time suggests that this novel is an act towards his redemption for his family’s choice not to return to the country. Unlike Hosseini's first novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns contains no scenes set in America. Hosseini crafts the story of two strong Afghan women of different ages from different areas whose lives intersect for a while. The novel, which spans Afghan history from before the Soviet war until after Taliban rule, has been said by critics to be even better than the Hosseini's critically acclaimed The Kite Runner. Entertainment Weekly notes that readers from Howard Stern to Laura Bush have been hooked by the novel.

The novel can be divided into four main sections on the basis of subject matter. The first part focuses on the upbringing of Mariam , a child of illegitimate birth who was raised in a small hut outside of the city of Herat. The second section focuses on Laila , who is a generation younger than Mariam. Laila is born in Kabul to two parents, and her father hopes that she will contribute to Afghan society. The third part follows the intersection of Mariam's and Laila's lives. In the last part, they travel their separate paths.

Time reports that Hosseini's books have not yet been published in Afghanistan. Time suggests that readers in Afghanistan have too little time and money to spend on novels and that Hosseini’s style may seem too “confessional” (despite the fact that the novel is not autobiographical). Readers may well observe that Hosseini's writing seems American in style because of its open confrontation of difficult moral, social, and political issues.

In this context, Hosseini told Time that "I guess I misunderstood what the role of fiction was. Because I never thought it was about writing things that everybody agrees about, that make everybody feel warm and fuzzy inside. I guess it's my Western sensibility, now that I've lived here for so long, that I feel like these are things we should talk about."

A Thousand Splendid Suns Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for A Thousand Splendid Suns is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What do you notice about the landscape?

According to the text, the landscape is harsh and unforgiving.... "bleak and pitiless."

Who has built the classroom at the renovated orphanage in Chapter 51?

Tariq, Laila and Zaman to refurbish the facility.

What dream does Laila have in chapter 26? When she recalls the dream later in the same chapter, why is it ironic and significant?

In the dream, she and Tariq are sitting on a beach and she tells him to listen to the singing sand. The sand sings beautiful notes: "groaning" and "mewling," Hosseini suggests the sand, in its shifting, sings foreshadowing strife that lies ahead...

Study Guide for A Thousand Splendid Suns

A Thousand Splendid Suns is Khaled Hosseini's second novel. Like his first novel, The Kite Runner, it is set in Afghanistan. A Thousand Splendid Suns study guide contains a biography of Khaled Hosseini, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About A Thousand Splendid Suns
• A Thousand Splendid Suns Summary
• Character List

Essays for A Thousand Splendid Suns

A Thousand Splendid Suns is the second novel written by Khaled Hosseini. A Thousand Splendid Suns essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.

• The Lasting Effects of Abuse in Miriam’s Life
• Strength Within Struggle
• Oppression of Women: A Comparison of A Thousand Splendid Suns and Tess of the D'Ubervilles
• The Sun Shines on Olympus
• Comparing "Osama" and "A Thousand Splendid Suns"

Lesson Plan for A Thousand Splendid Suns

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to A Thousand Splendid Suns
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• A Thousand Splendid Suns Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for A Thousand Splendid Suns

• Introduction

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Books — A Thousand Splendid Suns

Essays on A Thousand Splendid Suns

Prompt examples for "a thousand splendid suns" essays, the role of women in afghan society.

Explore the portrayal of women in Afghan society as depicted in "A Thousand Splendid Suns." How do characters like Mariam and Laila challenge or conform to traditional gender roles?

Motherhood and Sacrifice

Discuss the theme of motherhood and sacrifice in the novel. How do Mariam and Laila's experiences as mothers shape their characters and the trajectory of the story?

The Impact of War and Conflict

Analyze the effects of war and conflict on the lives of the characters. How do the political upheavals in Afghanistan impact their personal journeys and relationships?

Friendship and Solidarity

Examine the evolving friendship between Mariam and Laila. How does their relationship evolve, and what does it symbolize in the context of the broader narrative?

Social Injustice and Oppression

Discuss the themes of social injustice and oppression in the novel. How are characters like Rasheed representative of the oppressive systems in Afghan society?

Redemption and Healing

Explore the concepts of redemption and healing in the story. How do Mariam and Laila find ways to heal and rebuild their lives in the face of adversity?

The Importance of Education

Analyze the significance of education in the lives of the characters. How does access to education empower Mariam and Laila, and what does it represent for Afghan women?

Family and Identity

Discuss the theme of family and identity in the novel. How do Mariam and Laila's backgrounds and family histories shape their sense of self and belonging?

Symbolism in "A Thousand Splendid Suns"

Examine the use of symbolism in the novel. What do elements like the burqa, the Kabul River, and the title itself symbolize in the story?

The Afghan Cultural Landscape

Explore the rich cultural tapestry of Afghanistan as depicted in the book. How does the author convey the traditions, customs, and folklore of Afghan society?

The Power and Struggle of Women in a Thousand Splendid Suns

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The Confusion Towards The Rights of Women in "A Thousand Splendid Suns"

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Gender Roles and Male Dominance in 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'

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A Thousand Splendid Suns: Oppression of Women and The Veil Controversy

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May 22, 2007

Khaled Hosseini

Novel, Domestic Fiction

Mullah Faizullah, Zalmai, Mariam, Jalil, Aziza, Nana, Fariba, Tariq, Laila, Rasheed, Hakim

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Literary Analysis: a Thousand Splendid Suns

A Thousand Splendid Suns is an outstanding novel published in 2007, written by Khalid Hosseini, who is known as a three-bestselling author. The subjects of this novel reflect on and have similarities in conflict like his previous book, The Kite Runner written in 2003. Khalid narrates the different aspects of afghan woman before and during the soviet invasion to the reign of the Taliban.

The time span of the novel from when published, goes back approximately thirty-seven years. Hosseini tells the story of the obedience in the common fate to become co-wives of the same misogynistic, brutal man. He explains the one-sided story of the real-life characters that were brought up in the upheavals of the last forty years. It is a manifestation of the struggle under harsh sociopolitical and economic circumstances which highlights the labeling and diverse issues the afghan woman was once born into. The importance of endurance is not to remain suppressed, instead to stand up against oppressors under harsh conditions.

The book begins with an unhappy little girl named Mariam who is considered a harami, or to American’s, what we would call a bastard child. She was an ethnic Tajik born in Heart in 1959. This little harami lives in an outside hut built by her father Jalil who rejects her in many ways. A few ways would be how he keeps her away from her nine brothers and sisters and only visits her once a week. Her mother Nana was a servant in the household of Jalil. He was a rich and powerful man who took advantage of her and wanted nothing more. Mariam was loved in a very crucial way. Her mother made it known she was the symbol of their shame. Mariam knew she did not have the acceptance of her family and that she never would. Through gritted teeth her mother once told her, “You are a clumsy little harami. This is my reward for everything I endured, an heirloom-breaking, clumsy little harami.” All this because she broke a treasured heirloom once and her mother never forgave her for it.

After her mother’s death Mariam is married off at the age of fifteen to a shoemaker named Rasheed, who was an ethnic Pashtun. Rasheed was a very stern and aggressive man and he emotionally, mentally, and physically abused Mariam. Some days he seemed to have love and endured her, but only if she did as she was told. She could do nothing but take this treatment, though she feared him in every way. Strangely, she felt some connection to him since he was the only person she had, there was no other choice then to love him as her husband. Her mother always told her, “It’s our lot in life, woman like us, we endure and it’s all we have.” The warnings of her mother were the validity of every afghan woman’s life. Soon the story takes a sad turn and the suicide of Nana, Mariam’s mother, is a depiction of the way women are positioned in the afghan society. Women in these times were being blamed for everything with no way out, surviving only on their great strength to endure the inequalities and injustice-ness of their lives.

Mariam and Rasheed lived the life of a semi-normal married couple. They went on walks, he showed her the town, and bought her gifts from time to time. Mariam soon became pregnant and they shared the joy together. Mariam finally felt like she had a purpose and she told herself that her unborn child was the reason she was brought into this world. Not to long into her pregnancy Mariam lost the baby. Once this happened, her and Rasheed disconnected and shut down. They did not speak often, nor did they connect in the little ways they had before. Their home became an unhappy home and Mariam no longer found purpose in her life. For now, she was empty and alone once again.

Over the years Rasheed’s hatred against Mariam grew, no matter what she did to please him it was never enough. Mariam awoke every day to do her wifely duties and made sure she did nothing to upset Rasheed, but he no longer looked at her as his wife. She could not give him what he truly wanted which was children, he viewed her as a failure. She had failed him seven times. After four years of marriage, Mariam was now just a burden and he constantly yelled and ridiculed Mariam. He even made her chew on pebbles until she drew blood and her molars broke because she couldn’t cook rice his way. This was his way of describing how he felt about her cooking. He had no mercy for her and she was nothing but a harami once again.

In these chapters, Hossieni describes the position of a woman in the afghan society as the one’s to reproduce and take care of their husband with very little say. The domestic abuse is not due to lack of abiding by woman to the informal laws and traditions; rather it is the men’s privilege to blame woman for anything irrespective of woman’s fault. At one point in the beginning of the novel, Nana explains to Mariam the future code of conduct, “Learn this now, and learn it well, my daughter: Like a compass needle that points north, a man’s accusing finger always finds a woman. Always. You remember that, Mariam.” I believe Hossieni wrote this to illustrate the way woman are being blamed and treated despite their pure innocence. The society has laws and customs that prohibits woman from arguing with men, let alone the right to end unequal treatment.

Through out the book Hosseini also told the story of another young girl named Laila, an ethnic Pashtun who was born in 1978. Her upbringings weren’t quite the same as Mariam. Laila’s father was university educated and was a teacher. Her faher was very fond of her and they had a close relationship with her, unlike Mariam and her father. Laila and her mother’s relationship was not the best. Her mother did not mistreat her, however she just did not connect very well with her. Through out the chapter’s of Laila’s life, a close relationship blooms between her and her best friend Tariq, an ethnic Pashtun born in 1976. Laila was in love with Tariq, but even though she wanted him to be her husband one day, her family refused because he had a fake leg and they looked poorly at him for being handicap.

Laila’s life was lived through the war and one day during the war her town was wiped out. When this happened most of her family and friends were assumed dead, this including the life of her beloved Tariq. Soon after this, Mariam and Laila’s lives became worse when Rasheed takes Laila as his second wife. Even though Laila and Mariam were unhappy about the marriage they both knew neither of them had a say. Later on Laila shared secrets with Mariam about her pregnancy with her beloved Tariq who was assumed dead. Even though the girls were unpleased about the sharing of the household they soon softened once the baby was born. Since Rasheed was uncomfortable that the baby was not a boy, Mariam and Laila raised the baby with no help from Rasheed. This behavior from a husband was normal in the life for an afghan mother that could not birth a son.

Over the years Mariam and Laila live their lives as Rasheed’s wives, multiple times they try to escape their miserable life. In the afghan society when a woman is seen traveling alone it is a red flag. It is not allowed and they in most parts can be risking their lives. When the women were caught the first time, it was very scary for them as it would be for any afghan woman. Rasheed was not happy and punished both of them harshly for their misbehavior.

A little later Tariq, who Laila thought was dead showed up and in that moment changes everything for Laila. Rasheed found out the child was not his and makes Laila give her up. Laila already hated her life and wanted to escape, now this just gave her more will to leave. Once again Laila and Mariam risk their lives trying to escape with Tariq’s help and try to get Laila and Tariq’s child back. During this, they are caught once again and Mariam risks her own life for the others to escape and is given a public execution. Mariam believed she finally had a purpose once again and this was to help her new friends, known now as family, to live the life that they deserved and always wanted. She wanted no more suffering for neither her or them.

Mariam’s sacrifice was not just for her sake nor her friends, it was to represent the strength for every afghan woman in this society. Hosseini identifies the inequalities within the society and narrates the story of the two young woman who are positioned unequally and treated very poorly. These women live in a country that is ruined by war and religious-political oppression. Women in Afghan society are deprived of many rights and freedoms, especially in the after math of the Mujahideen movement. At one point Hosseini writes, “In a few years, this little girl will be a woman…turbulence that washed over her” (Hosseini 355). The story of Laila and Mariam has proved the endurance of woman. The subsequent public execution of Mariam is reflective of the way woman in most suppressed societies of the world struggle to achieve individual and collective freedom.

The story “A Thousand Splendid Suns”, is not only a narration based on true life situations, instead provides a deeper understanding of the struggle of an afghan woman. In this novel, both religious and political dimensions of the afghan society is depicted. Hosseini greatly emphasizes the role of women providing women with strength to endure and to make it through life with the lack of their fundamental rights as human beings. Though the efforts are not always significant, the endurance of Mariam and Laila, along with the supportive relationship they received from one another gives us hope. Coupled with progressive thinking and women holding up women in strife, there is light at the end of the tunnel for women in these societies.

Works Cited

• Hosseini, Khalid. A Thousand Splendid Suns. Riverhead Books, May 22, 2007.
• Wikipedia contributors. ‘Khaled Hosseini.’ Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 19 Sep. 2018. Web. 25 Sep. 2018.

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From Dua Lipa’s book club to George Saunders’ Substack: a guide to the online books world

From BookTube to podcasts, newsletters and tweets, literature is finding ever-more new homes. Here are some you should definitely be browsing

B etween BookTube, Bookstagram, book podcasts and book newsletters, the online world of literary fandom is ever-expanding. Avid readers as well as authors, critics, journalists and celebrities are pushing the norms of literary criticism, finding new, less formal ways to talk about the latest books.

To help navigate the sea of content, here is our guide to some of the best sources of reading recommendations, author chats, writing advice and literary hot takes. And, if you haven’t already, do sign up to our own new-look books newsletter , Bookmarks.

If you want authors unfiltered

Sweater Weather , a Substack newsletter by American author Brandon Taylor, collects his thoughts on an eclectic range of topics related to craft and literature, from annotation-friendly gel pens to campus novels to marriage plots . Meanwhile, American writer George Saunders, who won the Booker prize in 2017, runs Story Club , where he shares writing tips.

If you like your book recommendations served with a side of comedy

If you’ve been wanting to join a book club but don’t like “wine, or nibbles, or being around other people,” try Sara & Cariad’s Weirdos Book Club , hosted by comedians Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd. Their tastes are among the broadest on this list, spanning romance, thriller, science fiction, poetry, literary fiction and memoir. Guests are usually comedians – Tim Key, Andi Osho and Nish Kumar have featured – bringing a welcome lightness to discussions of serious literary themes.

If you want the critic’s take

New Yorker critic Merve Emre puts fellow critics in the hot seat on her new podcast, The Critic and Her Publics . Her guests perform criticism in real time on an object they’re unfamiliar with, letting listeners into the mind of a critic at work. In the first episode, Andrea Long Chu is tasked with analysing Zoe Leonard ’s 1992 poem I Want a President, which opens “I want a dyke for president. I want a person with Aids for president and I want a fag for vice-president and I want someone with no health insurance”. They discuss the poem’s manifesto-like style, political content, and its virality on social media.

If you want to eavesdrop on intimate author chats

The Books and Boba podcast invites Asian and Asian American authors on to discuss their careers and novels. In a recent episode, Tan Twan Eng talks through his journey from being an intellectual property lawyer in Kuala Lumpur to publishing three books, all of which have been longlisted for the Booker prize (his second novel, The Garden of Evening Mists, made the shortlist, too). Another interview-style podcast, Reading the Room , has featured the likes of Sheila Heti, Mona Awad, Ottessa Moshfegh and Tom Crewe. The host, Jaylen Lopez, focuses closely on the themes and style of the guests’ work, posing precise, illuminating questions that authors readily engage with.

If you’re looking for the bookfluencers who have stood the test of time

Content creator Jack Edwards bridges the gap between the traditional UK literary scene and younger, online readers: last year, he hosted the Booker prize livestream; in May, he’s interviewing Elizabeth Day at Hay festival. On YouTube, his pun-packed videos include a long-running series reviewing books that celebrities – Pedro Pascal, Kendall Jenner, Zendaya, Harry Styles – have recommended. YouTuber Leena Norms also injects fun into literary chat, with videos such as “tortured poet writes poems based on Taylor Swift’s track list” tied in with the singer’s poetry-themed album. Her content often has an anti-capitalist and climate-focused angle.

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If you want to know what the cool girls are reading

Last year, pop singer Dua Lipa launched a book club; her monthly picks have since included Crying In H Mart by Michelle Zauner, Trust by Hernan Diaz and A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Selected authors are interviewed by Lipa and curate reading lists and playlists of tracks they listen to while writing. Model Kaia Gerber’s book club started as a weekly Instagram Live in 2020 but has recently been revamped into the more formal Library Science . Her recommended reads include Sex and Rage by Eve Babitz, In Memoriam by Alice Winn and Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar.

If you want short but sweet reviews

Katie James shares thoughtful reflections on literary fiction and essays on YouTube and Instagram ; two of her favourite reads last year were Sula by Toni Morrison and Close to the Knives by David Wojnarowicz. For poetry, visit Ebony Kenae’s YouTube channel to find recommendations for beginner-friendly poems and tips on writing poetry . And if you’re a literary prize nerd, don’t miss Eric Karl Anderson’s bite-size reviews of nominated books, his predictions for shortlists and winners, and his endearing reactions .

If you want wisdom from the archive

Franz Kafka isn’t known for being cheery, but there’s an X account dedicated to showing the “ sunny side ” of the writer through daily quotes. The Virginia Woolf and Anaïs Nin bots are decidedly less jolly. And going more niche: Sylvia Plath’s Food Diary is committed to posting everything the poet ate, recorded in her journals, letters and work.

If you want writing advice from the pros

The Always Take Notes podcast offers writing tips straight from the horse’s mouth. The hosts go into the nitty-gritty of writing books – from planning, to publishing, to payment (they always ask about a guest’s financial circumstances) – with authors including Ian McEwan, Orlando Figes and Monica Ali. Another podcast, Longform , has a similar remit but a greater focus on American authors; recent guests include Sloane Crosley, Hua Hsu and Hanif Abdurraqib.

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