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A Thousand Splendid Suns : (Chapters 1-10 (Quote ("Only one skill.…
A Thousand Splendid Suns :
Chapters 1-10
Quote
"Only one skill. And it it's this: tahamul. Endure." Part 1, Ch. 3, Page 18
Nana tells Marium to endure all the negative things that may come her way in the future. This may be foreshadowing what has yet to surface in the plot.
"It ends here for you and me. Say your good-byes." Part 1, Ch. 8. Page 55
This is the point in the story where Marium realizes her worth and how her mother was right all along. Her father only ever cared about his image and when Nana died and Marium was forced in his life, he thought she was a burden on him.
"I think you look like a queen." Part 1, Ch. 4, Page 24
In this quote, Jalil tells Marium she looks like a queen, however, he has never treated her like one. This suggests he cares more about the surface and less about substance which shows his character.
Questions
In what ways did Mariam experience an awakening toward her mother, her father, and extended family?
In what ways does middle-eastern culture differ from western culture?
Do you think Nana had Mariam best interest at heart or do you think her approach was intentionally harmful? Explain.
Chapters 11-20
Quotes
"Even if it's your parents, your uncles or aunts. Because none of them loves you as much as your country does." Part 2, Ch. 16. Page 112
This quote by Laila's teacher, Khala Rangmaal, foreshadows a life for Mariam that not only includes Rasheed's rule over her, but now the government's. Although she suggests the "country loves its citizens", a communist government that asks them to turn their own kin into authority's for expressing a different viewpoint, does not indicate love.
"'It's normal, isn't it? Isn't it? Isn't it normal?'" Part 1, Ch 13, Page 90
The quote by Mariam illustrates the terror of not having a normal life as she'd hoped. The baby was her 'ticket' to normalcy and losing it wasn't something she could bare.
"'If it's a girl...and it isn't, but, if it is a girl, then you can chose whatever name you want.'" Part 1, Ch. 13, Page 87
The quote by Rasheed shows how little value is associated with girls in middle-eastern culture. In fact, Rasheed was in denial about even the possibility of having a girl as highlighted in the phrase "and it isn't.".
Questions
Predict how the change to a communist rule could potentially impact both the rich (Jahlil) and the poor (Mariam).
How does Mariam adapt to the changes in her and Rasheed's relationship following the multiple miscarriages?
Can a communist government and the Muslim faith coexist?
Chapters 21-30
Quotes
"I'd just as soon we'd get it done." (Hosseini 218) Ch. 30
This quote by Laila illustrates her lack of options and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of her pregnancy. Although she knew that marrying Rasheed while pregnant for Tariq's child was wrong, she no longer had the option of placing her virtue above her predicament.
"The way I see it, I deserve a medal." (Hosseini 216) Ch. 29
This quote by Rasheed shows his attempts to convince Mariam that marrying Laila is in everyone's best interest. In actuality, Rasheed is taking advantage if a vulnerable fourteen year old girl and doing so with only his interests in mind.
"Let me marry you, Laila" (Hosseini 184) Ch. 25
This quote represents irony because an offer of marriage by Tariq was everything Laila ever wanted. However, the circumstance surrounding the offer dictated that she could not say yes and in fact was a painful experience.
Questions
Describe how the circumstances differ between Tariq's marriage proposal to Laila and Rasheed's.
Identify the irony of the choices she makes in light of her fathers wishes.
Discuss why Laila has survivors guilt.
Chapters 31-40
Questions
In what ways were Laila's and Mariam's attempt to escape Kabul flawed?
Describe the impact on Kabul's population when the Taliban gained control of the government.
Eplain why the Taliban destroyed the numerous religious and cultural symbols when it gained controlled.
Quotes
"Dirt on your head! Dirt on your head!" (Hosseini 234) Ch. 32
Mariam's emotional quote, wishing death on Laila, illustrates how fractured of a relationship Rasheed's 2 wives shared early on. It is the rock-bottom point in their relationship and comes in the final moments before the two begin developing the story's most important and selfless relationship.
"You should not get so attached." (Hosseini 239) Ch. 33
This quote is ironic because Rasheed, on several occasions, allowed himself to become overly attached to just the thought of having a son. Yet, he cautions Laila about emotionally investing in their actual living child. Rasheed clearly does not care about Laila or her emotional well-being. This is yet another example of his selfish and misguided belief that women are inferior and not worth the same amount of attachment as men.
"I know it's zahmat for you. But you look like a decent brother..." (Hosseini 261) Ch. 35
This quote highlights their fatal flaws in their plan to escape. Because of their restricted freedoms and sheltered lives, they did not recognize the dangers of trying to assume someone will help based on their looks.
Chapters 41-51
Quotes
"Don't do this, Mariam." (Hossieni 357) Ch. 46
This plea from Laila to Mariam, begging Mariam to flee with her, Tariq and the children rather than stay behind and face the consequences. While the two women were once rivals and strongly disliked one another, in this moment, none of that hate remained.
"Mammy has a new friend." (Hossieni 334) Ch. 44
This quote by Zalmai introduces the largest shift in the story involving the characters. It involves the return of Laila's one true love, Tariq, and marks the beginning of the end for Rasheed. With those five words, Zalmai sets in motion the events that will lead to the death of Rasheed and Mariam and the return of Laila and Tariq.
"I'm alright. Yes. Very much." (Hossieni 414) Ch. 51
This quote by Laila, spoken at the end of the book, ensurers to the characters their troubles are no more. This was also the author's way of ensuring to the readers the conflicts are over-with and resolved.
Questions
Explain how Rasheed orchestrated the events that led to his marriage to Laila.
Explain why is the book titled "A Thousand Splendid Suns."
Who was ultimately responsible for Rasheed's death? (Identify and explain)
Final Thoughts
Quotes
"'If it's a girl...and it isn't, but, if it is a girl, then you can chose whatever name you want.'" (Hosseini 87) Ch. 13
"Even if it's your parents, your uncles or aunts. Because none of them loves you as much as your country does."(Hosseini 112) Ch. 16.
"The way I see it, I deserve a medal." (Hosseini 216) Ch. 29
Book Reflection
A thousand splendid suns was a very bitter-sweet and telling story. Bitter because Mariam had to die to enable Lalia and Tairq to be to be together. Sweet because Tariq and Lalia had a loving relationship which is rare in the middle-eastern culture. Finally, the novel is telling because the author informs the readers how tough live is for middle-eastern women especially when compared to women in the United States.
Questions
Why is the middle-eastern culture so difficult on women?
Did the women in the story enjoy more freedom under communist rule or under Muslim rule and why?
How do you think the plot would've evolved if Laila fled to Pakistan with Tairq?
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