This blog is designed for students in Ms. Kimpson's English IV class. Students will be able to express their thoughts and comment on the thoughts of others. Please remember to respect the opinions of others. No profanity is allowed!!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Literary Circle - A Thousand Splendid Suns
Please post your lit circle for A Thousand Splendid Suns here:
I think Laila's reaction was very expressive. Her and Tariq have been friends since childhood so to Laila his leaving was like taking a part of her. Tariq has always been there to protect her and be a friend and even a lover, so her reaction I feel was justified and just shows how much she really loves him and his family.
It was already well known that Laila and Tariq were in fact in love, and there sexual act showed how close they really were. The act itself was very spontaneious, but at the same time it displayed a whole new level of there committment. She gave something very precious to him, something that she could have been killed for. [We all know the Muslim soceity is very unforgiving but she did not care.] And although at the time they did not know it, that one experience woud tie them together for the rest of their lives.
When the war comes to Afghanistan, The emotional farewell beteen Laila and Tariq regarding Tariq's departure to Pakistan with his family, proves that Laila and Tariq are very much in love with each other and displays how the two possess genuine feelings for each other.
I think that there love was so deep that the only way to completely express there love was physically. I feel like there relationship goes beyond words and the fact that Tariq was leaving pushed there relationship to new heights.
I think that having sex was their goodbye, even if Laila did not want to have a torterous, heartbreaking "good bye"." As much as Laila was in love with Tariq, she couldn't convince herself to go to Pakistan with him and his family. She thought of her father and how she's all "he has left, his heart couldn't take it." I am sure it kills Laila inside when she makes Tariq leave, especially hearing when he said he would come back for her. The love is there. It will never leave.
The grandiose of those stautes represents the grandeur of afghanistan as it once was. It represents the accomplishments of the nations past and also the nations willingness to accept other religions and beliefs instead of being so closed minded as they are now. Just like its creation which was over two thousand years represents its greatness, the fact that they destroyed something so precious to the world's history represents the capacity for great destruction as well. I hope I answered the right question
I got it now. This particular fortress is a representation of Afghanistan becuase it's been damaged and broken time and time again but never destroyed it's still their just like the people and cities within the country. They may have to endure a lot between radical extremest and the various wars, but they will never give up because that's the place they call home
My above response is for the first question. For the second, the Mongols invaded, and Genghis Khan's grandson was killed during the attack on Shahr-e Zohak. Consequently, Genghis Khan "himself" destroyed the Red City, emphasizing one of the many invasions in the country. The destruction of the fortress demonstrates the need for better protection from those who seek to have total control, whether it be "Macedonians, Sassanians, Arabs, Mongols" or Soviets. Afghanistan was perceived as a weak country, and the fall of the fortress only proves this.
When the Taliban destroyed the two Buddhas I think it really showed how truly chatoic Afghanistan was. The killings, raping, and fighting was far from being over. The novel says that "there was an outcry around the world, from the US to China. Governments, historians, and archaeoligists from all over the globe pleaded with the Taliban not to demolish the two greatest historical facts in Afganistan" (Hosseini). The Afghani people were literally watching their country befall before their eyes. In a way, to me, it also showed the world that Afghan needed dire and immediate attention.
The novel says “the story of our country, one invader after another… we’re like those walls up there. Battered, and nothing pretty to look at, but still standing.” I think those walls represent the battle scars of their country. What a flag means to us today is what the fortress represents. It shows that they never stop fighting no matter how brutal the fight. This relates to Laila's plight, because throughout her marriage she is both physically and emotionally battered and violated but despite her battle scars she is still standing and remains standing by the end of the novel.
I agree with Cynthia's statement in sense. Just like other countries in the past took over and enforced their rule the same thing is still happening in the present between Communist Russia, Ahmad Shah Massoud, President Rabbani, and the Taliban. The country is so susceptible to harmful things because too many people want to do what's best for them instead of what's best for the country.
Genius! Chinwe's last sentence is very true. I can see Laila as being her own country, fighting for survival and independence (Edna, much?), and in the end, after all the struggles, ridicule, chaos, and pain, she lives akin to the fortress that is now in ruins!
Laila has a very close and loving relationship with her father. I think from him she not only gets her intelligence, but she gets compassion and benevolence. her father exposed her to things that her mother never did. For example he taight her schoolwork, about their Afghan culture, and how to be a loving person. They needed each other, especially with their mother being "ill". They were each others solace in a terrible world;)
Because of the traditions that many native citizens of Afghanistan follow, the relationship with the father is the most respectful, as he is viewed as the "king" of the household. Like Jacoby said, of the traits that she inherited her knowledge is key to her role in the novel. Their relationship is very loving to the point where he says to Laila, “You're a very, very bright girl. Truly you are. You can be anything that you want.”
Laila's relationship with her father is very intimate. He has high for his daughter and he sees the greatness in her unlike her mother who loves her, but doesn't pay any attention to her. I think she inherited his love for knowledge his need to understand where she comes from and her place in the world as a Afghan woman. Her father tells her that "its a good time to be a woman in Afghanistan and you can take advantage of that". One way she's very different though is her unwillingness to submit. Her father is kind of timid and she's far from it considering the several beatings she has recieved as a result of her boisterousness.
Also, the fact that Hakim goes against his culture beliefs ,giving education to a woman, shows that he values Laila's future and anticipates her to succeed in life.
Laila and Hakim have an extremely close bond. He allows her to grow intellectually, even in a country where the education for women is seen as basically nonsensical. It is somewhat surprising how he has been loyal to his wife, considering the manner in which most men of his society live. He believes in her and encourages her, and she needs that encouragement after the turmoil she would endure, she needs to be able to remember the lovely conversations and affection from her father.
In my opinion, I think their bond is more of an individual, whole bond. They finally released their anger with that arguement in relation to the missing spoon, and afterwards, they looked out for eachother. They both grew a, yes, sisterly love for one another and a protective shield around themselves, together. When I say "individual, whole bond" I mean that basically, they became one. They understood eachother, they related in one way or another, they grew close. Even in the end, if Laila's new baby was to be a girl, her name would be Mariam, no questions asked! Perhaps Laila saw Mariam as a motherly figure, considering that her mother paid little to no attention to her while Mariam basically sacrificed her own LIFE for Laila. That is why I'll just say that their bond was more of becoming one person. One strong woman.
At times the bond between Laila and Mariam is seen as sisterly affection but other's it seems like it's more motherly. When the two would sit out on the porch drinking cups of chai and talking that bond seems like sister to sister links, but after Mariam kills Rasheed Laila seems almost as a child. She does not know what to do or think, but Mariam is calm collective and unafraid just how you would picture your motherly figure. To me only a mother could sacrifice herslf so save someone they truly love from suffering a tragic end. More than anything I think the bond is a mother to daughter bond because of the great respect Laila has for Mariam as a person and a woman.
I believe their bond is a mother-daughter bond, however unlike Cynthia, I believe the roles are switched because Laila virtually saves Mariam from the "torture" she endures, like a mother saving a daghter from a bad relatioship. Laila gives Mariam support and hope for a better life in the wake of the numerous miscarriages and the abuse that she recieves from her husband. I also believe that when she kills Rasheed with the shovel, it is from the courage she recieves because of the support from Laila.
I identify more with Jerona and Josh, although I belive that Cynthia made an interesting and valid point. Mariam kills her husband, and ultimately gives her life for Laila. And she does so with no hesitation. These acts more so resemble the unconditional love that only a mother can have for a child. Additionally, Laila add value, and a sense of purpose to Mariam's life. Again, feelings that a mother receives from her born. &isn't Mariam like twice the age of Laila?
I did not expect to find out that Rasheed hired a man to pose as Abdul Sharif to tell her that Tariq died in Pakistan. I thought that was extremely immoral and just disgusting. Also, the man at the station who agreed to pose as a relative, and his totally and just horribly hoaxing and lying to them was a surprise to me, for some reason. I expected to find at least one other descent man other than Hakim and Tariq, another "typical" citizen of the country who would help in the smallest way possible. However, he hurt them in the biggest way.
Well there are many points in the novel that completely shocked me, but I'll start with Tariq's sudden arrival. I for one never expected him to return! The lie about his death was a little harsh, even for Rasheeed. And what his one visit led to! It ultimately ended Rasheeds and Mariams lifeee, and started another for Laila . . .
One particular example I thought was ironic was when Mariam goes into Rasheeds room and looks through his drawers and finds the pornographic magazines. She wonders to herself asking "why Rasheed insist that she cover when he thought nothing of looking at the private areas of other mens wives and sister" (Hosseini 83). It's always funny how men expect so much out of the women, but don't fall under the same jurisdiction.
1. Laila and Tariq at first tries to hide their feelings about one another but it is obvious how intrigued they are with each other being that rumors were going around about them being a couple already. They both share a love that everyone yearns to have. Laila loves Tariq in everyway that a woman could love a man: physically, personally and unconditionally. After giving him her precious jewel, they had to face reality. Being that they both knew Laila has to stay with her family and Tariq has to leave with his, they both says a heart trending farewell. Due to tariq promises to come back for her and she charished the baby reveals the love that will forever remain.
Well the biggest thing for me was when Meriam kills Rasheed, mostly because meriams watched Laila get abused for so long and I just figured she would not have the guts to kill anyone. Also I was shocked at her understanding and serenity and knowledge of the consequences and it almost seemed like she'd been prepared for this to happen and knew one day it would come to this and she would have to be the one to kill Rasheed.
6. One of the Tali-ban judges at Mariam’s trial tells her, “God has made us different, you women and us men. Our brains are different. You are not able to think like we can.". How is this so? Discuss the differences between the womens and mens role and mind-set in the novel.
Like Chinwe, I found it ironic that Mariam kills Rasheed, the same man who has enslaved her and has kept her under his control. It is like a fire killing a fireman; the item he naturally controls kills him...
Wow everybody is taking my answer with this question...
2. At first I must say I agreed with majority about it representing the country weaknesses and strengths. Then after reading Chinwe's response which is very good, I have to agree with her. Although the fortress has been damaged and destroyed in which represents the women in Afghanistan: rules being changed making their life like living in hell, many still fought for their country but also reveals the importance of having a strong system of protection in which relates to the women fighting for their family, their rights, their independence and also the importance of having education. Laila knew how to fight the system and almostgot them out the country off her knowledge.
A woman's role in life is to be dedicated to her husband. Everything in their culture revolves around men. You can't leave the house without a male relative, you can't walk around without a burqa for fear a man will look at you inappropriate.There has to be two female witnesses to equal one male witness. Things like this show the whacked out mind-set of society. A mans role is to give orders a woman's is to follow them.
Like many other men who abide by this culture, the male species believe that women are indeed inferior beings, hence is why the women are more oppressed and live in a boundary filled life. Women are supposed to care for the families and the house, whereas a man, the king of the household , is supposed to lie back and reap the benefits of having such high status in society.The biggest example, in my opinion, is the Rasheed and Mariam situation, she slips up and is beaten, no questions asked. On a side note, many Middle Eastern cultures highly value the male, as they carry on the family name, and basically throw the girls to the side, so the judges statement was based on a matter of society issues.
3. LAila and her father has a sealed relationship that no one could evercome in between nor close to their bond. Definately Laila inherited his intelligence being that she attended school and having her own opinion such as her father believeing she should have the same education as a male and valuing education, realizing the importance of knowledge. Laila differs from her father by having the courage to stand up to Rasheed when he is in the wonrg while her father let his wife behaved the way she did all Laila life and didn't stand up to her when she talk down to him about their sons. I believe if he would of had the courage Laila have with Rasheed then their life would have been different in which laila could maybe have a better relationship with her mother.
Well in the Afghan society women are seen as lowly unintelligent things. They are regarded simply as property. They have no sense of identity, self worth, or independence. On the other hand men are seen, as Josh mentioned earlier, as kings. They're privileges are never ending. But i also think that this shows how ignorant and backwards sometimes a culture can be. Afghan is only one of the many soceities that accepts chauvinistic attitude of "man runs thee house, woman cleans it".
4. I think they share a motherly- daughter bond but the question is which is which. They both switches roles throughout the novel. At first Laila is seen as the mother due to she protected mariam when Rasheed is about to beat her and carries Mariam as long as her daughter when they try to escape from rasheed but then the role switches. Mariam defends Laila and kills Rasheed and gives herself away for Laila. They both held a motherly instict for one another when it came to protecting one another and helping one another especailly when it came to things one excelled in.
4. I think they share a motherly- daughter bond but the question is which is which. They both switches roles throughout the novel. At first Laila is seen as the mother due to she protected mariam when Rasheed is about to beat her and carries Mariam as long as her daughter when they try to escape from rasheed but then the role switches. Mariam defends Laila and kills Rasheed and gives herself away for Laila. They both held a motherly instict for one another when it came to protecting one another and helping one another especailly when it came to things one excelled in.
7. The phrase “a thousand splendid suns,” is said three times through out the novel. Once as Laila’s family prepares to leave Kabul, again when she decides to return there from Pakistan, and in the final lines: “Miriam is in Laila’s own heart, where she shines with the bursting radiance of a thousand suns.” Discuss the thematic significance of this phrase.
In the last line, I believe the phrase is the most significant. It symbolizes Mariam's newfound freedom and the fact that she possesses the radiance of a thousand splendid suns, explains that despite her horrid past, she has shone through the heart ache with the intesity of a thousand splendid suns. The fact that it is in Laila's heart explain how the two women are now connected, further explaining question 4.
(Discussing number 7 and 8 together) I think in a sense Laila's life has always been dark and filled with despair and Mariam gave her sunshine(If that makes any sense). Also, If it was not for Mariam, Laila would be dead, It is because of her bravery that Laila has many more mornings and sun-filled days. The phrase a thousand splendid suns is mentioned at every defining and transformative point in her, so in a sense the phrase helps create Laila's journey to "a thousand splendid suns", or as i see it, to happiness and brighter days.
Throughout Mariam's entire life she has never felt wanted or loved, but the way Laila sees Mariam as "a thousand splendid suns" emphasizes her importance. Mariam may not have thought she did anything great but in Laila's heart the love she has for Mariam can never die just like the duration of a thousands suns is enough lifetimes to last an eternity. I agree with Josh about Mariam shining through all the heartache and pain she's had to endure throughout her life. A lot of women would have just wasted away but Mariam didn't she didn't let her innner radiance die.
I think "a thousand splendid suns" symbolizes the impact that the two women had on each other. Mariam lies in Laila's as much more than a memory. In her deepest, darkest days Mariam proved to be a beacon of light that helped her cope. The pain, joy, and sorrow that they experienced can never is irreplacable.
5. There are many held in this novel! Such as the one my peers already has listed: Rasheed hiring a man to tell Laila that Tariq is dead,the man agreeing to bring Laila, Aziza and Mariam aboard the train but telling the officers, Mariam defending Laila and kills Rasheed, Mariam giving her life up and Tariq coming out of no where. There were also when Laila accepted Rasheed hand in marriage when I thought she would have too much pride and love for Tariq and her belief in marriage that she would say no. Also The rules they set for the women were outrageous. who would think of rules like that? Being that the novel held much irony is what makes the novel so great and keeps the readers attention.
6. THe women are suppose to be weak, ignorant and defiant human beings that only care about their family happiness and health especially their husbands like Edna is said to behave with Mr. Pontellier in 'The Awakening". While men on the other hand are suppose to be educated, strong and law making human beings that keeps their foundation up to par and dictate their wife. Men are seem as Gods in Afghanistan while women are seen as mules.
7. When you think of "A thousand splendid suns" without readin anything, what comes to mind is beauty and light. And due to the characters are two women, the thematic signifance has to be dirctly to them. The last quoteb is very direct in which where Hosseini is reffering that quote to in which Mariam. Mariam has made Laila life better with the sacrifce she made at the end but unfortunatley Mariam did not have the opportunity to truly reveal how she felt about Liala but I bet it's the same feeling. LAila have changed Mariam life where she then knew she had meaning to life and God had a purpose for her. Even thought they both changed each other's life dramatically, they both also made their two children lives better.
10. The prominent themes are Sexism, choices and consequences, freedom and aleination. The double standard for men and women have clearly been expressed in the rules that favored the men. Laila and Mariam both made choices that they both later realized and regrets. They both seek the freedom of the rules the society places on women and to escape Rasheed. They is no question whether they were alienate due to they form a bond that only held them and their children in which everyone else are considered enemies.
The most important theme I think is the inner strength of a woman. Hoow they can endure so much and still keep going. Just like her mother said the only skill a woman needs is "tahamul:endure" (Hosseini 18).The hardships of Laila such as loosing her parents her bestfirend having to marry an abusive husband and believing for ten years that the love of her life was dead show her inner strength. The difficulties Mariam faces such as being despised as a "harami" not being accepted by her father, being given away to an old man, not being able to have children, getting abused, and eventually dying shows her endurance capability which is so much higher than most women or men. I believe a reoccuring theme in this novel is the strength of a woman.
The most prominent theme of the novel is the role of women as the various women play different roles in the book and each ne represents a different part of a woman mindset. Laila is the sensible and educated part, Mariam is the submissive and enduring half. Despite these differences in character, the two still manage to become soul mates and find peace within each other.
Speaking on alienation and freedom: Throughout the entire novel Mariam was alienated, beginning with her absent father, mentally abusive mother, to her marriage with Rasheed. No one every thought about her feelings or best interest. The closest thing she ever experienced to freedom was finding a family within Laila and the children. Her life was filled with obediance, an obediance that never brought her any type of good fortune. Even until her death, she had to be obediant. " 'Kneel here, hamshira. And look down.' One last time, Mariam did as she was told" (Hosseini 371). This blind obediance shapes who Mariam is as a character.
Going with what Jacoby said regarding obedience, obedience is also one of the major roles the women in the novel play. Of course Mariam obeys Rasheed to a very high extent and misses out on her own life.
1. Discuss Laila's reaction to Tariq's family deciding to leave the city. What does that say about their relationship?
ReplyDeleteI think Laila's reaction was very expressive. Her and Tariq have been friends since childhood so to Laila his leaving was like taking a part of her. Tariq has always been there to protect her and be a friend and even a lover, so her reaction I feel was justified and just shows how much she really loves him and his family.
ReplyDeleteIt was already well known that Laila and Tariq were in fact in love, and there sexual act showed how close they really were. The act itself was very spontaneious, but at the same time it displayed a whole new level of there committment. She gave something very precious to him, something that she could have been killed for. [We all know the Muslim soceity is very unforgiving but she did not care.] And although at the time they did not know it, that one experience woud tie them together for the rest of their lives.
ReplyDeleteWhen the war comes to Afghanistan, The emotional farewell beteen Laila and Tariq regarding Tariq's departure to Pakistan with his family, proves that Laila and Tariq are very much in love with each other and displays how the two possess genuine feelings for each other.
ReplyDeleteI think that there love was so deep that the only way to completely express there love was physically. I feel like there relationship goes beyond words and the fact that Tariq was leaving pushed there relationship to new heights.
ReplyDelete2. How does the crumbling fortress of Shahr-e-Zohak represent their country and its plight.
ReplyDeleteI think that having sex was their goodbye, even if Laila did not want to have a torterous, heartbreaking "good bye"." As much as Laila was in love with Tariq, she couldn't convince herself to go to Pakistan with him and his family. She thought of her father and how she's all "he has left, his heart couldn't take it." I am sure it kills Laila inside when she makes Tariq leave, especially hearing when he said he would come back for her. The love is there. It will never leave.
ReplyDeleteThe grandiose of those stautes represents the grandeur of afghanistan as it once was. It represents the accomplishments of the nations past and also the nations willingness to accept other religions and beliefs instead of being so closed minded as they are now. Just like its creation which was over two thousand years represents its greatness, the fact that they destroyed something so precious to the world's history represents the capacity for great destruction as well. I hope I answered the right question
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI got it now. This particular fortress is a representation of Afghanistan becuase it's been damaged and broken time and time again but never destroyed it's still their just like the people and cities within the country. They may have to endure a lot between radical extremest and the various wars, but they will never give up because that's the place they call home
ReplyDeleteMy above response is for the first question. For the second, the Mongols invaded, and Genghis Khan's grandson was killed during the attack on Shahr-e Zohak. Consequently, Genghis Khan "himself" destroyed the Red City, emphasizing one of the many invasions in the country. The destruction of the fortress demonstrates the need for better protection from those who seek to have total control, whether it be "Macedonians, Sassanians, Arabs, Mongols" or Soviets. Afghanistan was perceived as a weak country, and the fall of the fortress only proves this.
ReplyDeleteWhen the Taliban destroyed the two Buddhas I think it really showed how truly chatoic Afghanistan was. The killings, raping, and fighting was far from being over. The novel says that "there was an outcry around the world, from the US to China. Governments, historians, and archaeoligists from all over the globe pleaded with the Taliban not to demolish the two greatest historical facts in Afganistan" (Hosseini). The Afghani people were literally watching their country befall before their eyes. In a way, to me, it also showed the world that Afghan needed dire and immediate attention.
ReplyDeleteok obviously i answered incorrectly. sorry ;]
ReplyDeleteThe novel says “the story of our country, one invader after another… we’re like those walls up there. Battered, and nothing pretty to look at, but still standing.” I think those walls represent the battle scars of their country. What a flag means to us today is what the fortress represents. It shows that they never stop fighting no matter how brutal the fight. This relates to Laila's plight, because throughout her marriage she is both physically and emotionally battered and violated but despite her battle scars she is still standing and remains standing by the end of the novel.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Cynthia's statement in sense. Just like other countries in the past took over and enforced their rule the same thing is still happening in the present between Communist Russia, Ahmad Shah Massoud, President Rabbani, and the Taliban. The country is so susceptible to harmful things because too many people want to do what's best for them instead of what's best for the country.
ReplyDeleteGenius! Chinwe's last sentence is very true. I can see Laila as being her own country, fighting for survival and independence (Edna, much?), and in the end, after all the struggles, ridicule, chaos, and pain, she lives akin to the fortress that is now in ruins!
ReplyDeleteperfectly said... kudos!
ReplyDeleteIs everyone ready for the next question?
ReplyDeleteyep
ReplyDelete3. Discuss Laila’s relationship with her father. What aspects of his character does she seem to inherit if any? In what ways is she different?
ReplyDeleteLaila has a very close and loving relationship with her father. I think from him she not only gets her intelligence, but she gets compassion and benevolence. her father exposed her to things that her mother never did. For example he taight her schoolwork, about their Afghan culture, and how to be a loving person. They needed each other, especially with their mother being "ill". They were each others solace in a terrible world;)
ReplyDeleteBecause of the traditions that many native citizens of Afghanistan follow, the relationship with the father is the most respectful, as he is viewed as the "king" of the household. Like Jacoby said, of the traits that she inherited her knowledge is key to her role in the novel. Their relationship is very loving to the point where he says to Laila, “You're a very, very bright girl. Truly you are. You can be anything that you want.”
ReplyDeleteThe two share a bond that is unrivaled in their culture
ReplyDeleteLaila's relationship with her father is very intimate. He has high for his daughter and he sees the greatness in her unlike her mother who loves her, but doesn't pay any attention to her. I think she inherited his love for knowledge his need to understand where she comes from and her place in the world as a Afghan woman. Her father tells her that "its a good time to be a woman in Afghanistan and you can take advantage of that". One way she's very different though is her unwillingness to submit. Her father is kind of timid and she's far from it considering the several beatings she has recieved as a result of her boisterousness.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the fact that Hakim goes against his culture beliefs ,giving education to a woman, shows that he values Laila's future and anticipates her to succeed in life.
ReplyDeleteLaila and Hakim have an extremely close bond. He allows her to grow intellectually, even in a country where the education for women is seen as basically nonsensical. It is somewhat surprising how he has been loyal to his wife, considering the manner in which most men of his society live. He believes in her and encourages her, and she needs that encouragement after the turmoil she would endure, she needs to be able to remember the lovely conversations and affection from her father.
ReplyDelete4. Would you say Mariam and Laila form a sisterly bond or a mother-daughter bond by the end of the novel. Who plays as who and why?
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, I think their bond is more of an individual, whole bond. They finally released their anger with that arguement in relation to the missing spoon, and afterwards, they looked out for eachother. They both grew a, yes, sisterly love for one another and a protective shield around themselves, together. When I say "individual, whole bond" I mean that basically, they became one. They understood eachother, they related in one way or another, they grew close. Even in the end, if Laila's new baby was to be a girl, her name would be Mariam, no questions asked! Perhaps Laila saw Mariam as a motherly figure, considering that her mother paid little to no attention to her while Mariam basically sacrificed her own LIFE for Laila. That is why I'll just say that their bond was more of becoming one person. One strong woman.
ReplyDeleteAt times the bond between Laila and Mariam is seen as sisterly affection but other's it seems like it's more motherly. When the two would sit out on the porch drinking cups of chai and talking that bond seems like sister to sister links, but after Mariam kills Rasheed Laila seems almost as a child. She does not know what to do or think, but Mariam is calm collective and unafraid just how you would picture your motherly figure. To me only a mother could sacrifice herslf so save someone they truly love from suffering a tragic end. More than anything I think the bond is a mother to daughter bond because of the great respect Laila has for Mariam as a person and a woman.
ReplyDeleteI believe their bond is a mother-daughter bond, however unlike Cynthia, I believe the roles are switched because Laila virtually saves Mariam from the "torture" she endures, like a mother saving a daghter from a bad relatioship. Laila gives Mariam support and hope for a better life in the wake of the numerous miscarriages and the abuse that she recieves from her husband. I also believe that when she kills Rasheed with the shovel, it is from the courage she recieves because of the support from Laila.
ReplyDelete5. Where in the novel or in what event is situational irony most palpable. (Next question will be posted around 8. I have to eat :-))
ReplyDeleteI identify more with Jerona and Josh, although I belive that Cynthia made an interesting and valid point. Mariam kills her husband, and ultimately gives her life for Laila. And she does so with no hesitation. These acts more so resemble the unconditional love that only a mother can have for a child. Additionally, Laila add value, and a sense of purpose to Mariam's life. Again, feelings that a mother receives from her born. &isn't Mariam like twice the age of Laila?
ReplyDeleteI did not expect to find out that Rasheed hired a man to pose as Abdul Sharif to tell her that Tariq died in Pakistan. I thought that was extremely immoral and just disgusting. Also, the man at the station who agreed to pose as a relative, and his totally and just horribly hoaxing and lying to them was a surprise to me, for some reason. I expected to find at least one other descent man other than Hakim and Tariq, another "typical" citizen of the country who would help in the smallest way possible. However, he hurt them in the biggest way.
ReplyDeleteWell there are many points in the novel that completely shocked me, but I'll start with Tariq's sudden arrival.
ReplyDeleteI for one never expected him to return! The lie about his death was a little harsh, even for Rasheeed. And what his one visit led to! It ultimately ended Rasheeds and Mariams lifeee, and started another for Laila . . .
One particular example I thought was ironic was when Mariam goes into Rasheeds room and looks through his drawers and finds the pornographic magazines. She wonders to herself asking "why Rasheed insist that she cover when he thought nothing of looking at the private areas of other mens wives and sister" (Hosseini 83). It's always funny how men expect so much out of the women, but don't fall under the same jurisdiction.
ReplyDeleteaww cynthia beat me to it!
ReplyDeletebut yes i completely agree ;]
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ReplyDeleteS0rry I came late to the discussion!
ReplyDelete1. Laila and Tariq at first tries to hide their feelings about one another but it is obvious how intrigued they are with each other being that rumors were going around about them being a couple already. They both share a love that everyone yearns to have. Laila loves Tariq in everyway that a woman could love a man: physically, personally and unconditionally. After giving him her precious jewel, they had to face reality. Being that they both knew Laila has to stay with her family and Tariq has to leave with his, they both says a heart trending farewell. Due to tariq promises to come back for her and she charished the baby reveals the love that will forever remain.
Well the biggest thing for me was when Meriam kills Rasheed, mostly because meriams watched Laila get abused for so long and I just figured she would not have the guts to kill anyone. Also I was shocked at her understanding and serenity and knowledge of the consequences and it almost seemed like she'd been prepared for this to happen and knew one day it would come to this and she would have to be the one to kill Rasheed.
ReplyDelete6. One of the Tali-ban judges at Mariam’s trial tells her, “God has made us different, you women and us men. Our brains are different. You are not able to think like we can.". How is this so? Discuss the differences between the womens and mens role and mind-set in the novel.
ReplyDeleteLike Chinwe, I found it ironic that Mariam kills Rasheed, the same man who has enslaved her and has kept her under his control. It is like a fire killing a fireman; the item he naturally controls kills him...
ReplyDeleteWow everybody is taking my answer with this question...
ReplyDelete2. At first I must say I agreed with majority about it representing the country weaknesses and strengths. Then after reading Chinwe's response which is very good, I have to agree with her. Although the fortress has been damaged and destroyed in which represents the women in Afghanistan: rules being changed making their life like living in hell, many still fought for their country but also reveals the importance of having a strong system of protection in which relates to the women fighting for their family, their rights, their independence and also the importance of having education. Laila knew how to fight the system and almostgot them out the country off her knowledge.
A woman's role in life is to be dedicated to her husband. Everything in their culture revolves around men. You can't leave the house without a male relative, you can't walk around without a burqa for fear a man will look at you inappropriate.There has to be two female witnesses to equal one male witness. Things like this show the whacked out mind-set of society. A mans role is to give orders a woman's is to follow them.
ReplyDeleteLike many other men who abide by this culture, the male species believe that women are indeed inferior beings, hence is why the women are more oppressed and live in a boundary filled life. Women are supposed to care for the families and the house, whereas a man, the king of the household , is supposed to lie back and reap the benefits of having such high status in society.The biggest example, in my opinion, is the Rasheed and Mariam situation, she slips up and is beaten, no questions asked. On a side note, many Middle Eastern cultures highly value the male, as they carry on the family name, and basically throw the girls to the side, so the judges statement was based on a matter of society issues.
ReplyDelete3. LAila and her father has a sealed relationship that no one could evercome in between nor close to their bond. Definately Laila inherited his intelligence being that she attended school and having her own opinion such as her father believeing she should have the same education as a male and valuing education, realizing the importance of knowledge. Laila differs from her father by having the courage to stand up to Rasheed when he is in the wonrg while her father let his wife behaved the way she did all Laila life and didn't stand up to her when she talk down to him about their sons. I believe if he would of had the courage Laila have with Rasheed then their life would have been different in which laila could maybe have a better relationship with her mother.
ReplyDeleteWell in the Afghan society women are seen as lowly unintelligent things. They are regarded simply as property. They have no sense of identity, self worth, or independence. On the other hand men are seen, as Josh mentioned earlier, as kings. They're privileges are never ending. But i also think that this shows how ignorant and backwards sometimes a culture can be. Afghan is only one of the many soceities that accepts chauvinistic attitude of "man runs thee house, woman cleans it".
ReplyDelete4. I think they share a motherly- daughter bond but the question is which is which. They both switches roles throughout the novel. At first Laila is seen as the mother due to she protected mariam when Rasheed is about to beat her and carries Mariam as long as her daughter when they try to escape from rasheed but then the role switches. Mariam defends Laila and kills Rasheed and gives herself away for Laila. They both held a motherly instict for one another when it came to protecting one another and helping one another especailly when it came to things one excelled in.
ReplyDelete4. I think they share a motherly- daughter bond but the question is which is which. They both switches roles throughout the novel. At first Laila is seen as the mother due to she protected mariam when Rasheed is about to beat her and carries Mariam as long as her daughter when they try to escape from rasheed but then the role switches. Mariam defends Laila and kills Rasheed and gives herself away for Laila. They both held a motherly instict for one another when it came to protecting one another and helping one another especailly when it came to things one excelled in.
ReplyDelete7. The phrase “a thousand splendid suns,” is said three times through out the novel. Once as Laila’s family prepares to leave Kabul, again when she decides to return there from Pakistan, and in the final lines: “Miriam is in Laila’s own heart, where she shines with the bursting radiance of a thousand suns.” Discuss the thematic significance of this phrase.
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ReplyDelete8.Based on the aforementioned quote, how does Mariam, in a sense, relate to being a thousand splendid suns.
ReplyDeleteIn the last line, I believe the phrase is the most significant. It symbolizes Mariam's newfound freedom and the fact that she possesses the radiance of a thousand splendid suns, explains that despite her horrid past, she has shone through the heart ache with the intesity of a thousand splendid suns. The fact that it is in Laila's heart explain how the two women are now connected, further explaining question 4.
ReplyDelete(Discussing number 7 and 8 together) I think in a sense Laila's life has always been dark and filled with despair and Mariam gave her sunshine(If that makes any sense). Also, If it was not for Mariam, Laila would be dead, It is because of her bravery that Laila has many more mornings and sun-filled days. The phrase a thousand splendid suns is mentioned at every defining and transformative point in her, so in a sense the phrase helps create Laila's journey to "a thousand splendid suns", or as i see it, to happiness and brighter days.
ReplyDeleteThroughout Mariam's entire life she has never felt wanted or loved, but the way Laila sees Mariam as "a thousand splendid suns" emphasizes her importance. Mariam may not have thought she did anything great but in Laila's heart the love she has for Mariam can never die just like the duration of a thousands suns is enough lifetimes to last an eternity. I agree with Josh about Mariam shining through all the heartache and pain she's had to endure throughout her life. A lot of women would have just wasted away but Mariam didn't she didn't let her innner radiance die.
ReplyDeleteI think "a thousand splendid suns" symbolizes the impact that the two women had on each other. Mariam lies in Laila's as much more than a memory. In her deepest, darkest days Mariam proved to be a beacon of light that helped her cope. The pain, joy, and sorrow that they experienced can never is irreplacable.
ReplyDelete5. There are many held in this novel! Such as the one my peers already has listed: Rasheed hiring a man to tell Laila that Tariq is dead,the man agreeing to bring Laila, Aziza and Mariam aboard the train but telling the officers, Mariam defending Laila and kills Rasheed, Mariam giving her life up and Tariq coming out of no where. There were also when Laila accepted Rasheed hand in marriage when I thought she would have too much pride and love for Tariq and her belief in marriage that she would say no. Also The rules they set for the women were outrageous. who would think of rules like that? Being that the novel held much irony is what makes the novel so great and keeps the readers attention.
ReplyDeletehow many more questions lol
ReplyDelete6. THe women are suppose to be weak, ignorant and defiant human beings that only care about their family happiness and health especially their husbands like Edna is said to behave with Mr. Pontellier in 'The Awakening". While men on the other hand are suppose to be educated, strong and law making human beings that keeps their foundation up to par and dictate their wife. Men are seem as Gods in Afghanistan while women are seen as mules.
ReplyDeletelast question!!! 10.Discuss the most prominent themes of the novel.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the rest of my peers...
ReplyDelete7. When you think of "A thousand splendid suns" without readin anything, what comes to mind is beauty and light. And due to the characters are two women, the thematic signifance has to be dirctly to them. The last quoteb is very direct in which where Hosseini is reffering that quote to in which Mariam. Mariam has made Laila life better with the sacrifce she made at the end but unfortunatley Mariam did not have the opportunity to truly reveal how she felt about Liala but I bet it's the same feeling. LAila have changed Mariam life where she then knew she had meaning to life and God had a purpose for her. Even thought they both changed each other's life dramatically, they both also made their two children lives better.
Well I kind of answered 7 and 8 at the same time!
ReplyDeleteHow did we skip from 8 to 10? l0l
ReplyDelete10. The prominent themes are Sexism, choices and consequences, freedom and aleination. The double standard for men and women have clearly been expressed in the rules that favored the men. Laila and Mariam both made choices that they both later realized and regrets. They both seek the freedom of the rules the society places on women and to escape Rasheed. They is no question whether they were alienate due to they form a bond that only held them and their children in which everyone else are considered enemies.
ReplyDeleteThe most important theme I think is the inner strength of a woman. Hoow they can endure so much and still keep going. Just like her mother said the only skill a woman needs is "tahamul:endure" (Hosseini 18).The hardships of Laila such as loosing her parents her bestfirend having to marry an abusive husband and believing for ten years that the love of her life was dead show her inner strength. The difficulties Mariam faces such as being despised as a "harami" not being accepted by her father, being given away to an old man, not being able to have children, getting abused, and eventually dying shows her endurance capability which is so much higher than most women or men. I believe a reoccuring theme in this novel is the strength of a woman.
ReplyDeleteThe most prominent theme of the novel is the role of women as the various women play different roles in the book and each ne represents a different part of a woman mindset. Laila is the sensible and educated part, Mariam is the submissive and enduring half. Despite these differences in character, the two still manage to become soul mates and find peace within each other.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking on alienation and freedom:
ReplyDeleteThroughout the entire novel Mariam was alienated, beginning with her absent father, mentally abusive mother, to her marriage with Rasheed. No one every thought about her feelings or best interest. The closest thing she ever experienced to freedom was finding a family within Laila and the children. Her life was filled with obediance, an obediance that never brought her any type of good fortune. Even until her death, she had to be obediant. " 'Kneel here, hamshira. And look down.' One last time, Mariam did as she was told" (Hosseini 371). This blind obediance shapes who Mariam is as a character.
Going with what Jacoby said regarding obedience, obedience is also one of the major roles the women in the novel play. Of course Mariam obeys Rasheed to a very high extent and misses out on her own life.
ReplyDeleteFuck you bitch
ReplyDeleteYou broke my heart
Fuck your friends
For tearing us apart
Fuck your dog
Hope he never comes home
Fuck you bitch
Hope you wind up alone