Discussion topic:
a. Many works of literature deal with political or social issues. Analyze how Hosseini uses literary elements to explore the issue of domestic abuse (psychological and/or physical).
Khaled Hosseini, author of the sympathetic novel "A thousand Splendid Suns," uses both literally elements foreshawdow and symbolism to explore the issue of psychological abuse. The novel states, “Nor was she old enough to appreciate the injustice, to see that it is the creators of the harami who are culpable, not the harami, whose only sin is being born." The word harami, meaning bastard in the language Farsi, is constantly used by Mariam’s mother directly to her. The word also helps Nana (Mariam’s mother) remind Mariam that her father is wealthy and she is not. Nana was one of Jalil’s (Mariam’s father) house keepers. After Jalil’s family found out of Jalil’s decision to have an affair on his 3 wives, he was forced to dismiss Nana from his house. Nana is filled with bitterness and hate for Jalil; such bitterness and hate are forced on Mariam. Mariam’s birth tilted Nana’s life on the pedal stool from feeling loved by Jalil, to being resisted and being treated like tasteless gum. Nana feels betrayed by Jalil, but it isn’t worst than her father’s betrayal. Her father, feeling ashamed and embarrassed, completely cut her off from her family. For this reason Nana verbally abuses Mariam, in hope to ease the pain. Nana’s abuse towards Mariam to ease the pain can symbolizes a mental issue Nana has, which can foreshadow turmoil in the future. Life doesn't play by the rules, and Nana surely isn't either.
Discussion Topic:
C: In many works of literature, past events can affect, positively or negatively, the present actions, attitudes or values of a character. Select a character from A Thousand Splendid Suns who must contend with some aspect of the past, either personal or societal. Analyze how the character’s relationship to the past contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.
Khaled Hosseini, author of the sympathetic novel "A thousand Splendid Suns," defines Rasheed, one of several antagonist opposing Mariam, through his past experiences. Rasheen had to contend with not only the death of his wife but also their only child. Mariam discovers three things that are important to Rasheed. A picture of his previous wife, their one child, and his porn magazines. Obviously Rasheed felt the need to look at such women because he was lonely. It was also a sign that Rasheed has a certain expectations when it comes to his ideal of a woman. After looking at woman in a magazine for over 10 years, it is safe to say that Rasheed views women more as objects rather than human beings. In addition, Mariam also reveals a hidden photo stashed in Rasheed’s belongings-- a picture of him with his previous wife. The novel states, “She looked at this photo for a long time. There was something vaguely unsettling about the way Rasheed seemed to loom over the woman. His hands on her shoulders. His savoring, tight lipped smile and her unsmiling, sullen face. The way her body tilted forward subtly, as though she were trying to wriggle free of his hands.” Rasheed had a fake smile on, his hands were tightly gripped on her shoulders, and his wife was leaning forward as if she was struggling to escape. It was obvious that his wife was mistreated and she was intolerant of it. Both the porn and picture is symbols the author uses to foreshadow neglect and abuse from Rasheed on to Mariam. Mariam envies the women in the magazine so it's safe to say she isn't up to par with their figure. For that reason, Rasheed will eventually, if he hasn’t already, feel as he’s settling for Mariam; which will cause neglect, because she doesn’t satisfy him. That neglect and hidden anger will cause abuse towards Mariam, whether it’s verbal or physically. A picture of Rasheed's past indirectly revealed to both Mariam and the reader of Rasheed's potential of abusing Mariam. Life will always throw signs at people indicating danger to come. Whether a person recognizes the sign and acts upon it will in the long run determine their own destiny. In this case Mariam saw the sign but refused to believe it; for that reason Mariam was doomed for physical and psychological from Rasheed.
