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What is the significance of the opening and ending scenes in "A Thousand Splendid Suns"?
Quick answer:
The opening scene of "A Thousand Splendid Suns" highlights Mariam's shame and social condemnation as a 'harami,' setting the stage for her acceptance of abuse. In contrast, the ending scene portrays Mariam as a martyr who inspires hope and represents the importance of women in Afghanistan's future. This shift from shame to reverence underscores her enduring impact and significance.
The opening scene alerts the reader to Mariam's shame of being a 'harami' as well as our first insights into the way her life has been so far. This, to some extent, explains to us how she later just puts up with the abuse she receives at the hands of her husband, Rasheed. It is almost as if she believes that she deserves it due to being illegitimate (in more ways than one) as well as a woman.
The final scene takes us full circle, from Mariam's initial situation, as we see Laila take on the role of educator and nurturer. Far from being worthless, Laila is shown to the reader as being the hope of Afghanistan. This represents how women are important to the rebuilding of the country.
It is also here that we fully and finally understand that Mariam's life did matter: 'Because, if it's a girl, Laila has already named her." Mariam is not only representative of a troubled past but also of a hopeful future.
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