Themes: Oppression of Women
By centering the novel on two female protagonists, Hosseini highlights the oppression faced by women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. From Laila’s story, we learn that women once had education and rights in Kabul. Before the Taliban comes into power, Laila is a star student and is expected to pursue higher education. She has a teacher named Shanzai who “said women and men were equal in every way,” and her parents are progressive, with her father especially supporting her pursuit of knowledge. After the Russian coup, the government sponsored literacy classes for all women, and “almost two-thirds of the students at Kabul University were women.” However, in rural parts of the country, fundamentalist religion is practiced, and “women were rarely seen on the streets.” Once the Taliban takes power, those strict ideals infiltrate Kabul as well.
While Laila is not accustomed to gender-based oppression, Mariam grows up the illegitimate child of an unmarried mother who receives a much different education from Laila. Her mother, Nana, teaches her that “women like us. We endure.” Nana prepares her daughter for a life of “nothing but rejection and heartache,” based primarily on their identities as lower-class women not “possessed” by men through marriage or legitimate parenthood.
It is also her status as “illegitimate” that directly leads to Mariam’s arranged marriage with Rasheed. Her father, Jalil, is eager to place her somewhere other than his own house and views her marriage as an opportunity for a young woman in her position. Rasheed mistreats and disrespects Mariam, verbally berating and physically beating her. When Laila becomes his second wife, he belittles Mariam in favor of Laila but soon begins abusing Laila as well. Once the Taliban gains more influence, Rasheed’s misogyny is further emboldened. He tells the women, “That is the husband’s burden . . . to guard not only your honor but ours.” Because the wives are reflections of their husbands’ power over them and status as head of household, the women must show that they are “honorable” to boost Rasheed’s reputation as a strong husband.
The Taliban decrees that men are superior and that women cannot be left to their own devices. Women are not permitted to walk around Kabul alone and are punished for doing so, as when Laila is beaten for going to Aziza at the orphanage when Rasheed won’t bring her. When Mariam kills Rasheed to prevent him from murdering Laila, she knows she cannot plead self-defense. Her only witness is Laila, and the word of women is not trusted. When Mariam is on trial, a Talib man states, “[Women] are not able to think like [men] can.” The Taliban’s misogyny both paints women as helpless victims and punishes them for attempting to be anything else.
Expert Q&A
What is ironic about the statement from a Taliban judge at Mariam's trial in A Thousand Splendid Suns?
"God has made us different, women and men. Our brains are different. You are not able to think like we can. Western doctors and their science have proven this."
The irony in the Taliban judge's statement lies in citing Western medicine to justify gender inequality and the trial's inherent unfairness. Despite Mariam's heroism and justified actions, the trial is biased, as it is conducted entirely by men who benefit from perpetuating women's inferiority. Additionally, the Taliban's fundamentalist stance contrasts with their selective acceptance of Western science when it supports their views.
How does the sentiment "Women like us. We endure. It’s all we have" inform Mariam's life and relate to the themes in A Thousand Splendid Suns?
The sentiment "Women like us. We endure. It’s all we have" encapsulates Mariam's life and the broader themes in A Thousand Splendid Suns. Mariam's life reflects the severe hardships faced by Afghan women, particularly under Taliban rule, where they had limited rights and opportunities. Endurance becomes a survival mechanism against societal repression and personal tragedies, such as Mariam's abusive marriage to Rasheed. Ultimately, she finds some agency and contentment through her friendship with Laila, highlighting resilience amidst adversity.
What does the burqa symbolize in Muslim society in A Thousand Splendid Suns?
In Muslim society within A Thousand Splendid Suns, the burqa symbolizes the oppressive control men exert over women. It represents the subjugation and suffering experienced by women like Mariam and Laila, who endure abuse within a patriarchal system. The burqa, as the most restrictive form of head covering, underscores the idea that women are considered property, and their visibility is restricted to maintain male dominance and control.
What are the psychological impacts of wearing a burqa on Mariam and Laila in "A Thousand Splendid Suns"?
For Mariam, the burqa provides both comfort and oppression; it shields her from judgment but is forced upon her by Rasheed, symbolizing control and shame. For Laila, it represents Taliban-imposed oppression, yet it offers anonymity and privacy, allowing her to hide her struggles from others. Both women experience the burqa as a tool of patriarchal control, concealing emotions like fear and anger in a society that suppresses women's freedoms.
What are the main issues with arranged marriage in A Thousand Splendid Suns?
In A Thousand Splendid Suns, arranged marriages strip women of choice, as exemplified by Mariam's forced union with Rasheed, orchestrated by her father and his wives. Afghan law disregards women's opinions, compelling Mariam into a loveless, abusive marriage. Women must obey their husbands, wear burkas, and face severe restrictions on movement and socialization. Legal systems favor men, legitimizing domestic abuse and denying women autonomy or escape from oppressive marriages.
Did Mariam and Laila handle societal injustices differently than their mothers in A Thousand Splendid Suns?
Mariam and Laila handle societal injustices more assertively than their mothers. Mariam's mother complains about injustices but does not confront Jalil or change her situation. Mariam eventually defends herself and Laila by killing Rasheed, accepting the consequences. Laila's mother is consumed by grief over her sons' deaths, while Laila asserts agency and finds reasons to live despite hardships. Both women face societal constraints but take decisive actions, unlike their mothers who passively endure their circumstances.
Sexism and characterization in A Thousand Splendid Suns
In A Thousand Splendid Suns, sexism is depicted through the oppressive experiences of the female characters. Mariam and Laila endure physical and emotional abuse, restricted freedoms, and societal expectations that limit their autonomy. Their struggles highlight the pervasive gender inequality in Afghan society, illustrating how sexism shapes their identities and destinies.
Feminism and Female Roles in A Thousand Splendid Suns
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini highlights the oppressive roles of women under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. The novel explores the severe restrictions on women's rights, depicting Mariam and Laila's struggle against a patriarchal society that legitimizes abuse. Despite their hardships, the women form strong bonds, exemplifying cultural feminism by supporting each other. This alliance enables them to endure and resist their oppressive circumstances, showcasing their resilience and strength in a male-dominated world.
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