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A Thousand Splendid Suns Thesis Statements and Essay Topics

Below you will find four outstanding thesis statements / paper topics for “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini can be used as essay starters. All four incorporate at least one of the themes found in “A Thousand Splendid Suns” and are broad enough so that it will be easy to find textual support, yet narrow enough to provide a focused clear thesis statement. These thesis statements offer a short summary of “­­­­­­­A Thousand Splendid Suns” in terms of different elements that could be important in an essay. You are, of course, free to add your own analysis and understanding of the plot or themes to them. Using the essay topics below in conjunction with the list of  important quotes from “A Thousand Splendid Suns”  on our quotes page, you should have no trouble connecting with the text and writing an excellent essay.

Topic #1: Loyalty out of desperation

Mariam initially resents Laila. She has always felt as though she were being replaced. Because Mariam was illegitimate, her biological father does not do as much for her. He has a legitimate family. When her mother dies, Jalil immediately marries Mariam off to Rasheed. At first, Rasheed is happy with the marriage. After multiple miscarriages, Mariam is discouraged and Rasheed becomes abusive. Then he marries Laila, a woman younger than Mariam. Laila is already pregnant by Tariq and soon gives birth to Aziza. She later gives Rasheed a son. Were it not for one significant moment, Mariam would have resented Laila forever. Laila gains Mariam’s rather amazing loyalty through one small thing: she stands up for her. In doing so, Laila recognizes Mariam and gives her a voice. Working from that moment, assess the differences that take place in Mariam. Illustrate how she becomes Laila’s friend and eventual protector, as well as adopted mother for Laila’s children.

Topic #2: The love story

Loyalty is an important theme in “A Thousand Splendid Suns”. Mariam is very loyal to Laila. Laila remains loyal to Tariq even after she is told that he is dead. They are childhood friends, then lovers. Laila is told that Tariq is dead and seeks a marriage to ensure that Tariq’s child will not be alienated by illegitimacy. When they are reunited years later, Laila and Tariq still feel strongly for one another. It is a love story of epic proportions. The young lovers are separated by miles and supposed death. Years pass and they rediscover one another. Mariam’s daring and bravery allows them to run away together with the children, free from Rasheed forever. Present an examination of the relationship between Tariq and Laila. Explain whether or not their feelings for one another are realistic after so many years of separation.

Topic #3: The treatment of the female characters

In her culture, Mariam has two strikes against her from birth: she is female and illegitimate. Her own father will not take her to see a movie at his cinema. Her mother harps on the unreliability of men and the degradation of women. Laila is raised by both her parents. Her father pushes for her to be well educated and put off marriage as long as possible. When Laila finds out that she is pregnant, she decides to marry so that Aziza will not be labeled as illegitimate. These two women are from different backgrounds and are separated by an age gap. Both end up married to Rasheed, who becomes a bitter and abusive husband. Scrutinize the way each handles her situation. Present the key factors that determine how Mariam and Laila differ in their coping mechanisms.

Topic #4: The ultimate gift

The main reason that Rasheed’s attitude toward Mariam changes is her inability to carry a pregnancy to full term. She is unable to give life of her own body. At the end of the book, Mariam gets the chance to give life before she dies. She attacks Rasheed to save Laila. Her blows are fatal and Rasheed dies. She later admits to the murder and is executed for her crime. Her acts allow Laila, Tariq, Aziza, and Zalmai to have lives that are free of Rasheed’s cruelty and, in the case of Zalmai, spoiling. Mariam’s sacrifice of her own life gives life to four other people. Examine the course of events and Mariam’s acceptance of her fate. She is at peace at the end, having become much more than an illegitimate girl child.

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book summaries & discussion guides

10 A Thousand Splendid Suns Discussion Questions

Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns is a mix of love, loss, and the indomitable human spirit. Set against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s tumultuous history , the novel follows the intertwined lives of Mariam and Laila, two women whose stories mirror the nation’s struggles.

Through their experiences, Hosseini offers a profound exploration of the oppressive forces of patriarchy and war, while simultaneously celebrating the resilience and strength of the Afghan people.

This discussion guide invites you to delve deep into the novel’s complexities, examining its themes, characters, and impact with a critical and compassionate lens.

Let’s embark on this journey together.

A Thousand Splendid Suns Discussion Questions

• The cultural and societal context of Afghanistan heavily influences the experiences of Mariam and Laila throughout the novel. The oppressive patriarchal system and traditional gender roles limit their freedom and agency. Additionally, the expectations placed on women, such as wearing a burqa and adhering to strict codes of conduct, restrict their movement and ability to express themselves. What is your take on the way life in Afghanistan is portrayed in the novel? Also, based on your thoughts, do you think it was justified to portray a home country in such a harsh way by Khaled Hosseini?
• The female characters in the novel face systemic discrimination, violence, and subjugation due to the patriarchal nature of Afghan society. Women are expected to be obedient and submissive to men, and their worth is often measured by their ability to bear children, particularly sons. Mariam and Laila experience physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Rasheed, reflecting the power dynamics influenced by gender roles and expectations. Discuss the oppression of women by those in power, as stated in the novel. Also, as a woman, have you ever faced such major oppression in your day to day lives?
• Mariam grows up in isolation, lacking opportunities for education and social interaction. Her experiences of rejection and loss lead her to internalize a sense of worthlessness. On the other hand, Laila grows up in a more intellectually stimulating environment and develops a stronger sense of self. Her relationships with Tariq and her parents provide her with the hope and resilience necessary for survival. What’s your take on the way that in spite of their differences, both characters endure suffering and ultimately find the strength and solidarity to carry on in their respective lives? Also, what do you think are some major life lessons we can learn from both of them? 
• Mariam’s inability to conceive a child leads to feelings of inadequacy and a strained relationship with Rasheed. However, her maternal instincts are awakened when she becomes a mother figure to Laila’s daughter, Aziza. Laila, on the other hand, experiences the joys and challenges of motherhood firsthand. The bond between mother and child becomes a source of strength for both Mariam and Laila, as they strive to protect and provide for their children in an oppressive and dangerous environment. Discuss the theme of motherhood based on this particular context.
• The setting of Kabul is significant in the novel, as it reflects the political and social upheavals in Afghanistan. The city undergoes various transformations, from a modernizing and relatively liberal society to one controlled by the Taliban regime. And guess what, in this decade, the Taliban is back to rule this country. If you have done any kind of research on Afghan culture, do you have anything to share when it comes to 1980s Kabul, 2000s Kabul and 2020s Afghanistan?
• Rasheed represents the embodiment of patriarchal oppression and misogyny in the novel. He views women as property and believes in enforcing strict gender roles. His violent and controlling behavior toward Mariam and Laila perpetuates a cycle of abuse. Rasheed’s character demonstrates how a toxic masculinity rooted in traditional values can perpetuate the suffering of women in Afghan society. Honestly, how much did you hate the character of Rasheed? Also, if a character like this exists in our society, what should be the ideal way to deal with him?
• Mariam’s physical appearance reflects her character and experiences. Her plain features and unshapely eyebrows, as described in the text, highlight her lack of conventional beauty and contribute to her feelings of inadequacy. Over time, Rasheed’s beatings cause her to lose teeth and age prematurely, further deteriorating her appearance. However, as Mariam experiences unconditional love with Laila and Aziza, her inner radiance shines through. Discuss how Khaled Hosseini portrayed beauty as something that radiates from the inside and not something that is based on physical features.
• Laila challenges the Western stereotype of Afghan women as burqa-clad, disempowered, and devoid of sexual agency. She embodies independence, determination, and resilience in the face of oppressive regimes. Laila refuses to conform to societal expectations, actively standing up for herself and others. Her actions and beliefs demonstrate that Afghan women are multifaceted individuals capable of defying traditional gender roles. Our society needs more women like Laila to build an amazing future. Do you agree?
• The relationships between mothers and daughters in the novel are complex and shape the characters’ development perfectly. Mariam’s relationship with her mother, Nana, is strained but contains elements of love and dependency. Nana’s bitterness and warnings impact Mariam’s worldview, contributing to her sense of self-worth. Laila and Fariba’s relationship is marked by distance and lack of understanding, with Fariba’s grief creating a divide between them. Discuss how these mother-daughter dynamics play a crucial role in the character’s choices and their journeys throughout the story. 
• Despite the bleak circumstances they face, Mariam and Laila cling to hope for a brighter future. Their hope is often rooted in their love for their children and their desire to protect them from the harsh realities of their world. Hope becomes a driving force that empower them to make difficult choices and seek a better life, even in the face of immense suffering. Discuss how during difficult times, it is hope itself that helps us survive, as in the above context. Also, do you have any personal stories of how being hopeful saved your day? 

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A Thousand Splendid Suns

70 pages • 2 hours read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Chapters 6-10

Chapters 11-15

Chapters 16-20

Chapters 21-25

Chapters 26-30

Chapters 31-35

Chapters 36-40

Chapters 41-45

Chapters 46-51

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

What is the role of childhood in the novel? To what extent are Laila and Mariam’s adulthood experiences shaped by their childhoods?

To what extent do the changes in Afghanistan’s political regimes affect Mariam and Laila?

“‘Like a compass needle that points north, a man’s accusing finger always finds a woman,’” Nana tells Mariam in her girlhood (7). How do Mariam and Laila encounter misogyny, and how successful are they in confronting it?

Related Titles

By Khaled Hosseini

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Books of The Times

A Woman’s Lot in Kabul, Lower Than a House Cat’s

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By Michiko Kakutani

• May 29, 2007

It’s not that hard to understand why Khaled Hosseini’s first novel, “The Kite Runner” (2003), became such a huge best seller, based largely on word of mouth and its popularity among book clubs and reading groups. The novel read like a kind of modern-day variation on Conrad’s “Lord Jim,” in which the hero spends his life atoning for an act of cowardice and betrayal committed in his youth. It not only gave readers an intimate look at Afghanistan and the difficulties of life there, but it also showed off its author’s accessible and very old-fashioned storytelling talents: his taste for melodramatic plotlines; sharply drawn, black-and-white characters; and elemental boldfaced emotions.

Whereas “The Kite Runner” focused on fathers and sons, and friendships between men, his latest novel, “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” focuses on mothers and daughters, and friendships between women. Whereas “Kite Runner” got off to a gripping start and stumbled into contrivance and sentimentality in its second half, “Splendid Suns” starts off programmatically and gains speed and emotional power as it slowly unfurls.

Like its predecessor, the new novel features a very villainous villain and an almost saintly best friend who commits an act of enormous self-sacrifice to aid the hero/heroine. Like its predecessor, it attempts to show the fallout that Afghanistan’s violent history has had on a handful of individuals, ending in death at the hands of the Taliban for one character, and the promise of a new life for another. And like its predecessor, it features some embarrassingly hokey scenes that feel as if they were lifted from a B movie, and some genuinely heart-wrenching scenes that help redeem the overall story.

Mr. Hosseini, who was born in Kabul and moved to the United States in 1980, writes in straight-ahead, utilitarian prose and creates characters who have the simplicity and primary-colored emotions of people in a fairy tale or fable. The sympathy he conjures for them stems less from their personalities (the hero of “Kite Runner” was an unlikable coward who failed to come to the aid of his best friend) than from the circumstances in which they find themselves: contending with unhappy families, abusive marriages, oppressive governments and repressive cultural mores.

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In the case of “Splendid Suns,” Mr. Hosseini quickly makes it clear that he intends to deal with the plight of women in Afghanistan, and in the opening pages the mother of one of the novel’s two heroines talks portentously about “our lot in life,” the lot of poor, uneducated “women like us” who have to endure the hardships of life, the slights of men, the disdain of society.

This heavy-handed opening quickly gives way to even more soap-opera-ish events: after her mother commits suicide, the teenage Mariam — the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy man, who is ashamed of her existence — is quickly married off to a much older shoemaker named Rasheed, a piggy brute of a man who says it embarrasses him “to see a man who’s lost control of his wife.”

Rasheed forces Mariam to wear a burqa and treats her with ill-disguised contempt, subjecting her to scorn, ridicule, insults, even “walking past her like she was nothing but a house cat.” Mariam lives in fear of “his shifting moods, his volatile temperament, his insistence on steering even mundane exchanges down a confrontational path that, on occasion, he would resolve with punches, slaps, kicks, and sometimes try to make amends for with polluted apologies and sometimes not.”

The life of the novel’s other heroine, Laila, who becomes Rasheed’s second wife, takes an even sharper trajectory toward ruin. Though she is the cherished daughter of an intellectual, who encourages her to pursue an education, Laila finds her life literally shattered when a rocket — lobbed by one of the warlord factions fighting for control of Kabul, after the Soviet Union’s departure — lands on her house and kills her parents.

Her beloved boyfriend, Tariq, has already left Kabul with his family — they have become refugees in Pakistan — and she suddenly finds that she is an orphan with no resources or friends. When she discovers that she is pregnant with Tariq’s child and learns that Tariq has supposedly died from injuries sustained in a rocket attack near the Pakistan border, she agrees to marry Rasheed, convinced that she and her baby will never survive alone on the streets of Kabul.

At first Mariam sees Laila as a rival and accuses her of stealing her husband, but when Laila’s baby, Aziza, arrives, Mariam begins to soften. Gradually, she and Laila become allies, trying to shield each other from Rasheed’s rages and demands. Mariam becomes a second mother to Aziza, and she and Laila become best friends.

In the opening chapters of the book the characters are so one-dimensional that they feel like cartoons. Laila is the great beauty, with a doting father and a protective boyfriend — a lucky girl whose luck abruptly runs out. Mariam is the illegitimate daughter of a bitter woman and a disloyal father — an unlucky girl whose luck turns from bad to worse. And Rasheed is the evil bully, a misogynist intent on debasing his two wives.

Gradually, however, Mr. Hosseini’s instinctive storytelling skills take over, mowing down the reader’s objections through sheer momentum and will. He succeeds in making the emotional reality of Mariam and Laila’s lives tangible to us, and by conjuring their day-to-day routines, he is able to give us a sense of what daily life was like in Kabul — both before and during the harsh reign of the Taliban.

He shows us the Taliban’s “beard patrols,” roaming the streets in Toyota trucks “on the lookout for clean-shaven faces to bloody.” He shows us hospitals turning away women in labor because men and women are supposed to be seen at different hospitals. And he shows us the “ ‘Titanic’ fever” that gripped Kabul in the summer of 2000, when pirated copies of that film turned up in the city: entertainment-starved people surreptitiously dug out their TVs (which had been hidden away, even buried in backyards) and illicitly watched the movie late at night, and riverside vendors began selling Titanic carpets, Titanic deodorant, Titanic toothpaste, even Titanic burqas.

In the end it is these glimpses of daily life in Afghanistan — a country known to most Americans only through news accounts of war and terrorism — that make this novel, like “The Kite Runner,” so stirring, and that distract attention from its myriad flaws.

The Books of The Times review yesterday, about “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” by Khaled Hosseini, misspelled a character’s name. She is Laila, not Lila.

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A Thousand Splendid Suns

By Khaled Hosseini

Vibrant descriptive language, potent analogies, a non-linear narrative structure, and a strong sense of empathy and sympathy for his characters are all hallmarks of 'A Thousand Splendid Suns.' These components come together to tell a story that is memorable and heartfelt.

Article written by Charles Asoluka

Degree in Computer Engineering. Passed TOEFL Exam. Seasoned literary critic.

The literary style of ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns ‘ by Khaled Hosseini is lyrical, tragic, evocative, and emotionally intense. Hosseini’s writing style captures the complexity and emotional depth of this period in the historical fiction novel set in Afghanistan amid a turbulent moment of political and social turmoil.

The way ‘ A Thousand Splendid Suns ‘ illuminated the lives of Afghan women was one of its most noticeable cultural effects. The book’s clear and honest account of the country’s rampant brutality and mistreatment of women raised attention to a problem that had previously gone unnoticed. The book spurred discussions about the significance of gender equality and the need for women’s rights in Afghanistan and other nations.

Style of Prose

Hosseini’s use of descriptive language is one of his writing techniques that stands out the most. He has a gift for using words to paint detailed pictures, which makes it possible for readers to imagine the settings and characters in his book . For instance, Hosseini calls the sky “an infinite expanse of blue” and the sun “a relentless heat” in the book’s opening scene. The atmosphere that is established by these descriptions strongly influences how the rest of the novel will be.

Hosseini’s frequent use of metaphorical language is another important aspect of his writing style. He uses metaphors to assist readers understand difficult emotions and concepts throughout the entire book. For instance, despite the fact that Mariam and Laila are not blood relatives, he compares their bond to that of a mother and daughter. This symbolic parallel highlights the strong kinship that forms between the two women as they cope with the difficulties of living in a war-torn country like Afghanistan.

The way Hosseini tells stories is also noteworthy. The story swings back and forth in time as a result of the author’s non-linear narrative structure, showing various facets of the individuals’ lives and backgrounds. By using this strategy, the author builds a sense of suspense and mystery that keeps readers interested as they try to connect the story’s numerous threads.

A Thousand Splendid Suns as Historical Fiction

The genre of historical fiction involves fictional characters and story devices while being based on actual historical events or times. Hosseini uses his personal experiences growing up in Afghanistan and his considerable research into the nation’s history to paint a vivid and accurate picture of life there in ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns.’ He goes into great detail about Afghanistan’s political climate, social mores, and cultural customs at the time the book is set.

Nonetheless, the story of ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns ‘ also borrows from other genres, such as drama, romance, and bildungsroman (coming of age). The book is a highly intimate account of the two women’s lives, which are chock-full of love, grief, triumphs, and tragedies. The story also examines themes found in numerous literary genres , such as family, friendship, loyalty, sacrifice, and resiliency.

Symbolism in A Thousand Splendid Suns

Mariam and Nana reside in a kolba, a mud and clay house that is little better than a shelter for animals. It serves as a reminder of Nana’s degrading status as a woman, a maid, and the unwed mother of a kid. It also represents Mariam’s spirit to Laila. On their route to Kabul, she and Tariq stop at the kolba. Mariam is pictured by Laila in the kolba as a lively, happy girl who enjoys life and makes the most of her circumstances. The visits from Mullah Faizullah and Jalil did add some joy to Mariam’s kolba childhood. Mariam uses those instances of affection and consideration to keep herself content and concentrated on the positive aspects of her life. The kolba represents Mariam’s ability to experience both shameful deprivation and love in spite of her surroundings.

The burqa is a representation of the power that a man has over a woman, particularly over a wife. Mariam is required to cover her face in public, according to Rasheed, since “a woman’s face is her husband’s business” and his business only. No one is permitted to see Mariam’s appearance, but Laila can during funeral rites. In those situations, Mariam is permitted to don a headscarf; nevertheless, in all other situations, she is required to don the burqa. Observant Muslim women cover themselves to varying degrees, with the burqa being the most stringent option. The woman can only see through a screen that is placed in front of her eyes. Because of their restricted field of view, Mariam and Laila struggle to adapt to the burqa and end up tripping over its hem. Mariam is told by Rasheed that she might even come to like the burqa, but he assumes that she prefers to go unnoticed by others. At first, Mariam finds comfort in the idea that her husband will look out for her. She appreciates the shielding from the outside world it appears to provide. But, Rasheed’s harsh treatment of women and low perception of them negate any benefits from the burqa, which also comes to represent her isolation as a victim of violence and a woman.

Bamiyan Buddhas

The enormous love the individuals have for their nation is symbolized by the magnificent Buddha statues Babi takes Laila and Tariq to see. This scenario perfectly captures how history and major occasions in the characters’ lives intertwine. Babi discusses his aspirations for the future while he recounts the history of the Buddhas. Sadly, this will be the last enjoyable interaction Laila has had with both her father and Tariq for a time. Laila will appreciate that moment in the future because she saw a different, more contemplative side of her late father there, and it gave her hope for a better future. The presence of Tariq, for whom Laila has deep romantic affection, heightens the gravity of the moment. Later, Laila discovers that the Buddhas were destroyed by the Taliban despite a global campaign to keep them on the mountain. This deed represents the eradication of Laila’s treasured memory as well as Afghanistan’s history. Laila is brought back to that time when she receives the news since it was so kind.

Rasheed’s Gun

The physical representation of Rasheed’s power is his rifle. Mariam is appalled to realize that her new husband values violence and sex when she discovers it in the drawer with his filthy mags. She discovers photos of his deceased wife and son, though, and this deepens the meaning of the rifle. Rasheed has turned his tragedy into a weak and toxic masculinity that depends on maintaining power no matter what. Rasheed uses his gun to terrorize both his wives and other people throughout the entire book. Rasheed becomes more violent and relies on his pistol to demonstrate his dominance as the narrative unfolds, just as gunshots and rocket launches reverberate loudly outside his home. As Kabul’s unrest causes him to skip work, the one location where he can prove his worth, he brazenly fires into the street. He places the gun in Laila’s mouth after she refuses to carry out his directive to have Aziza ply her trade on the streets, endangering his authority over the family. The level of aggression he is currently displaying toward Laila is the highest. Rasheed’s power is finally taken from him at the novel’s conclusion when Mariam kills him before he can use the gun to protect himself.

A Thousand Splendid Suns: A Captivating Tale of Resilience

Book Title: A Thousand Splendid Suns

Book Description: 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' by Khaled Hosseini tells the powerful story of Mariam and Laila, two Afghan women bound by adversity, as they navigate love, sacrifice, and resilience amidst war.

Book Author: Khaled Hosseini

Book Edition: First Edition

Book Format: Hardcover

Publisher - Organization: Riverhead Books

Date published: May 23, 2007

ISBN: 978-1594483851

Number Of Pages: 432

• Writing Style
• Lasting Effect on the Reader

‘A Thousand Splendid Suns,’  by Khaled Hosseini narrates the tale of Mariam and Laila, two Afghan women whose lives entangle under persecution and conflict. While Mariam and Laila fight to survive and find purpose in a world that wants to restrict their opportunities and freedom, the book examines topics like love, sacrifice, and the resiliency of the human spirit.

• It tells the history of Afghanistan well.
• It is rousing, compassionate, and moving.
• It is easy to comprehend.
• It is, sometimes, overly simplistic.
• The character development is somewhat spotty.

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A Thousand Splendid Suns: A Literary Criticism

A literary criticism on A Thousand Splendid Suns of Khaled Hosseini

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THESPIAN MAGAZINE An International Refereed Journal of Inter-disciplinary Studies

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Diasporic writings revolve around the issues of dislocation, nostalgia, discrimination, survival, cultural changes, and identity. In his 1991 essay, "Diasporas in Modern Societies: Myths of Homeland and Return", William Safran talks about the historical origin of the term 'diaspora', locating it back to the exile of the Jews from their original homeland and dispersion in various countries, which involves physical suffering and moral degradation. However, the term has expanded its periphery across the ages, and in the present context, Safran argues, it is used as a metaphor to designate several categories of people-"expatriate, expellees, political refugees, alien residents, immigrants, and ethnic and racial minorities…"

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The paper is an attempt to analyze the dominant role of the male community in Afghan society. Western Feminists such as Judith Butler claim that all women face the same problems. However, their claim is challenged by Chandra Talpade Mohanty (1991) who is of the view that the claim of universal sisterhood is based on ethnocentricity. This paper analyses the inferior status of women in the patriarchal system of Afghanistan where people live under their cultural code called Pashtunwali. Pashtunwali assigns an active role to the male community under their privileged status while women are restricted to homes. In this society, a man has to be rigid, authoritative and must keep women under his iron hands. A man of weak nerves has no respect in Afghan society; he has to be strong enough to protect the honor of his family. The study is based on textual analysis of Khaled Hosseini's novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, in the light of Mohanty's views (1991). Hosseini (2008) criticiz...

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Writers and scholars have used a variety of approaches to understand novels written in English about Afghanistan. One approach that most of the writers have used is the sociocultural approach. My approach is quite similar to other researchers but my framework is different. My work focuses on an unwritten code of life, Pashtunwali, which the Pashtuns of Afghanistan have been practicing for centuries. This code strictly guides the lives of Pashtun people living in Afghanistan and North-West Pakistan. By using the framework of Pashtunwali, this thesis provides a new perspective and understanding of Hosseini, Hashimi, and Ackerman’s novels. It not only provides a different perspective, but also helps readers to understand these texts in the Afghani cultural context. Some of the key topics that this thesis discusses using the framework of Pashtunwali are honor, revenge, blood feuds, hospitality, role of religion and culture, marginalization of Afghan women, and the system of justice. Thu...

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Afghanistan is a land of multi-cultural diversity, rich tradition with a dominant historical and political background. Hosseini describes the captivating beauty and the traditional values of Afghanistan, also the foreign influences that reform the rich diverse long-established values on the political, religious, or cultural grounds. We are given to understand that Taliban forces people to follow tenants of Islam but they fail to do so and on the contrary, they involve in sexual exploitation of women, brutal murders, human trafficking, and much more. The cultural beliefs of Afghanistan were intermixed with the fundamentalist ideology of the Taliban and modernity of the West which resulted in multi-culturalism and loss of traditional ethos. War and invasions dragged Afghanistan down to sub-normality instead of development. Hosseini’s novel A Thousand Splendid Suns portrays historical, cultural, and social aspects of Afghanistan through the story of Mariam, Laila, Rashid, and Tariq while tracing the cultural change there by civil war and invasions. Also, Hosseini’s narrative style in A Thousand Splendid Suns voices his western influence in which he upholds the West in the novel and portrays the East as downtrodden.

TJPRC Publication

Instead of employing traditional Post Colonial mode of representation, the present research aims at the textual analysis of an Afghan-American writer Khaled Hosseini’s two novels — And The Mountains Echoed and A Thousand Splendid Suns under the Cultural mode of representation. Delimited to Raymond Williams’ concepts of cultural criticism i.e. ‘documentary’ and ‘social’, the analysis is comparative in nature that highlights the quality of representation of Afghan culture in the works under study. Social institution of Marriage documented by Hosseini is compared with the real Afghan culture derived from the historical background of Afghanistan. This will, hopefully, lead the critics towards a new mode of analysis.

Berlyn Estimada

Abstract - What happens in society is reflected in literary works as literature mirror society. Words in a a literary piece can speak a volume of messages. It can be women’s voices sending a message that they can stand against male oppressions and suppressions. Khaled Hosseini's novel ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ highlights the marginalization of Afghanistan women and the subjugation of men in a patriarchal society. The heart of the novel is how the generation apart poor villager woman and a smart educated one become intimate, form friendship, and develop a sisterhood relationship while resisting patriarchal oppression and political upheavals. This study explores how men act in a patriarchal society, and how they oppress, discriminate, and marginalize women. Thus, this study uses the radical feminism perspective to analyze the experiences of women from three generations with regard to gender inequality and their role in society. Findings reveal that women are victims in a male-dominated household. They are oppressed, suppressed, harassed, and marginalized. Amidst these, special bonds and sisterhood are developed to resist patriarchy, courage is realized, and freedom is redeemed.

BL College journal

DR. S A B R E E N A H M E D

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A Thousand Splendid Suns

What could be a great thesis if I were to write an essay on the novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns ? The essay is due next week, and I would really appreciae a quick response from here.

The short-answer question forum here at Gradesaver doesn't compile thesis statements or write student essays. One possibility for your thesis statement would be to take a close look at the bonds between the female characters. You might focus on family bonds, bonds based upon friendship, and bonds forged through shared experience. Your thesis statement can contain all three of these ideas. Good luck on your paper.

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