The Key image that I chose to illustrate for this discussion of A Thousand Splendid Suns was the wedding between Mariam and Rasheed. This moment in the story shaped the rest of Mariam's life. At a young age, her father is sending her off to an older widow, who just simply wants a woman's presence and to take care of the home. The wedding took place at the home of Jalil, in a room with a long brown table with a bowl of chocolate covered almonds, the Koran and a small mirror. Mariam was wearing a head dressing, a veil, a long sleeve green dress with matching shoes, as well as white cotton pants. Jalil was wearing what he usually did when visiting Mariam; A Brown suit with a white tie. Rasheed was described for the first time as a tall man with wide shoulders and a large stomach. Accompanying them was two witnesses and the Mullah. This occurred on page 52 of the book.
Symbols/Images:
The key images I picked from chapter 1-13 was the Burqa, Pebbles and the themes of Shame and Education.
The Burqa was introduced on page 72 where Mariam's husband Rasheed gave it to her as a gift. He felt that it would be a good idea for Mariam to wear the burqa because he was for his eyes only. Mariam has mixed feelings about seeing the world through a screen. Rasheed's reasoning for giving Mariam a burqa was because he sees many women in passing and that he encounters who do not cover themselves properly or act appropriately in public. Rasheed feels that this burqa will keep Mariam's honour and pride in their marriage.
- Do you think that Rasheed gave Mariam the burqa to protect her or control her?
The theme of shame was seen in the relationship of Jalil and Mariam. Jalil clearly was embarrassed or his wives were which is why she was forced to be isolated and not associated with Jalil's wives and children. I felt that Jalil felt ashamed of his actions and was upset in the novel when Mariam was married to Rasheed because she explained that she no longer worshiped him and how hurt she was.
- Do you think it was Jalil's decision to kick Marian out or his wives?
The image of the Pebbles occurred on page 29. This was a game she played privately occasionally when Nana wasn't looking. The four pebbles in the first column were for Khadija's children, three for Afsoon's and three in the third column for Nargis' children. Followed by a fourth column representing her all alone. This image stuck out to me because it showed how separate Jalil kept his lives and I thought it was sad to see that even though she was his daughter there was clearly a difference between their relationship and the life he lived with his other family.
The theme of Education was also brought up a few times throughout the book. Mullah Faizullah was Mariam's tutor as a young girl who taught her the Koran, he had also taught her Nana at a young age. Mariam looks forward to these tutoring sessions. She decided she wanted to go to school. This occurred on pages 17 and 18. Mariam's idea was quickly shot down by her Nana who felt that there wasn't a point in a woman being educated. She explained that women were only to endure and not be educated, since there is only rejection and heart break for women.
April 22, 2014
~ Amanda Lewis
The main image I chose to illustrate was the event of Mariam's first pregnancy and miscarriage. This event in Mariam's life was ground shaking and I think contributes very much to the Mariam's future and connects to her past. On one side, I have drawn the elation that Mariam felt in discovering that she was pregnant. She was filled with indescribable joy that a human being with her DNA was inside her and would be her own. She felt she would finally have fulfillment and purpose in her life. Then while at the public bath, she miscarried her child. She was devastated beyond words. She had a grief that surpassed every other feeling she had experienced. On the other side of the picture, I have drawn Mariam outside in her backyard, burying the coat that Rasheed had bought for the baby as a memorial and way to mourn her baby. Above, I have written a few of the words she uttered to Allah in prayer while burying the coat.
I thought that this event was very significant because of the enormity of it and also how Rasheed and Mariam reacted to the pregnancy. When Rasheed found out that Mariam was pregnant, he named it as a boy, bought boy's clothes for it, and when asked by Mariam how he would feel if it was a girl, he replied that she should not talk such nonsense. His oppressive and dominant side was coming out with this event. When Mariam miscarried, he became spiteful towards her and started to ignore her more and treat her even more like a slave. It was clear that because Mariam could not bring back his previous son who had drowned, she was nothing to him. This event I think will set the tone for the rest of the book concerning Mariam. She will be treated awfully by Rasheed as nothing but something to please him and make him happy. When she didn't cook rice correctly for him, he forced her to chew on pebbles until her molars cracked and she was bleeding.
During this, Mariam felt as though her baby had been an undeserved blessing. That Allah had tantalizingly dangled the possibility in front of her, only to snatch it away as though she was undeserving because of her past. It is ironic that it looks as thought Mariam might have a life just as hard as the one her own mother suffered. In that way it relates to her past, and as far as the future this event was a prediction.
The first image that I chose to illustrate was the coat that Rasheed had bought for his boy. He was adamant that this baby was going to be a boy. I thought this was so important to include because it shows and predicts so much of Rasheed's character. He is selfish, abusive, oppressive, conceited and stubborn.
The illustration to the right of the coat is the Koran. I included this because of its importance to Mariam in her time of grief. While she was burying the baby coat that Rasheed had bought as a way to mourn her baby, she remembered one of the parts of the Koran that her beloved Mullah Faizullah had taught her; "Blessed is He in Whose hand is the kingdom, and He who has power over all things, Who created death and life that He may try you." (Hosseini, p. 94)
On the bottom left, I included a drawing of Tariq's prosthetic leg. This in itself is not very significant, but the fact that he was one of many children targeted by bombs is extremely significant. This predicts and tells of the impending war in Afghanistan, and this move by the people against Afghanistan shows that it will most likely be a dirty, messy war where the people throw humanity out the window.
Finally, on the bottom right, I included a picture of what families of deceased soldiers usually see or receive in North America. I drew this in reference to the event of Laila's brother's deaths. They had been sent off to war. This is significant because Laila, even though she didn't know her brother very well, now could see what the quickly escalating war could bring as far as grief and sorrow. She understood and saw just how horrible the effects of war are and it solemnly brings her to realization.
Points of Discussion
Why do you think Rasheed was so adamant that the baby would be a boy?
I believe this was because he was trying to make up for the death of his first son. He wanted to bring him back in a sense, and wouldn't have any other way.
How do you think Laila's brothers' deaths affect her perspective?
I think that this tragic event that so evidently crushed her parents caused her to see and understand even more what war meant. She saw firsthand just how much death can affect and change a person, and saw that the world was not a fair and perfect place. It is not perfect by far.
Tariq was one of many children targeted by bombs. What do you think this says about the upcoming war?
I think that this shows how low the people involved are willing to go to cripple their enemies. It predicts a very messy war that will result in nothing but havoc.
April 24th, 2014
Daniela Campbell
Familial Bonding
This is an important scene in the book because it's really the first time Rasheed forces his will on Laila and goes to show that because now she is married to Rasheed, Laila has to bow down to his will. Rasheed starts the conversation off telling Laila that Mariam is a bastard, then he gives Laila the same lecture he once gave Mariam — she must wear a burqa in public. This time, Rasheed goes one step further and tells Laila that she's not to leave the house at all — if Laila needs anything during the day, she should send Mariam out for it. Rasheed then threatens Mariam to enforce these guidelines, making it clear that Mariam will be the one who suffers if Laila breaks the rules. The next day Laila confronts Mariam about Rasheeds rules but Mariam instantly sets her straight; saying she will not be Laila's servant, and they will split the chores but ther than that they will not have any further relationships. Laila is shocked by Mariam's declaration, having hoped they would be allies in this marriage.
Themes/Symbols
1) Who is really at fault?
Chapter 32: As winter arrives, Rasheed takes Laila out to visit his shoe shop, which is nicer than she'd imagined it. Rasheed asks Laila if she and Mariam have been getting along. Laila lies and says they have. In truth, just a few days previously, Laila and Mariam had their first serious argument, calling each other names over a missing spoon. Laila suspects, however, that the fight wouldn't have happened if both herself and Mariam didn't have so much pent up frustration over their lives with Rasheed.
Chapter 33: One night, Laila and Rasheed bicker in their bedroom. Rasheed is furious when Laila refuses to have sex with him. He rushes into Mariam's room and blames her for Laila's reluctance. As Rasheed prepares to beat Mariam with his belt, Laila clings to Rasheed's arm to stop him. Laila agrees to have sex with Rasheed to protect Mariam. This shows three turning points between Mariam and Laila; Mariam warms up to Laila because of Aziza’s presence. Secondly, Rasheed refuses to take care of Aziza, Mariam sympathizes with Laila because of how she handles the situation even though it wears her out. Thirdly, Mariam changes even more when Rasheed attacks her and Laila defends her. For the first time, Mariam has an ally and is surprised and touched by Laila's actions. 3) Female Empowerment
Chapter 34: Hosseini shows the power of female friendship in this chapter through the growth of Mariam and Laila's affection for one another. Through the exchange of peace offerings, Laila and Mariam are able to come to a new understanding. Mariam's gift of girl clothes shows Laila that she no longer resents Laila and Aziza's presence. Laila returns the favor by suggesting they drink chai on the porch. These exchanges are symbols for the change in their relationship. Their alienation from Rasheed no longer pits them against each other but unites them.
4) Gender Roles in the War
Chapter 24: Tariq's experience of the war is empowering rather than limiting. Tariq takes on the masculine responsibility of protecting women, particularly Laila. This responsibility gives him confidence, even though he's nearly just as likely to get hurt as Laila is while walking the streets of Kabul. Tariq purchases a gun — a symbol of power. After showing his gun to Laila, Tariq confirms his sense of masculinity by kissing her. War's limiting power over Laila serves to make her even more desirable to Tariq — she needs him more than ever now, not just emotionally, but also as a defender against physical injury.
April 29th, 2014
Mary Soppitt
Being Led Out of Freedom and Tricked Into Captivity
The main image that I chose to represent this portion of the novel A Thousand Splendid Suns was just before Laila and Mariam are about to get onto the bus. They are tricked by the man who promises to buy their tickets for them and led away by a guard. The book describes the day as sunny with a few whispy clouds. There are two guards present but only one leads them away to be interrogated and this guard has a scar on his face. I chose this image because of how it represents the culture the ladies live in. They have no say on what happens in their life and even when they try and control their destinys they are unable to. This is significant because not only does it show the lack of women's right but also that they can't trust any body. This then goes onto proving that the women confide in each other for friendships and companionship. This is also a significant part of the novel because if they had gotten away with running away they would be free from Rasheed and could live a completely different life. However, they are unsuccessful and must suffer the consequences of being caught.
1) Women's Hospital The first symbol I chose to represent this section was the hospital that Mariam and Laila had to go to when Laila goes into labor with her second child. I decided to chose this symbol because of the extreme lack of health care they had for women. I found it ironic that even the women's hospital they went to wasn't serving women anymore and was only accessible if you were a male. Finding this quite surprising, one of the topics of discussion I chose was:
Does it make sense that they have more hospitals available to men when women are the one's carrying and giving birth to children/the future generation?
The group discussed this and came to a few conclusions. Firstly, that it makes sense that they would treasure the men because they are the ones fighting in the war and the one's that can provide for the family. Secondly, that women have such little rights as it is, that it makes sense they would be under valued and not given the proper medical attention that is necessary.
2) Women's Restrictions
The second image/symbol I chose was all the things women were forbidden from doing. The Taliban becomes more strict and in forces a lot more laws on the women of Afghanistan. The things women aren't allowed to do includes wearing jewelry and make up, speaking or having a voice and being out alone without a male. This symbol is significant because it is shown throughout the whole novel. It is seen that women are restricted and under a lot of rules. However, it gets worse and worse as the novel progresses so I decided to include this imagery.
3) Tariq's Camp Experience
The third symbol I chose was a tent to represent Tariq's experience in the refugee camps and the death of his mother and father. This is such a significant part of this section because of how it turns Laila and Aziza's life up side down. It not only changes the way Laila sees her future but gives her hope. The second topic of discussion I chose was:
Does it make sense that Tariq would come back to find Laila when some could say what they had was just a 'teenage fling'?
We discussed that it does make sense that he came back for her because of how he felt. He was in love with her and wanted to know if she was still alive. Not only did he care about her, but he probably wanted closure on the past. He wanted to know if there was a potential relationship or if there was no way they could ever be together.
4) Hiding Entertainment
The last image I chose was a hole, with the TV being ready to be buried. It was illegal to own a television and Mariam and Laila decided to bury it to keep from getting caught. The topic of discussion for this image was:
Does it make sense that the government would ban television?
The group discussed that it does make sense because the government wanted to keep Western influence from reaching the people (connection to Persepolis). They also wanted people from seeing how others live and wanting to escape or flee the country. The government had a very set mindset and they wanted to make sure everyone else felt the same way they did on how people should be living.
May 1st, 2014
Meaghan Ballanger
The Death of A True Martyr
This image is of Mariam's execution. I thought that this was the most powerful image in this last section of A Thousand Splendid Suns. The most astonishing thing about this scene is Mariam's attitude about the injustice of being executed. She chooses to dwell not on the unkindness, cruelty and injustice that she experienced throughout most of her life. She does choose to dwell on the joy and love that she experienced through the last period of her life. The love that she experienced from Laila, and Aziza. The joy that she experienced in taking on a motherly role in both those lovely ladies lives.
The book describes the scene in a stadium with "thousands of eyes" bearing down on Mariam. It describes her executor as an armed man who she refers to as a "Talib", so I inferred that he would be wearing a turban. It describes him leading her to the south goalpost (hence the compass in the corner). She was told to kneel, so that is my best kneeling position, and she is wearing the burqa (it doesn't say but women were required to wear them).
I connected this picture to Persepolis. In Persepolis, they glorify martyrs. They even glorified a man who died from cancer, not really caring that he didn't die to save his country, just caring that he died. They saw it as an opportunity to rile people up and start a riot. Well, in A Thousand Splendid Suns Mariam is a true martyr because she died to save the people she loved. She could have run, and tried to live with Laila, Tariq and the kids. But she knew that they would have searched for a culprit, just because they needed to have some semblance of 'justice' reached.
1) An instrument of freedom and condemnation: I chose this image because it is the turning point in the book. The point that signals that the end is near. When Mariam hits Rasheed over the head with the shovel, she knows that she is condemning herself and setting Laila free. This tool is a simple tool but it shows that simple things have the ability to do great and terrible things. Similarly, Mariam was born a simple harami, told that she is nothing and will be nothing, yet her life ends up having incredible meaning when she sacrifices herself for the good of Laila and her children.
2) Family, not by blood: This is a drawing of (supposed to be anyway) Laila in Mariam's lap. I thought that this was such a powerful image because of the evolution of their relationship. At first Mariam resented Laila, and didn't even want to talk to her. Eventually through banding together and sharing chores and loving the children, Laila and Mariam became good friends, some would say more than friends. They were family. They were mother and daughter. This image depicts that so well. Just as a mother would stroke the hair of her child in a time of sorrow, so does Mariam stroke Laila's fine blond hair. Just as a mother would sooth her child with comforting words, so does Mariam speak comfortingly to Laila as she tries to wrap her head around Mariam's impending sacrifice.
3) The Atonement Box: This is an image of the box that Jalil left for Mariam. He left this box as well as a tape of Pinnochio. The significance of this is that this box bottled all the regret and forgiveness that Jalil had and wasn't able to communicate to Mariam. The box in the end is given to Laila. This further cements Laila's connection to Mariam. She leaves Herat, the home of her beloved friend, sad and thankful for the sacrifice that Mariam did for her. In a way the box, is an atonement for Mariam's sacrifice for Laila. This box brings closure for her, in a more solid way than just visiting Mariam's childhood home.
4) She's in my heart: This image is inspired by the quote on pg. 414, "But, mostly, Mariam is in Laila's own heart, where she shines with the bursting radiance of a thousand suns." This image communicates that our loved ones live on within our hearts. Although Laila misses Mariam and wishes she could visit her grave, she acknowledges that Mariam lives on within her heart and within all the good things in the world, such as Aziza's prayers, in the walls that they've repainted and the trees that they have planted. I would connect this idea to the movie a Time Traveler's Wife, which, as the director communicated, can be summed up in one sentence. Love surpasses time. In this instance love surpasses time, circumstance, and even a physical presence.
POINTS FOR DISCUSSION ABOUT THE IMAGE:
Do you think if Laila had been in Mariam's place she would have done the same?
-Yes, I think she would have done the same.
-Yes, and perhaps with even more vigor, and not so much hesitation. She did have a much more defiant and spunky personality. She wasn't afraid to speak back to Rasheed, and she even punched him once.
What was the defining factor in Mariam and Laila's relationship?
-They were both going through the same thing, and they banded together.
-When Laila had the baby, they connected over the same love, and same cause, of sorts.
Really well detailed and explained symbols.
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Mrs. Lailey. I will be updating my entry tomorrow. I have it almost updated.
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