Summarizer
~ April 16th 2014
Mary Soppitt
Major events:
The first 85 pages of A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini introduce a few of the main characters in the novel. Mariam, the daughter of Jahil and Nana is born out of wedlock. Nana is Jahil's maid and when she becomes pregnant they send her out of the city to have the baby away from Jahil's other wives and children. This causes Nana to be very angry and resentful of Jahil because of the way she is banished after he gets her pregnant. Despite Nana's hatred for him, Mariam is still in love with her father and anxiously awaits his arrival every Thursday. For her birthday, Mariam decides she wants Jahil to take her to his movie theatre but he opts for a different idea. They agree to meet up the next day at noon but when he never shows up, Mariam ventures into the city to find him. When she arrives at his home he is no where to be seen so she waits for him. The next day, his butler insists on her going back home and when she arrives she finds Nana has committed suicide. Mariam goes to live with her father and his wives and children after this. She is not social and stays in her room to morn the loss of her mother. The only person she'll really talk to is Mullah Faizullah, her tutor. One day, Jahil and his wives inform Mariam that she is going to be married to Rasheed, a shoe maker who lives in he city of Kabul. Mariam fights this but eventually gives in and they are married. Mariam is ashamed of her father and she no longer praises him. The first week of married life, Mariam stays in her room and listens for when Rasheed comes and goes. After awhile, he confronts her and lets her know that she has had enough time to settle in and it is time for her to start acting like a wife. She cooks and cleans for Rasheed which he is pleased with. Rasheed makes Mariam wear a Burka in public because he feels that she should only be seen by him. One day Mariam is cleaning his bedroom and she finds a picture of his past wife and son who passed away. Once she realizes the great loss he's been through she understands that he is very much like her and for once she feels connected to her husband.
Minor events:
-when Mariam meets up with Jahil and the activities they do together
-Mariam and her tutor learning and studying the Karim
-Nana telling stories of Mariam's birth and of how her father mistreats them
-the suspense at the end of the wedding when the author tells us Mariam will be in the same situation with a priest in the future
-meeting the other wives of the city; specifically her neighbour who is very modern and Rasheed does not permit Mariam spends time with her
Connection:
I connected this section of the novel to the Nativity. One of the main parts of this section was the wedding and it reminded me of how Mary was in the movie the Nativity. Mary was hesitant to say yes at the arranged marriage with Joseph just like Mariam was hesitant to say yes at the arranged wedding with Rasheed. Both girls had to be prompted by their fathers to answer the question and agree to marriage. The front cover of the novel also reminds me of this movie because of the way the houses are and the clothing they are wearing.
~ April, 21, 2014
Meaghan Ballanger
Major Events:
In this section Mariam miscarries her and Rasheed's baby and in doing so Rasheed becomes very bitter and starts ignoring Mariam. After this Mariam miscarries six more babies and Rasheed begins to ridicule Mariam and even becomes physically abusive. It is clear to Rasheed and to a devastated Mariam that she cannot have children. This realization is crippling to their relationship, and from then on out Mariam is more of a housekeeper to Rasheed than a wife.
Then we are introduced to a girl named Laila, who was born on the day the communists took over Afghanistan. We pick up with her story when she is nine years old. At this time, Laila was attending school in Kabul. Her father saw it as absolutely necessary that she attend school. Her mother was a bit of a recluse due to her depression over her two sons departure to join the war (fighting the soviets). This has a impact on Laila, just like the impact Nana had on Mariam. Both in their own way neglected their daughters. Yet Laila grows up a strong, independent and free-willed girl, while Mariam constantly wants approval and seeks to gain the love of those around her.
Laila and her best friend Tariq grow up through the shifting of political power and through times of grief and times of joy. Laila's brother's were killed and this left her 'Mammy' struggling to get out of bed. As a result Laila took over the cleaning, cooking, and most everything else for her saddened father (Babi). The soviets left Afghanistan and Najibullan was left in charge of the country. Although Laila and Babi celebrate Mammy isn't convinced that the Soviets are truly 'out' of the country (with Najibullan in power, who she believes is the Soviet's puppet). This did in fact turn out to be a false front of peace for, only three years later the Mujahideen made their advances to gain control of the country. They eventually succeeded.Throughout this time, Laila develops feelings for Tariq. Yet she is unable to do anything about it, but be a constant and loyal friend to him. This section ends with the Mujahideen starting to fight each other, fighting over who of all the 'tribes' should have power over the country.
Minor Events
-After apparently serving him a unappetizing meal, Rasheed makes Mariam chew pebbles to have an experience of what her food 'really tastes like'.
-Laila gets squirted with urine by the bully in town, Khadim. Tariq beats him up with his prosthetic leg. This is a turning point, it shows that Tariq has a deep regard for Laila.
-Laila's father tells Laila that under the communists women have had more rights than under any other rule.
-Babi takes Laila and Tariq to the two enormous Buddha statues, and shows them the magnificent sights.
-surrenders and Mammy gets out of bed and greets the world with a smile. Only to retreat back into bed when the Mujahideen start fighting each other.
-Another good point in the Tariq-Laila romance is when Tariq says that he has eyes only for Laila.
Connections:
In this section, Laila starts to develop feeling for Tariq. She also notices a change in her relationship with him and how they are relating to each other. I have a friend who told me that she can relate to that because she's experienced that herself. There's this guy that we've both known for a long time. She used to think he was a total idiot but She's seen a shift in how she sees him now. Just like Tariq makes Laila laugh so does this guy make her laugh. Yet, they aren't as close or as comfortable with each other. So in a way, I connect her friendship to Laila and Tariq's friendship as well, because I know she would love to be a good solid friend to a guy and him to her.
~ April, 24th, 2014
Abigail Burns
~ April, 21, 2014
Meaghan Ballanger
Major Events:
In this section Mariam miscarries her and Rasheed's baby and in doing so Rasheed becomes very bitter and starts ignoring Mariam. After this Mariam miscarries six more babies and Rasheed begins to ridicule Mariam and even becomes physically abusive. It is clear to Rasheed and to a devastated Mariam that she cannot have children. This realization is crippling to their relationship, and from then on out Mariam is more of a housekeeper to Rasheed than a wife.
Then we are introduced to a girl named Laila, who was born on the day the communists took over Afghanistan. We pick up with her story when she is nine years old. At this time, Laila was attending school in Kabul. Her father saw it as absolutely necessary that she attend school. Her mother was a bit of a recluse due to her depression over her two sons departure to join the war (fighting the soviets). This has a impact on Laila, just like the impact Nana had on Mariam. Both in their own way neglected their daughters. Yet Laila grows up a strong, independent and free-willed girl, while Mariam constantly wants approval and seeks to gain the love of those around her.
Laila and her best friend Tariq grow up through the shifting of political power and through times of grief and times of joy. Laila's brother's were killed and this left her 'Mammy' struggling to get out of bed. As a result Laila took over the cleaning, cooking, and most everything else for her saddened father (Babi). The soviets left Afghanistan and Najibullan was left in charge of the country. Although Laila and Babi celebrate Mammy isn't convinced that the Soviets are truly 'out' of the country (with Najibullan in power, who she believes is the Soviet's puppet). This did in fact turn out to be a false front of peace for, only three years later the Mujahideen made their advances to gain control of the country. They eventually succeeded.Throughout this time, Laila develops feelings for Tariq. Yet she is unable to do anything about it, but be a constant and loyal friend to him. This section ends with the Mujahideen starting to fight each other, fighting over who of all the 'tribes' should have power over the country.
Minor Events
-After apparently serving him a unappetizing meal, Rasheed makes Mariam chew pebbles to have an experience of what her food 'really tastes like'.
-Laila gets squirted with urine by the bully in town, Khadim. Tariq beats him up with his prosthetic leg. This is a turning point, it shows that Tariq has a deep regard for Laila.
-Laila's father tells Laila that under the communists women have had more rights than under any other rule.
-Babi takes Laila and Tariq to the two enormous Buddha statues, and shows them the magnificent sights.
-surrenders and Mammy gets out of bed and greets the world with a smile. Only to retreat back into bed when the Mujahideen start fighting each other.-Another good point in the Tariq-Laila romance is when Tariq says that he has eyes only for Laila.
Connections:
In this section, Laila starts to develop feeling for Tariq. She also notices a change in her relationship with him and how they are relating to each other. I have a friend who told me that she can relate to that because she's experienced that herself. There's this guy that we've both known for a long time. She used to think he was a total idiot but She's seen a shift in how she sees him now. Just like Tariq makes Laila laugh so does this guy make her laugh. Yet, they aren't as close or as comfortable with each other. So in a way, I connect her friendship to Laila and Tariq's friendship as well, because I know she would love to be a good solid friend to a guy and him to her.
~ April, 24th, 2014
Abigail Burns
At the beginning of this section war has been brought into Kabul, the streets are guarded by militia so Lalia doesn’t leave her home too often without Tariq. By this time Tariq and Laila have become involved, Hakim has pulled Laila out of school for her own safety and Giti (Laila’s childhood friend) was killed by a bomb. At this time, Laila finally breaks down and cries for the loss of her friends and her brothers. After a few days of romance, Tariq tells Laila that his family is leaving Kabul because of his fathers health. He tells Laila this isn’t the end for them, he will return and the two make love. As much as Laila wanted to flee with Tariq, she couldn’t abandon her family. Laila and her family have decided they too will leave Kabul. While sorting through items before leaving Kabul a bomb detonates on Laila’s home, and she is the only survivor. Mariam and Rasheed are the ones who retrieved Laila from the rubble. After a slow recovery news comes from a man named Abdul Sharif and tells her that Tariq has died. Laila has no where else to go so Rasheed and Mariam continue to look after her while Mariam catches on to Rasheed’s plan of marrying Laila which she accepts. Laila wished to get married quickly since she has a feeling she is pregnant with Tariq’s child and wants to quickly consummate the marriage so Rasheed thinks it is his child. Laila and Mariam try to avoid each other, ignoring Rasheed who insists they act as a family. The next day Laila goes to talk to Mariam and she shuts her down explaining she will not be her servant, chores will be divided up and they will not be friends. Once spring hit, Laila had a baby girl which upset Rasheed immensely. Since Rasheed expected Laila to have a boy, he had bought all boys clothing and refused to buy her any girl clothes. One night, Laila and Rasheed are fighting because she doesn't want to have sex with him. Rasheed blamed Mariam saying it was her fault, he went to beat Mariam with his belt and Laila pulled him away and agreed to have sex to protect Mariam. Later on, Rasheed also confronts Laila about her relationship with Tariq and threatens her if she is not telling the truth. This makes her second guess her plan to run away once spring arrives. The next morning Laila finds a pile of baby girl clothing outside her door that Mariam had given her. This leads to a long visit and the start of a friendship.
Minor events/Details that didn't make it in the summary:
- After she and Rasheed have intercourse, Mariam grabs the knife she's hidden under the mattress and pricks her finger to stain the sheets, just to make Rasheed's believe that he married a virgin.
- We find out that Rasheed had been drunk when he was supposed to be watching his son while he was swimming, he then passed out and his son drowned.
- Rasheed tries to convince Mariam that it is not proper for a young unmarried woman to stay with them. He plays on Mariam's sympathy by describing all the things that would happen to Laila if she's sent away (rape, kidnapping, and poverty).
- When Rasheed brings Laila a wedding band which was purchased it by selling Mariam's old band.
- Rasheed gives Laila the speech about wearing a burqa in public. He goes one step further and tells Laila that she's not to leave the house at all and if Laila needs anything during the day, she should send Mariam out for it. He then threatens Mariam to enforce these guidelines, making it clear that Mariam would be at fault if these rules weren't followed
Connections:
- Connected Rasheed marrying Mariam to the show on TLC called sister wives who follow polygamy. Which is a practice of having more than one husband or wife at a time. The word polygamist comes from the greek word polugamia which means to 'often marrying'. Both families have to be okay with the man of the house having more than one wife, and its up to them wither the wives are friends are not. This obviously would bring tension and discomfort in the household.
~ April 29, 2014
Amanda Lewis
Major Events:
Laila and Mariam are planning to run away. Laila has stolen money from Rasheed's wallet every week since they were married in order to fund it. The two women finally leave the house with Aziza to get to the train station. A man who kindly says that he will pose as their family member as protection for the women rats them out. They are questioned and sent back to Rasheed where he proceeded to punch Laila, lock her and Aziza in a room for several days, and beat Mariam. Rasheed locked her in the shed. Two years after their attempt to escape, the Taliban, a group of Muslim soldiers, have overthrown the Mujahideen. Everyone celebrates until they hear the new watan of the Taliban. They basically forbid everything that would bring joy, attention, and independence especially to women. They turn every precious historical thing to rubble, and beat women who are alone in the streets without a male relative. Laila becomes pregnant with Rasheed's child and tries to summon the strength to kill it but she can't. When she finally gets into a room at the hospital, she has to have a caesarian without anesthetics due to the lack of provisions because of the Taliban. Rasheed finally has the boy he wants and teaches Zalmai to be just like him. The drought and famine leave them all starving, with Rasheed putting Zalmai above everyone else in respect to food and toys. Mariam tries calling her father to ask for financial help, but she finds that he has been long dead. Rasheed forces Laila to send Aziza to an orphanage due to lack of provisions for the family. Laila discovers that Tariq is alive and is overjoyed to see him. He says that he wrote her volumes while he was in prison. Rasheed finds out because of Zalmai that Laila talked with Tariq, and says that he knew that Aziza wasn't his own child.
Minor events:
- Rasheed smirked at the sight of two hanged men in a public gathering while the Taliban were explaining that this was what would happen to those who did not follow the law
- During the drought/famine, he still bought expensive things for Zalmai and not Aziza
- Aziza develops a nervous stutter from being at the orphanage away from home
Connections:
- My mother had me by caesarian as well
- I also had a stutter due to nervousness; I was a very nervous child
- The Taliban were like the oppressive force of the Islamic Regime in Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi in how they ran things (gaining control by force and fear, and forbidding everything that encouraged joy, identity, and free thinking)
Minor events:
- Rasheed smirked at the sight of two hanged men in a public gathering while the Taliban were explaining that this was what would happen to those who did not follow the law
- During the drought/famine, he still bought expensive things for Zalmai and not Aziza
- Aziza develops a nervous stutter from being at the orphanage away from home
Connections:
- My mother had me by caesarian as well
- I also had a stutter due to nervousness; I was a very nervous child
- The Taliban were like the oppressive force of the Islamic Regime in Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi in how they ran things (gaining control by force and fear, and forbidding everything that encouraged joy, identity, and free thinking)
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