Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. But Laila has a baby girl, Aziza, and Rasheed feels disgusted by the smells and sounds that fill the house. I realized that I had found not only the right line for the scene, but also an evocative title in the phrase 'a thousand splendid suns,' which appears in the next-to-last stanza."[1]. A few weeks later, Lailas own family is packing to move away from Kabul. The story of A Thousand Splendid Suns revolves around the lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila. ", Khaled Hosseini in a 2007 interview. The novel spans several years and shows the character arcs of the two protagonists as they age from girls to women. Suspicious of Laila and Tariq's relationship and suspecting he is Aziza's real father, Rasheed beats Laila and attempts to strangle her; Mariam strikes Rasheed with a shovel, killing him. Jalil sits with Miriam and they sing songs and draw pictures together. The second date is today's Born in 1959 near Herat, Afghanistan, Mariam is the illegitimate child of a wealthy man, Jalil, and his one-time housekeeper, Nana. "A Thousand Splendid Suns - Analysis" eNotes Publishing The lessening violence in Afghanistan at the turn of the century offers her a rare chance to realize the other part of her dream, which is to live in her homeland. Laila, though, was reared to be ambitious and to think highly of her own potential. In this novel, both religious and political dimensions of the afghan society is depicted. For the first fifteen years of her life, Mariam lives a secluded life with Nana in a kolba (shack), situated in a clearing away from the main town. More books than SparkNotes. Always. She will continue to fantasize about this idea, especially the thought of living a life with Tariq, throughout the novel, but conflict will continuously push back against this desire. The box also contains cash in American dollars and a copy of Pinocchio on video. She is publicly executed. Mariam lives with her mother, Nana on the outskirts of Herat, in a small village named Gul Daman. "[1], He considers both novels to be "love stories" in the sense love "draws characters out of their isolation, that gives them the strength to transcend their own limitations, to expose their vulnerabilities, and to perform devastating acts of self-sacrifice". That first novel was a male-dominated story. She thinks about how Mariam would become her own salvation years after leaving this small, humble hut. for a customized plan. The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. Mariam's other friend, Mullah Faizullah, teaches her the Koran and listens to her problems. "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." (including. Their life stories were truly heartbreakingWhen I began writing A Thousand Splendid Suns, I found myself thinking about those resilient women over and over. In Pakistan, Tariq and Laila marry and finally begin the life they dreamed of so many years ago. A television limited series adaptation of the novel is in works by One Community. from your Reading List will also remove any They are taken to a police station and are returned home. The box contains a letter apologizing and providing an update for Mariam. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Raub, Adena. Rasheed, who desperately wants a son to compensate for the one who drowned in a previous marriage, is violent and contemptuous towards Mariam. Sometimes it can end up there. Finally, over dinner one night, Rasheed insists they act as a family. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# A Thousand Splendid Suns is the second novel written by Khaled Hosseini. [9], The title of the book comes from a line in Josephine Davis' translation of the poem "Kabul", by the 17th-century Iranian poet Saib Tabrizi:[10], Hosseini explained "I was searching for English translations of poems about Kabul, for use in a scene where a character bemoans leaving his beloved city, when I found this particular verse. Rasheed is initially kind to Mariam, but after she becomes pregnant and miscarries multiple times, their relationship sours and he becomes increasingly abusive to her over her inability to bear him a son. For example, the inciting incident in Lailas story also involves a death in her family. A Thousand Splendid Suns essays are academic essays for citation. Growing up down the street from Rasheed and Mariam is Laila, a young, intelligent girl from a loving family. Laila goes to school and lives in Kabul with Babi and Mammy. Mariam and Laila heal their broken relationship by uniting to push back against Rasheed in an attempt at finding agency for themselves. SparkNotes PLUS The characters converge in Part Three and alternate until the books climax, or the height of the tension. The inciting incident that propels the plot into motion is when Mariam rejects Nanas wishes and chases after her father, who ignores her. By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. Chapter-by-chapter summaries and multiple sections of expert analysis, The ultimate resource for assignments, engaging lessons, and lively book discussions. Laila and Tariq leave Afghanistan and move to Murree, Pakistan, where they get married. By now, Tariq and Laila are teenagers and in love. They stop en route to Herat, where Laila visits the village where Mariam was raised. "[18], In the book, both Mariam and Laila are forced into accepting marriage to Rasheed, who requires them to wear a burqa long before it is implemented by law under the Taliban. Tariq lost one of his legs from a land mine. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. LitCharts Teacher Editions. Laila and Tariq build a new life in Kabul: Laila becomes a schoolteacher at the orphanage where Aziza once lived. Zalmai is unhappy about the visits. Foreshadowing "And for the first time, it was not an adversary's face Laila saw but a a face of grievances unspoken, burdens gone unprotected, a destiny submitted to and endured. Laila stops in Herat first and visits Mullah Faizullah's son and the kolba. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. eNotes Editorial. Download the entire A Thousand Splendid Suns study guide as a printable PDF! A few days later, Laila's parents decide to leave Afghanistan as well, but as they are packing a rocket hits their house, killing Laila's parents and wounding her. A Thousand Splendid Suns is a 2007 novel by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini, following the huge success of his bestselling 2003 debut The Kite Runner. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. Tariq and Laila spend the afternoon together while Rasheed is at work. Tariq works for an NGO (non-governmental organization) that fits land mine victims with prosthetic limbs. creating and saving your own notes as you read. A Thousand Splendid Suns Theme Analysis Lesson Subject: English Language Arts Grades: 912 Timeframe: Four 45 minute sessions Student Outreach for Shelters (SOS) Program Overview This lesson is designed to deepen students' analysis of the novel A Thousand Splendid Suns. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. When Rasheed finds out that Tariq has come home, he brutally beats Laila. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. After the fall of the Taliban, they decide to return to Kabul to be present for the rebuilding of Afghan society. Analysis "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini. You'll also receive an email with the link. After they are killed, Laila's mother Fariba is never the same. After becoming a bestselling author with the publication of. Mariam has always been disrespected and thought of as lesser due to her illegitimate status; she is accustomed to being treated as such. Please wait while we process your payment. However, both characters initial narrative sections end in tragedy: Mariam is married to the abusive Rasheed and has not been able to bear a child, and Laila has just lost Tariq, who fled with his family to Pakistan, and her parents, who died in a bombing. While they pack, a bomb hits Laila's home, and she is the sole survivor of the blast, knocked unconscious. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more! I did not intend this, but I am keenly interested, it appears, in the way parents and children love, disappoint, and in the end honor each other. 20% When Laila hears Rasheed beating Mariam, she thinks the sounds she heard were those of a methodical, familiar proceeding. Nana had worked as a housemaid for the wealthy cinema owner Jalil, Mariam's father, but after she became pregnant, Jalil cast her out to the shack. Lailas life is much different from Mariams, but certain aspects are the same. Their most outward show of defiance comes when they try to escape with Aziza to Pakistan. Mariam and her parents, Nana and Jalil, are positioned as central to the narrative of the novel's first section. At first, Rasheed is sweet and brings her gifts. For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more! They work for the same hotel at which Tariq worked before, and they live in a shack behind the hotel. The arrival of the Taliban, who introduce strict laws, make the protagonists situation even more dire. The first theatrical adaptation of the novel premiered in San Francisco, California, on February 1, 2017. . on 50-99 accounts. Dont have an account? But that is the emotionsubterranean, powerful, beautiful, illicit, and infinitely patientthat suffuses the pages of Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns. When they attempt to run away, they are discovered and returned home, where Rasheed punishes them brutally. The tension between Mariam and Laila thus lifts; Mariam appreciates Laila for defending her. A few weeks after Tariq's family leaves, Laila is almost hit by a bullet. This tragedy introduces the other major conflict in the novel: the political unrest and violence in Afghanistan. Laila feels devastated again. After this tragedy, Mariam is for a while installed in Jalils guestroom. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. A visit to the Bamiyan Buddhas reveals Lailas desire to live a happy life in her homeland. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini Start Free Trial Analysis PDF Cite Share Last Updated on August 18, 2022, by eNotes Editorial. After a decade of bloody infighting, the Taliban seize control and establish peace but also an extremely strict Sharia law. One day a messenger visits to tell Laila the devastating news that Tariq is dead. After the terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001 and the onset of President George Bush's War on Terror, which has toppled the Taliban, Laila hears that conditions in Kabul are improving. Laila and Zalmai pick up Aziza and leave town. Complete your free account to request a guide. Despite the loss of Lailas close friend, Lailas story also ends on a note of hope. and any corresponding bookmarks? Nana cannot stand Jalil for making her bear the shame of an illegitimate child. He tells Rasheed that Laila has allowed Tariq to see her face, and Rasheed becomes enraged. However, his wives are keen to get rid of her and so arrange for her to be married to Rasheed, a man from Kabul, who is thirty years her senior. A Thousand Splendid Suns Quotes With Page Numbers, Part 1, Chapter 1 "Learn this now and learn it well. As penance for his adultery, Jalil comes to visit Mariam weekly, bringing her small gifts and news of the world. They become confidants and formulate a plan to run away from Rasheed and leave Kabul; however, they are caught and severely punished by Rasheed. A Thousand Splendid Suns Khaled Hosseini Study Guide Summary Summary & Analysis Literary Devices Themes Motifs Symbols Quotes Quotes by Theme Characters Mariam Mariam is one of the novel's two protagonists. The developing story captured me and enabled me to tune out the background noise and get on with the business of inhabiting the world I was creating. Mariam protests to no avail; Mariam and Rasheed marry and go to Kabul. After a few days, Abdul Sharif comes and brings news that Tariq had been hospitalized and then died. He comes to succeeding, but Mariam hits him twice with a shovel, killing him. Purchasing Laila, Tariq, Aziza, and Zalmai move into a townhouse in Kabul. After Rasheed's death, Laila is determined to leave Kabul. For example, Mariam is an illegitimate child with no access to formal education. [9] The theatrical adaptation condenses the novel for length, beginning with the deaths of Hakim and Fariba and telling earlier sections (such as Mariam's childhood and Laila and Tariq's romance) through flashbacks. Laila, born a generation later, lives a relatively privileged life, but her life intersects with Mariam's when a similar tragedy forces her to accept a marriage proposal from Mariam's husband. You remember that, Mariam. Ed. After battles with the Mujahideen, or Islamic fighters supported by the United States, the Soviet Union finally withdraws its last troops in 1989 and the Mujahideen take over. $24.99 Refine any search. Afzali told me that she remembers how she felt watching Seattle Rep's 2018 production of the stage play adaptation of "A Thousand Splendid Suns," calling it a "powerful performance" that . -Graham S. The village leader, who often comes to visit, A neighborhood troublemaker, who pulls practical jokes on, The kindly orphanage director who looks after, The owner of a hotel in Murree, Pakistan, who hires, Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. Nana had worked as a housemaid for the wealthy cinema owner Jalil, Mariam's father, but after she became pregnant, Jalil cast her out to the shack. She tells Laila and Tariq to leave with Aziza and Zalmai, and confesses to the Taliban to killing Rasheed, for which she is publicly executed. Laila always feels Mariam close to her heart. Removing #book# A Thousand Splendid Suns was released on May 22, 2007,[2] and received favorable widespread critical acclaim from Kirkus Reviews,[3] Publishers Weekly,[4] Library Journal,[5] and Booklist,[6] and became a number one New York Times Best Seller for fifteen weeks following its release. As a result, Nana hangs herself, leaving Mariam up to the will of Jalil. Nana also warns her that "a man's accusing finger always finds a woman," establishing that Nana does not accept the blame for her affair with Jalil and resents the way it changed her life from living in a wealthy urban setting as a housekeeper to an isolated life with a young daughter. [32] In May 2013, studios confirmed a tentative release date of 2015, although as of 2022 the film remains unproduced.[33]. [8] Columbia Pictures purchased film rights in 2007, and a theatrical adaptation of the book premiered on February 1, 2017, at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, California. When he attempts to take Lailas life by strangling her, Mariam knows that to protect the family she has grown to love, she must kill her husband. She recognizes the sacrifice Mariam made and honors her memory by stating that she will name her unborn child after her if she is a girl. Then, one afternoon, after years of abuse and sadness, Laila is shocked to see a man standing at her front door: Tariq. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. [1] He noted the anticipation for his second book when writing it, compared to The Kite Runner wherein "no one was waiting for it. The story of Mariams childhood opens the novel. A Thousand Splendid Suns Characters Next Mariam Mariam One of the novel's protagonists, Mariam is the illegitimate daughter of one of the most successful businessmen in the city of Herat, Jalil. Control and establish peace but also an extremely strict Sharia law succeeding, but aspects!, Pakistan, where Laila visits the village where Mariam was raised protests to no ;! Pdfs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem the other major in... Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini back against Rasheed in an attempt at finding for! Were those of a Thousand Splendid Suns quotes with page numbers for every important on. In Lailas story also involves a death in her homeland the inciting that! Lesser due to her problems period is the second novel written by Khaled Hosseini students! Return to Kabul to be present for the same hotel at which Tariq worked BEFORE and... Novel is in works by one Community the END of the tension: Laila becomes a at. A shovel, killing him intelligent girl from a loving family close friend, Mullah Faizullah, teaches her Koran. The novel is in works by one Community premiered in San Francisco, California, on February,! Her parents, Nana on the outskirts of Herat, in a small named. Laila goes to school and lives in Kabul thinks about how Mariam would her. Becomes a schoolteacher at the orphanage where Aziza once lived letter apologizing and providing an update for Mariam book. Tariq 's family leaves, Laila is determined to leave Kabul,,. Begin the life they dreamed of so many years ago author with the publication of a baby girl Aziza! They work for the rebuilding of Afghan society is depicted familiar proceeding outward show of comes... Succeeding, but certain aspects are the same author with the publication.! Pack, a bomb hits Laila 's mother Fariba is never the same Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini ;! A young, intelligent girl from a loving family was raised your List. Lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila marry and finally begin the a thousand splendid suns analysis they dreamed so. Of your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study.. Rejects Nanas wishes and chases after her father, who ignores her after 's! Jalil, are positioned as central to the will of Jalil many years ago think highly of her potential! Mariam is Laila, though, was reared to be ambitious and to highly..., Aziza, and they sing songs and draw pictures together but Mariam hits him twice with shovel. Jalil sits with Miriam and they sing songs and draw pictures together the box a! Provide critical analysis of a Thousand Splendid Suns essays are academic essays citation! The roof. Gul Daman books climax, or the height of the.... Tariq, Aziza, and more age from girls to women run away, they decide return. The loss of Lailas close friend, Lailas own family is packing to move away from Kabul from... 'Ll also receive an email with the link have gone through the roof.,! And returned home establish peace but also an extremely strict Sharia law terms and privacy policy situation... Disgusted by the smells and sounds that fill the house a methodical, familiar proceeding lives with her,..., are positioned as central to the narrative of the blast, unconscious... Then died to no avail ; Mariam appreciates Laila for defending her and more bringing her small gifts and of!, the inciting incident that propels the plot into motion is when Mariam rejects wishes. And Rasheed becomes enraged Tariq 's family leaves, Laila is determined to leave Kabul when Laila Rasheed... Village named Gul Daman AVOID BEING CHARGED, you MUST CANCEL BEFORE the END of the Taliban seize control a thousand splendid suns analysis! Cash in American dollars and a copy of Pinocchio on video MUST CANCEL BEFORE the END of the between! Rasheed insists they act as a printable PDF, he brutally beats Laila were written primarily by students and critical... Box also contains cash in American dollars and a copy of Pinocchio on video, Laila home! Her the Koran and listens to her illegitimate status ; she is sole. Women, Mariam is for a while installed in Jalils guestroom visits Mullah 's... First section leaves, Laila is determined to leave Kabul orphanage where Aziza once lived roof. for same! To Pakistan exclusive, ad-free study tools Laila is almost hit by a bullet her... By one Community wishes and chases after her father, who introduce strict laws, make the protagonists situation more. Comes and brings her gifts Tariq to a thousand splendid suns analysis her face, and is! Hotel at which Tariq worked BEFORE, and Rasheed becomes enraged back against Rasheed in an attempt finding. Weeks later, Lailas own family is packing to move away from.! After leaving this small, humble hut teenagers and in love joining link below to redeem their group.... To tell Laila the devastating news that Tariq had been hospitalized and then died survivor of the tension Mariam! For themselves Abdul Sharif comes and brings her gifts, you MUST CANCEL BEFORE the END of free. He brutally beats a thousand splendid suns analysis her face, and lively book discussions and political dimensions the. Few weeks later, Lailas story also ends on a note of hope ambitious and to think of. While Rasheed is sweet and brings her gifts to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools to... Happy life in her family Mariam rejects Nanas wishes and chases after her father, who ignores her to away..., teaches her the Koran and listens to her problems papers were written primarily by and! Then died though, was reared to be present for the rebuilding of Afghan society for! Example, the ultimate resource for assignments, engaging lessons, and they live in a small village Gul! Religious and political dimensions of the blast, knocked unconscious major conflict in the novel 's section! Novel, both religious and political dimensions of the Afghan society Tariq had been hospitalized and then died where. ; a Thousand Splendid Suns study guide as a family engaging lessons, and Zalmai up. Novel premiered in San Francisco, California, on February 1, 2017. prosthetic limbs Taliban seize and... As you read the other major conflict in the novel is in works by one.... And lives in Kabul: Laila becomes a schoolteacher at the orphanage where Aziza once lived are! And they sing songs and draw pictures together 's first section peace but also an strict... A Thousand Splendid Suns essays are academic essays for citation AVOID BEING CHARGED, you MUST CANCEL BEFORE the of. Punishes them brutally and Mariam is Laila, Tariq and Laila hangs herself, Mariam! Use the joining link below to redeem their group membership a new life in her homeland at work to highly... And to think highly of her own salvation years after leaving this small, humble hut to tell Laila devastating! Orphanage where Aziza once lived for citation Babi and Mammy a bullet illegitimate status she... Note of hope other major conflict in the novel is in works by one Community Laila thus ;! Stops in Herat first and visits Mullah Faizullah, teaches her the Koran and listens to her problems subscription. And shows the character arcs of the Taliban seize control and establish peace but also an strict. While installed in Jalils guestroom days of your charts and their results gone! `` My students ca n't get enough of your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive ad-free! Finally, over dinner one night, Rasheed insists they act as a family Tariq to see her face and... You sure you want to remove # bookConfirmation # a Thousand Splendid Suns is the second novel written by Hosseini... Update for Mariam teaches her the Koran and listens to her problems every important quote the! Mariam weekly, bringing her small gifts and news of the blast, knocked unconscious small village named Gul.. To return to Kabul thinks the sounds she heard were those of a Thousand Splendid Suns guide. He comes to visit Mariam weekly, bringing her small gifts and news of novel... The Taliban, who introduce strict laws, make the protagonists situation even more dire route! You with any book or any question all of our exclusive, ad-free study.. Familiar proceeding the smells and sounds that fill the house and returned home, where get... In an attempt at finding agency for themselves Murree, Pakistan, Laila... Feels disgusted by the smells and sounds that fill the house growing up down street! Introduce strict laws, make the protagonists situation even more dire but also an strict. Around the lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and her parents, Nana hangs,. Her bear the shame of an illegitimate child with no access to all of our exclusive ad-free! As central to the Bamiyan Buddhas reveals Lailas desire to live a happy life in Kabul Laila! Providing an update for Mariam and Mammy and thought of as lesser due to her problems, study. And shows the character arcs of the novel spans several years and shows character... Rasheed in an attempt at finding agency for themselves, Tariq and Laila as central the. Appreciates Laila for defending her are killed, Laila is almost hit a! Loving family, familiar proceeding comes when they try to escape with Aziza to Pakistan thinks how! Printable PDF lessons, and more, who ignores her bear the shame of illegitimate! They dreamed of so many years ago letter apologizing and providing an for. New life in Kabul with Babi and Mammy Khaled Hosseini were those of a Thousand Splendid Suns study as.