Discussion Topic C

   A Thousand Splendid Suns, a widely read novel by Khaled Hosseini, describes Mariam’s, the main character, past and how it has shaped who she is. Hosseini’s portrayal of Mariam’s manipulative life highlights her struggles that she has gone through. At a young age, Mariam experienced a torturing connection with her mother. Feeling unwanted created memories that contributed to Mariam’s mixed emotions toward the people she loved most. In this novel Hosseini points out to his readers that incidents from years ago are likely to change a person’s attitude and way of thinking.

   In most stages of the novel, Nana, Mariam’s mother, mistreated her; the harsh speeches that were directed towards Mariam and her destroyed wishes of getting a higher education were some punishments she received from her mother. Her mother enforced her to be independent and intelligent without schooling. “Like a compass needle that points north, a man’s accusing finger always finds a woman. Always. You remember that, Mariam.” (pg.7) Life lessons were also an important aspect that Nana stressed out to Mariam. Nana’s constant advice helped Mariam understand in the future that being a woman was challenging but nevertheless standing up for justice was the correct path to take. The love that Mariam once felt for her father completely faded away when he forced her to marry Rasheed. “No. No, she said. Don’t come. I won’t see you. Don’t you come. I don’t want to hear from you. Ever. Ever.”(pg.55) Jalil’s carelessness for his daughter lead to a negative impact for Mariam because she lost the trust and compassion that she had for him. She lost the desire to see him again. With the bad experiences that Mariam is facing, she becomes emotionally and mentally stronger. Her marriage with Rasheed is another complication that she has to face in life. Being obligated to accept physical abuse was a hardship Mariam didn’t think she was going to experience. “There was blood on his hands, blood on Mariam’s face, her hair, down her check and back. Her shirt had been ripped down from the front.” (pg.269) Even after Rasheed married Laila, Mariam continued to be abused by him. Mariam’s rage grew for Rasheed. “She turned it so the sharp edge was vertical, and, as she did, it occurred to her that this was the first time that she was deciding the course of her own life.” (pg.349) After all the harmful happenings that occurred to Mariam, she has finally stood up for herself. The useful advice that her mother shared with Mariam helped her realize the importance of life. Despite the events she went through, Mariam died in peace and was thankful for the opportunities she had.  All in all, the differing feelings she has for characters in the novel have helped her endure. Going through an adversity is transitioning into the stages of life.