Introduction:
The heartbreaking and beautiful novel “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini explores the interlinked lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, against the tragic backdrop of Afghanistan’s past three decades. This is more than merely a story; it is a manifestation of the persistence of the human spirit. Mariam and Laila are the two main protagonists of the book. Laila, a lovely and intelligent young girl from Kabul, and Mariam, an illegitimate kid, both deal with their own difficulties and hardships. Their lives became connected,forging an unbreakable bond that would endure the test of time.
The primary antagonist is Rasheed. He is a deeply abusive and controlling husband to both Mariam and Laila. The harsh reality of the patriarchal and oppressive culture in which the novel is set can be seen in his acts and attitudes toward women.
The novel A Thousand Splendid Suns consists of three parts:
Part One:
The protagonist of the book, Mariam, was born in 1959 into a wealthy businessman named Jalil and a servant named Nana. Even though Jalil is well-off and powerful, he openly rejects Mariam as his biological daughter, which forces Mariam to grow up alone and in squalor on the outskirts of Herat with her mother. Mariam’s story begins with the heavy burden of being an illegitimate child. Born out of wedlock, she lives a life of seclusion with her embittered mother, Nana. The societal scorn and rejection she faces from an early age deeply impact her sense of self-worth and identity.In addition to being rejected by society, she carries the weight of her mother’s resentment and rage.
- Reference: “For an illegitimate person, Mariam, harami, was an everyday reminder of her father’s betrayal and her mother’s sorrow” (Chapter 1)
Jalil’s Visits: Occasionally, Jalil, Mariam’s father, visits her, showing care and presence but never giving her the complete attention she deserves. Despite Mariam’s longing to live with him and enjoy a life of luxury, Jalil’s petty actions constantly let her down. She yearns for his acceptance and the love that she sees him give his other children.
- Reference: “He would bring her small gifts, tell her stories, and listen to her dreams, but always from a distance, always with one foot out the door” (Chapter 5).
Return to the Kolba: Mariam is forced to go back to her mother by Jallil since he turned down her request to visit and won’t let her stay with him. When she gets back, she finds her mother has killed herself. Mariam’s life takes a significant change after this tragic experience. After Mariam’s mother passes away, Jalil marries her off to Rasheed, a much older shoemaker in Kabul, and her life takes an unexpected turn. Mariam battles both her toxic relationship with Rasheed and the challenges of her new life in a forced marriage.
Part Two:
Laila’s Early Years and Household: Raised in a progressive and encouraging Kabul household, Her mother, a housewife, and her father, an educator, supported her academic endeavors and goals for the future. Laila grows close to her nearest companion Tariq during her childhood, which is full of love and optimism.
The Afghan War and Tragedy: As the Soviet invasion and subsequent civil war ravage Afghanistan, Laila’s family is affected. Her life takes a tragic turn when her parents are killed in a bombing, and Tariq, whom she loves, disappears. Laila is left alone and in desperate circumstances.
- Reference: But the war had made a sea of her childhood. It had robbed her parents of their lives, scattered her brothers, destroyed her home (Chapter 26).
- Reference: Laila stared at the spot where her parents had stood moments ago. Now there was nothing but dust, ash, and the remnants of a family that had once been whole (Chapter 27).
Marriage to Rasheed: Laila accepts Rasheed’s proposal after he assures her of his safety and protection in a last-ditch effort to survive. She and Mariam are at odds because of their marriage; Mariam views Laila as a competition and a threat.
Marriage and Motherhood: Laila’s marriage to Rasheed, following the death of her parents and her own injury, introduces a new set of challenges. She endures his abuse but remains resilient for the sake of her children:
- Reference: She would never leave her children behind. Never. It was a promise she had made to herself (Chapter 34)
- Reference: Her children were her lifeline. It was for them that she bore the beatings and the humiliations. For them, she found the strength to endure (Chapter 32)
Part Three:
Conflict and Resolution: Initially, Mariam and Laila’s relationship is strained due to jealousy and resentment.. However, as they endure Rasheed’s increasing abuse and the harsh realities of their situation, they gradually form a deep, supportive bond. Their shared suffering brings them closer, and they develop a sisterly friendship that becomes a source of strength for both.The women begin to devise a plan to escape their dire situation. Their perseverance and resourcefulness in planning an escape illustrate their strength and determination to reclaim their lives and secure a better future.
Rasheed’s Fate: Their escape attempt is thwarted, and Rasheed’s abuse becomes increasingly violent. In a moment of desperation, Mariam kills Rasheed to protect Laila and her children. Mariam takes the blame for the murder, resulting in her imprisonment
Part Four:
Post-Rasheed Life: After Rasheed’s death, Laila rebuilds her life. Tariq returns and reveals that he had been hiding from the war. Their reunion brings hope back into Laila’s life. She raises her children, who are the living legacy of Mariam’s sacrifice. Mariam’s influence on Laila and her family is evident. Laila cherishes the values of love and resilience. Her new life represents hope and redemption, even after profound suffering.
At the end of the novel, Laila reflects on the past. She considers how Mariam’s courage has influenced her life. The story highlights self-sacrifice and the strong bond between women. These connections help them get through tough times.
Mariam’s Sacrifice: Mariam’s ultimate act of sacrifice killing Rasheed to save Laila illustrates the depth of her perseverance and her love for Laila and her children:
- Reference: Mariam saw now the sacrifices a mother made. Decency was but one. But even so, against all common sense and reason, she hoped for more (Chapter 45).
Laila’s Hope for the Future: Despite all the suffering she has endured, Laila remains hopeful for a better future. She returns to Kabul to help rebuild the city and honor Mariam’s memory:
- Reference: Mariam is in Laila’s own heart, where she shines with the bursting radiance of a thousand suns(Chapter 51).
The references highlight profound themes of suffering and perseverance in A Thousand Splendid Suns. The characters endure immense hardships. Despite their struggles, they ultimately find strength and hope.