Analyze how Hosseini uses literary elements to explore the issue of domestic abuse (psychological and/or physical).
In the novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, the author tells an oppressing story about two women, named Mariam and Laila, who undergo the difficulties of being an Afgani woman as they are surrounded with war, domestic abuse, family loses, and violence. With the use of imagery and symbolism, Hosseini is able to explore the physical issues of domestic abuse within Afghanistan.
When Mariam disappoints her husband, Rasheed with her cooking, he forcefully demonstrates the consequences for doing so. The story states, “Through the mouthful of grit and pebbles, Mairam mumbled a plea. Tears were leaking out of the corners of her eyes” (104). From this image Hosseini has created, it is evident that this is an extreme case of domestic abuse. Although it may seem irrational to many of the readers, to Afghanis, it has become an everyday thing to them. By using imagery, Hosseini is able to illustrate the everyday horrors women go through in their marriage. Thus enabling the readers to not only sympathize with Mariam, but also realize that this type of relationship actually exists. Even though Laila stops Rasheed from beating Mariam, “Mariam climbed back into bed, buried her head beneath the pillow, and waited for the shaking to stop” (241). This quote symbolizes the fear that exists within their relationship. Despite of Mariam’s efforts tending for Rasheed, it is evident that Rasheed does not love or have any respect for Mariam. He sees her as an object where he believes he can beat his frustration onto her at any given moment. This quote obviously demonstrates that Rasheed is not one who can love and protect Mariam but rather someone who will hate and abuse her. Hosseini shows that many marriages in Afghanistan continue to discriminate and abuse their wife despite the decline in women suffrage throughout the country.
By using imagery and symbolism, Hosseini is able to demonstrate how domestic abuse can take a toll on one’s life. Not only does domestic abuse can physically and phycologically upset one, it can also make one live in a world filled with darkness and fear.
When Mariam disappoints her husband, Rasheed with her cooking, he forcefully demonstrates the consequences for doing so. The story states, “Through the mouthful of grit and pebbles, Mairam mumbled a plea. Tears were leaking out of the corners of her eyes” (104). From this image Hosseini has created, it is evident that this is an extreme case of domestic abuse. Although it may seem irrational to many of the readers, to Afghanis, it has become an everyday thing to them. By using imagery, Hosseini is able to illustrate the everyday horrors women go through in their marriage. Thus enabling the readers to not only sympathize with Mariam, but also realize that this type of relationship actually exists. Even though Laila stops Rasheed from beating Mariam, “Mariam climbed back into bed, buried her head beneath the pillow, and waited for the shaking to stop” (241). This quote symbolizes the fear that exists within their relationship. Despite of Mariam’s efforts tending for Rasheed, it is evident that Rasheed does not love or have any respect for Mariam. He sees her as an object where he believes he can beat his frustration onto her at any given moment. This quote obviously demonstrates that Rasheed is not one who can love and protect Mariam but rather someone who will hate and abuse her. Hosseini shows that many marriages in Afghanistan continue to discriminate and abuse their wife despite the decline in women suffrage throughout the country.
By using imagery and symbolism, Hosseini is able to demonstrate how domestic abuse can take a toll on one’s life. Not only does domestic abuse can physically and phycologically upset one, it can also make one live in a world filled with darkness and fear.
Analyze how Hosseini uses literary elements to explore the issue of gender relations.
In the novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, the author tells an oppressing story about two women, named Mariam and Laila, who undergo the difficulties of being an Afgani woman as they are surrounded with war, domestic abuse, family loses, and violence. With the use of symbolism and imagery, Hosseini is able to explore how many Afgani women are deemed inferior to men.
The story states, “But Laila knew that her future was no match for her brothers’ past. They had overshadowed her in life. They would obliterate her in death” (142). From this quote, Hosseini entails a popular social issue faced across Afghanistan, gender discrimination. Although Laila’s brothers are passed away, she believes that she is still inferior to them. To her, her life will never be worth a cent more than her brother's. Unfortunate, this is common ideal seen throughout Afganistan. In many marriages, couples often hope for a male child to carry their name. Whereas, they believe girls will only become a burden to the family. With this, Hosseini is able to show how the life of a girl can seem futile and worthless when it is compared to a boy’s. When Mariam disappoints her husband, Rasheed with her cooking, he forcefully demonstrates the consequences for doing so. The story states, “Through the mouthful of grit and pebbles, Mairam mumbled a plea. Tears were leaking out of the corners of her eyes” (104). From this image Hosseini has created, it is evident that this is an extreme case of domestic abuse. Although it may seem irrational to many of the readers, to Afghanis, it has become an everyday thing to them. By using imagery, Hosseini is able to illustrate the everyday horrors women go through in their marriage. Hosseini demonstrates how the men in Afghanistan have this mentality that they are superior to women and that they can do whatever they want to women. It is evident from this quote that Rasheed has no respect or love for Mariam and he sees her as an object.
By using imagery and symbolism Hosseini is able to illustrate the social issues of sexism within Afghanistan. He is able to obtain the sympathy of many readers by demonstrating to the readers that there are many women out in the world who are deprived from living a fulfilling life because of this inequality. In other words, the idea of gender inequality can deprive the dreams and happiness from many women.
The story states, “But Laila knew that her future was no match for her brothers’ past. They had overshadowed her in life. They would obliterate her in death” (142). From this quote, Hosseini entails a popular social issue faced across Afghanistan, gender discrimination. Although Laila’s brothers are passed away, she believes that she is still inferior to them. To her, her life will never be worth a cent more than her brother's. Unfortunate, this is common ideal seen throughout Afganistan. In many marriages, couples often hope for a male child to carry their name. Whereas, they believe girls will only become a burden to the family. With this, Hosseini is able to show how the life of a girl can seem futile and worthless when it is compared to a boy’s. When Mariam disappoints her husband, Rasheed with her cooking, he forcefully demonstrates the consequences for doing so. The story states, “Through the mouthful of grit and pebbles, Mairam mumbled a plea. Tears were leaking out of the corners of her eyes” (104). From this image Hosseini has created, it is evident that this is an extreme case of domestic abuse. Although it may seem irrational to many of the readers, to Afghanis, it has become an everyday thing to them. By using imagery, Hosseini is able to illustrate the everyday horrors women go through in their marriage. Hosseini demonstrates how the men in Afghanistan have this mentality that they are superior to women and that they can do whatever they want to women. It is evident from this quote that Rasheed has no respect or love for Mariam and he sees her as an object.
By using imagery and symbolism Hosseini is able to illustrate the social issues of sexism within Afghanistan. He is able to obtain the sympathy of many readers by demonstrating to the readers that there are many women out in the world who are deprived from living a fulfilling life because of this inequality. In other words, the idea of gender inequality can deprive the dreams and happiness from many women.
