Comparing Authority In '1984 And A Thousand Splendid Suns'

Consider the representation of characters reacting to authority in the novels ‘1984’ and ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ by the authors Khaled Hosseini and George Orwell

George Orwell's 1984 and Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns are two novels that explore the theme of characters reacting to authority. Both novels depict the struggle of individuals living under the authority of a totalitarian government or oppressive society. Set in the dystopian future, ‘1984’ portrays a society ruled by a dictatorial government that controls every aspect of people's lives, which is based upon the rise of totalitarian regimes like Nazi Germany post World War Two; whereas ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ is set in Afghanistan during the Taliban regime, where

Laila states, "I wanted to escape, to leave behind the only world I had ever known". Mariam goes further by killing Rasheed, her oppressive husband, as she states "I did it for myself. And for you, too", The technique of irony is used here, as the reader knows that Mariam is not only referring to her own death but also to the death of her abusive husband, Rasheed. This creates a sense of tension and anticipation in the reader as they wait to see how Mariam will carry out her plan and how the other characters will react. Furthermore, the impact of this quote on the reader is significant as it represents a pivotal moment in the story. Mariam's decision to sacrifice herself in order to save Laila and her children from Rasheed's abuse is a powerful act of love and selflessness. By saying "And for you, too," Mariam acknowledges that Laila was not only her rival but also her friend and ally. This demonstrates the depth of Mariam's character development throughout the novel, as she transforms from a timid, isolated girl to a courageous and compassionate woman. This act of violence serves as a symbol of Mariam's reclaiming of agency and power from Rasheed. Both novels present different ways of resisting authority, with '1984' showing the characters attempting to remain hidden within it and 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' showing the characters actively

Mariam's sacrifice in "A Thousand Splendid Suns" is a powerful commentary on the social and historical context of the novel. Her decision to kill Rasheed and face severe consequences from the Taliban ultimately leads to her death, but it enables Laila to escape the oppression of the Taliban. The use of past tense in Hosseini's writing emphasizes the finality of Mariam's passing and creates a sense of distance from the character. However, the repetition of "a" in the phrase "a woman," "a friend," "a companion," "a guardian," "a mother," and "a person of consequence" highlights the different roles Mariam played in her life, and her legacy will endure beyond her death. Moreover, the use of the verb "loved" and the adjective "loved back" signifies the depth of Mariam's relationships, indicating that she was not alone at the end of her life. This sacrifice also reflects the wider social and political context of Afghanistan during this time period. Mariam's sacrifice highlights the desperation and pain of Afghan women during the Taliban's rule. Throughout the novel, Mariam and Laila face oppression and abuse at the hands of men who wield power over them. The Taliban's rule is depicted as ruthless and brutal, with women facing severe restrictions on their freedom and basic