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How Does Hosseini Present Memory In A Thousand Splendid Suns

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Khaled Hosseini's "A Thousand Splendid Suns" presents a powerful exploration of the complexities of the human experience, particularly as they relate to the relationship between characters and the past. Through the journey of the central character, Mariam, Hosseini masterfully illustrates the transformative effects of memory and the past, demonstrating how individuals are shaped and defined by their experiences.

At the start of the novel, Mariam is a product of her past, defined by the rejection of her mother and the abandonment of her father. Her status as a harami, a sin to the haram, has caused her to feel marginalized, unwanted, and isolated. However, she witnesses and experiences the injustices of Afghan society, through her marriage with Rasheed, enduring his heavy hand, and strict rules. Rasheed ruling nature, made him comply with the old traditions of the Talban, forcing Mariam to wear a burqa and hid her metaphorical …show more content…

As Mariam grapples with her feelings of abandonment, she comes to appreciate the sacrifices that Nana made for her and learns to extend that love to others. Through Mariam's growth, the novel underscores how maternal love can serve as a source of strength and resilience, even in the face of tremendous adversity. Hosseini's use of Mariam's character also speaks to larger themes present in the novel, such as the devastating effects of war and the struggle for survival and hope in the face of oppression and injustice. Through Mariam's transformation, the author demonstrates the transformative power of the human spirit and the resilience that can be found in even the darkest of circumstances. As Mariam becomes a confident and resilient woman, she becomes a symbol of hope for readers, demonstrating that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, it is possible to overcome the past and find a path to a brighter

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Throughout her life, Mariam learns not to speak up for herself, as she is always met with retaliation or consequence, whether from Nana in her childhood or from Rasheed once she is married. Hosseini’s writing establishes her timidity. Especially in her early scenes with Rasheed, whose thoughts are expressed in long lines of speech, Mariam’s responses tend to be much shorter and less open. Frequently, she responds only with gestures, and on the occasions that she talks, Hosseini usually omits her dialogue and instead tells the reader directly of her response. This is in contrast to Rasheed, whose thoughts are almost always expressed through dialogue, sometimes in rants that drag on and on.

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