Women In Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns

The country Afghanistan has become synonymous, in the minds of the public, with war, violence, inequality, and general disorder. Through media and news reports, the world was aware of the fear and despair that swept the country when the Taliban was in power and the fear that remains in modern times: even today, the Taliban remains in control of areas in Afghanistan. In addition to the brutality and chaos of this country, women still battle suppression in a largely patriarchal society. In a place so devoid of peace, the presence of hope seems impossible - how can hope prevail in darkness? Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns illustrates the struggle of two women in Afghanistan who continue to fight the restrictions placed upon them by

Mariam handing Laia the sun demonstrates her unfailing support and sacrifice that she provides for Laila, and the sun symbolizes what Laila receives in return. When Laila gives birth to Aziza, her daughter, Rasheed is angry that he was not given a son and only provides boy clothes for the baby. However, Laila wakes up one morning and finds “a stack of baby clothes, neatly folded, outside her bedroom door” (Hosseini 221). Mariam is still bitter that with Laila’s arrival, her husband has turned his focus towards her, and thinks even less of Mariam. However, she still provides Laila with something she needs, something her husband refuses to give her, and this lays the foundation for their loving and supportive relationship in the future. They begin to provide companionship for each other: they do “their chores together. They sat in the kitchen and rolled dough, chopped green onions, minced garlic… Mariam found herself looking forward to the sound of Laila’s cracked slippers slapping the steps” (Hosseini 225). Their friendship allows them to hope in a house where not much can be found. When Laila delivers her second child through a caesarian section, the doctors cannot provide any anesthesia for her, and her only comfort is Mariam’s presence. In the delivery room, “Mariam positioned herself behind the crown of Laila’s head and lowered her face so their cheeks touched… their hands locked together” (Hosseini 260). During a time of extreme pain, Mariam is by Laila’s side to support and guide her. The act of Mariam handing the sun to Laila also signifies her sacrificing her life to better Laila’s. When Mariam turns herself in to the Taliban, she gives Laila the opportunity to reach the potential she had as a child. When Laila was young, her friend Hasina told her that “one day I’ll pick up a newspaper and find your