Topic A

In the novel A Thousand Splendid Suns, the author, Khaled Hosseini, features a hopeless account of two lives that have persisted through the terrible act of domestic abuse. In exploring the psychological and physical effects of abuse, Hosseini uses two major literary elements, diction and imagery. When Mariam was arranged to marry Rasheed, she was unable to have a child, and it did not take long for Rasheed to turn on her. The author points out that “after four years of marriage, Mariam saw clearly how much a woman could tolerate when she was afraid. And Mariam was afraid.” (pg. 89) In Mariam’s case, it is evident that she has become helpless to Rasheed’s psychological abuse and self-centered demeanor. Hosseini’s specific interpretation of Mariam’s fear elaborately highlights the destructive effects of abuse. Mariam lived in constant fear of dissatisfying Rasheed, who was ultimately what Mariam’s life revolved around. Through the author’s diction, the reader can see that not only will Mariam and Rasheed’s love never evolve, but that their relationship will be filled with harm and despondency. After trying to run away, both Mariam and Laila were forced to return home to Rasheed, who was not hesitant to show to his anger. After Rasheed beat Laila, “She saw [him] leading Mariam across the yard by the nape of her neck. Mariam was barefoot and doubled over. There was blood on his hands, blood on Mariam’s face, her hair, down her neck and back. Her shirt had been ripped down the front.” (pg. 240) The physical abuse that Laila and Mariam endured was severe and painful. The imagery used in this passage and throughout the book depicts severe, abrasive, and merciless acts of domestic abuse that sparks great sympathy in readers. Hosseini uses imagery to establish a scene that obeserves Rasheed’s ruthlessness and an abuser’s need of control and power. In using the elements of diction and imagery, Hosseini is able to emphasize the pain and suffering that is a result of domestic abuse.

Topic C

 In " A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini’s, Hosseini utilizes the literary elements setting and irony to show the colossal differences between the two genders.

The story takes place in Afghanistan, and this is very significant to the story. The reason why is because the people who control Afghanistan are the Taliban. Their views are seen radical, violent, and sexist. "Under Taliban rule women have been stripped of their visibility, voice, and mobility." And under the influences of the Taliban, many of the men in Afghanistan have followed their lead. Treating women like filth and having no remorse. This can be seen throughout the book by Rasheed's actions. How he treats Mariam, forcing Mariam to chew on rocks, it becomes clear that not only is there no love within the marriage currently, but love between Rasheed and Mariam will never evolve. As long as the Taliban is in power Men will always have superiority over women.

  Hosseini utilizes irony in the story to show the deviation between the two genders. Mariam use to look up to Jalil. He was everything to her, but feeling was definitely not mutual. During one of Jalil's visits he tells the story about Queen Gauhar Shad who had raised the famous minarets in Herat in the 15th century. It is very ironic how this Queen had so much power over her people, but in Afghanistan Women have no power at all. Hosseini uses this in a comical way but also to put the story in perspective. In other countries, a Women can be on top, a leader, and a model. This is very different from Mariam's life in Afghanistan, the irony in Jalil's story is almost comical.

The story "The Thousand Splendid Suns" the gender difference can be distinctly seen. Khaled Hosseini uses this to not only develop his story, but to also show the injustices in many countries. There will always be oppression, but when there's oppression there will be hope.