Mariam Flashcards
How does Hosseini portray Mariam’s weakness? (4 points)
Mariam is continuously made to feel like she has no value, exemplified when:
+ Jalil won’t claim her as a legitimate daughter even after Nana dies
+ Rasheed begins to use her haramistatus against her
After being shunned by both her father and treated roughly by her mother, Mariam endures a further lack of love from Rasheed
Although it gives her no pleasure to endure Rasheed’s abuse, Mariam does so because she knows:
+ Endurance is what is expected from women in Afghan culture
+ Challenging him only puts her in more danger
Mariam finally finds the power to push back when Laila displays her strength against Rasheed
How does the character of Laila have an impact on Mariam? (3 points)
When she first meets Laila, Mariam mimics the harsh tone her own mother used with her because she has no other model for how to treat another woman
It is through Laila that Mariam learns how to soften, how to love, and how to create a meaningful bond with another woman
Finally, Mariam is able to find love through the intense bond she shares with Laila and her connection with Aziza
What is the significance of Mariam’s ending? (2 points)
Mariam’s decision to sacrifice herself so Laila, Aziza, and Zalmai can run away is a powerful example of both her capacity for suffering and her ability to love
She is a symbol of strength in the face of oppression and violent political systems
