essay prompts for a thousand splendid suns

A Thousand Splendid Suns

By khaled hosseini, a thousand splendid suns essay questions.

Describe the focus on legitimacy and illegitimacy in the novel. Include the stories of individual characters and the political climate in Afghanistan.

Mariam's birth was considered illegitimate by those around her during her childhood, yet as an adult she provided the ultimate sacrifice in saving Laila, Tariq and their children. Rasheed, on the other hand, was considered legitimate by his peers in Kabul and by Jalil, yet his actions in his home were atrocious, unjustified, and what could be called illegitimate. In terms of the Afghan power struggle, all groups which gained power, the Soviets, the Mujahideen, and the Taliban did so with the people of Afghanistan questioning the legitimacy of their rule.

Mariam and Laila were brought together due to circumstances they could not control. Describe how and when both women were able to regain power over their own lives and who was essential for them to gain this personal power.

Mariam did not gain control over her own life until she attempted to leave Rasheed with Laila. Though Mariam had run away from Nana with a tragic outcome, she had never really made a determination that was as defiant as her running away. This event, however, was only the beginning of her regain of power. The ultimate event which solidified her personal power was when she killed Rasheed.

Laila came into her relationship with Rasheed with the decision to marry him in order to save her baby. She too, began to find power in her run away attempt, but was shut down. Laila only found her true power of self when she was able to live contently with Tariq, able to speak her mind and act freely.

Mariam needed Laila to gain personal power, and Laila needed Tariq.

The two times in the book in which Mariam needs to sign a contract are during her marriage and before her execution. Discuss how these two events mirror each other and what they symbolize.

In both events, Mariam is placed before a Mullah. She is also surrounded by mostly strangers, and is held to a charge that she objects. Her offense in each case is determined by her gender. In both scenarios, Mariam does her best to make her case (either by remaining silent or by presenting her side of the argument) but in both cases, she is ultimately overruled by the greater authority.

Nana tells Mariam that a man always finds a way to blame a woman. Discuss examples throughout the book in which Nana's statement rings true.

First, when Mariam moves in with Jalil, he blames her for combating her marriage arrangement, acting as if Mariam was a burden to him. Rasheed continues to blame Mariam profusely for her lost pregnancies and bad food. Rasheed blames Mariam when Laila withholds sex. Rasheed blames Aziza for the way that she smells and sounds. When Rasheed spends too much money on luxuries for Zalmai, Aziza is seen as the extra mouth to feed and is sent to the orphanage.

Many characters in the novel have troubled pasts. Discuss how these characters' past experiences affect their decisions and interactions.

Nana has a troubled past revolving around a jinn and Jalil's abandonment of her, causing her to influence Mariam's upbringing harshly. Mariam's past experience as a "harami" does not prepare her to have any self-confidence. Soon after her marriage to Rasheed, she feels that he is gentle and sweet, but after he becomes abusive, Mariam can not defend herself. Rasheed lost his first son and wife, and for this he is obviously resentful, abusive towards the women in his life, and in constant hope for another son. Laila's troubled past revolves around her loss of Tariq, which influences her hope in Aziza and her negativity towards Rasheed even before she really gets to know him.

Discuss how the positions held by women and the rights that they are afforded change in Afghanistan as the political environment changes.

The position of women changed not only by the leader of the nation, but also by geographic region. The most consistent city in which the reader can experience change in a woman's status is within Kabul. When Mariam first moves to Kabul, she is astonished by the "modern women", though most women do not seem to act in this manner. These women wear makeup, drive, and hold professional positions. When communists rule, there is a reference to more gender equality in education. When the Taliban comes to power, women are caged in their homes and their basic human rights are violated. When the Taliban falls and the coalition comes to power, women are given back their legal human rights, but it is a slow move to equality.

Discuss the various reasons why characters decided to stay in or return to Afghanistan, despite difficult political times.

Fariba stays in Afghanistan because she wishes to see the fight that killed her sons end in their favor. Hakim will not leave Afghanistan without her, and Laila for most of her life, was too young to decide otherwise. After Tariq leaves for Afghanistan, Laila decides to stay to please her father. Mariam remained in Afghanistan after killing Rasheed in order to spare the lives of Laila, Tariq, and their children. Laila and Tariq return to Afghanistan to contribute to the rebuilding of their home nation.

Laila and Mariam have very different strengths and weaknesses. Discuss how they begin to learn from one another.

Mariam is very quiet and subdued, and she learns to "endure" as Nana has taught her. Laila, however, is restless and tries to make her situation better by changing it. Laila (when she has her first child) has little sense when it comes to caring for a child, so Mariam subtly helps. Mariam learns from Laila to summon inner strength to combat the difficulty in her life. Laila learns from Mariam's wisdom and finds comfort in her endurance.

Discuss the way that poetic justice is executed throughout the book (characters getting what they deserve). Also discuss which characters did not get what they deserved.

Rasheed is the character whose end seemed the most suitable, as he did very little except for torment and abuse his family. Jalil also suffered a sad end which seemed deserved for his abandonment of Mariam. Laila and Tariq had suffered through war and separation, and ultimately got rewarded with a life of love and contentment. Mariam, however, did nothing egregious to deserve execution,as she acted in self-defense and the defense of Laila. Yet, she suffered her end due to the government under which she lived.

Why do so many of the characters refuse to leave Afghanistan, even in times of danger?

Because the characters are deeply tied to their homeland - and their identities are inextricable from their hope for the rejuvenation of Afghanistan. Even when all logic tells them that they should go, they still believe that they cannot leave their homes without compromising their souls.

A Thousand Splendid Suns Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for A Thousand Splendid Suns is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What do you notice about the landscape?

According to the text, the landscape is harsh and unforgiving.... "bleak and pitiless."

Who has built the classroom at the renovated orphanage in Chapter 51?

Tariq, Laila and Zaman to refurbish the facility.

What dream does Laila have in chapter 26? When she recalls the dream later in the same chapter, why is it ironic and significant?

In the dream, she and Tariq are sitting on a beach and she tells him to listen to the singing sand. The sand sings beautiful notes: "groaning" and "mewling," Hosseini suggests the sand, in its shifting, sings foreshadowing strife that lies ahead...

Study Guide for A Thousand Splendid Suns

A Thousand Splendid Suns is Khaled Hosseini's second novel. Like his first novel, The Kite Runner, it is set in Afghanistan. A Thousand Splendid Suns study guide contains a biography of Khaled Hosseini, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About A Thousand Splendid Suns
• A Thousand Splendid Suns Summary
• Character List

Essays for A Thousand Splendid Suns

A Thousand Splendid Suns is the second novel written by Khaled Hosseini. A Thousand Splendid Suns essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.

• The Lasting Effects of Abuse in Miriam’s Life
• Strength Within Struggle
• Oppression of Women: A Comparison of A Thousand Splendid Suns and Tess of the D'Ubervilles
• The Sun Shines on Olympus
• Comparing "Osama" and "A Thousand Splendid Suns"

Lesson Plan for A Thousand Splendid Suns

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to A Thousand Splendid Suns
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• A Thousand Splendid Suns Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for A Thousand Splendid Suns

• Introduction

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book summaries & discussion guides

10 A Thousand Splendid Suns Discussion Questions

Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns is a mix of love, loss, and the indomitable human spirit. Set against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s tumultuous history , the novel follows the intertwined lives of Mariam and Laila, two women whose stories mirror the nation’s struggles.

Through their experiences, Hosseini offers a profound exploration of the oppressive forces of patriarchy and war, while simultaneously celebrating the resilience and strength of the Afghan people.

This discussion guide invites you to delve deep into the novel’s complexities, examining its themes, characters, and impact with a critical and compassionate lens.

Let’s embark on this journey together.

A Thousand Splendid Suns Discussion Questions

• The cultural and societal context of Afghanistan heavily influences the experiences of Mariam and Laila throughout the novel. The oppressive patriarchal system and traditional gender roles limit their freedom and agency. Additionally, the expectations placed on women, such as wearing a burqa and adhering to strict codes of conduct, restrict their movement and ability to express themselves. What is your take on the way life in Afghanistan is portrayed in the novel? Also, based on your thoughts, do you think it was justified to portray a home country in such a harsh way by Khaled Hosseini?
• The female characters in the novel face systemic discrimination, violence, and subjugation due to the patriarchal nature of Afghan society. Women are expected to be obedient and submissive to men, and their worth is often measured by their ability to bear children, particularly sons. Mariam and Laila experience physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Rasheed, reflecting the power dynamics influenced by gender roles and expectations. Discuss the oppression of women by those in power, as stated in the novel. Also, as a woman, have you ever faced such major oppression in your day to day lives?
• Mariam grows up in isolation, lacking opportunities for education and social interaction. Her experiences of rejection and loss lead her to internalize a sense of worthlessness. On the other hand, Laila grows up in a more intellectually stimulating environment and develops a stronger sense of self. Her relationships with Tariq and her parents provide her with the hope and resilience necessary for survival. What’s your take on the way that in spite of their differences, both characters endure suffering and ultimately find the strength and solidarity to carry on in their respective lives? Also, what do you think are some major life lessons we can learn from both of them? 
• Mariam’s inability to conceive a child leads to feelings of inadequacy and a strained relationship with Rasheed. However, her maternal instincts are awakened when she becomes a mother figure to Laila’s daughter, Aziza. Laila, on the other hand, experiences the joys and challenges of motherhood firsthand. The bond between mother and child becomes a source of strength for both Mariam and Laila, as they strive to protect and provide for their children in an oppressive and dangerous environment. Discuss the theme of motherhood based on this particular context.
• The setting of Kabul is significant in the novel, as it reflects the political and social upheavals in Afghanistan. The city undergoes various transformations, from a modernizing and relatively liberal society to one controlled by the Taliban regime. And guess what, in this decade, the Taliban is back to rule this country. If you have done any kind of research on Afghan culture, do you have anything to share when it comes to 1980s Kabul, 2000s Kabul and 2020s Afghanistan?
• Rasheed represents the embodiment of patriarchal oppression and misogyny in the novel. He views women as property and believes in enforcing strict gender roles. His violent and controlling behavior toward Mariam and Laila perpetuates a cycle of abuse. Rasheed’s character demonstrates how a toxic masculinity rooted in traditional values can perpetuate the suffering of women in Afghan society. Honestly, how much did you hate the character of Rasheed? Also, if a character like this exists in our society, what should be the ideal way to deal with him?
• Mariam’s physical appearance reflects her character and experiences. Her plain features and unshapely eyebrows, as described in the text, highlight her lack of conventional beauty and contribute to her feelings of inadequacy. Over time, Rasheed’s beatings cause her to lose teeth and age prematurely, further deteriorating her appearance. However, as Mariam experiences unconditional love with Laila and Aziza, her inner radiance shines through. Discuss how Khaled Hosseini portrayed beauty as something that radiates from the inside and not something that is based on physical features.
• Laila challenges the Western stereotype of Afghan women as burqa-clad, disempowered, and devoid of sexual agency. She embodies independence, determination, and resilience in the face of oppressive regimes. Laila refuses to conform to societal expectations, actively standing up for herself and others. Her actions and beliefs demonstrate that Afghan women are multifaceted individuals capable of defying traditional gender roles. Our society needs more women like Laila to build an amazing future. Do you agree?
• The relationships between mothers and daughters in the novel are complex and shape the characters’ development perfectly. Mariam’s relationship with her mother, Nana, is strained but contains elements of love and dependency. Nana’s bitterness and warnings impact Mariam’s worldview, contributing to her sense of self-worth. Laila and Fariba’s relationship is marked by distance and lack of understanding, with Fariba’s grief creating a divide between them. Discuss how these mother-daughter dynamics play a crucial role in the character’s choices and their journeys throughout the story. 
• Despite the bleak circumstances they face, Mariam and Laila cling to hope for a brighter future. Their hope is often rooted in their love for their children and their desire to protect them from the harsh realities of their world. Hope becomes a driving force that empower them to make difficult choices and seek a better life, even in the face of immense suffering. Discuss how during difficult times, it is hope itself that helps us survive, as in the above context. Also, do you have any personal stories of how being hopeful saved your day? 

If you liked this set of questions, here are some other options for you to explore. 

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A Thousand Splendid Suns Thesis Statements and Essay Topics

Below you will find four outstanding thesis statements / paper topics for “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini can be used as essay starters. All four incorporate at least one of the themes found in “A Thousand Splendid Suns” and are broad enough so that it will be easy to find textual support, yet narrow enough to provide a focused clear thesis statement. These thesis statements offer a short summary of “­­­­­­­A Thousand Splendid Suns” in terms of different elements that could be important in an essay. You are, of course, free to add your own analysis and understanding of the plot or themes to them. Using the essay topics below in conjunction with the list of  important quotes from “A Thousand Splendid Suns”  on our quotes page, you should have no trouble connecting with the text and writing an excellent essay.

Topic #1: Loyalty out of desperation

Mariam initially resents Laila. She has always felt as though she were being replaced. Because Mariam was illegitimate, her biological father does not do as much for her. He has a legitimate family. When her mother dies, Jalil immediately marries Mariam off to Rasheed. At first, Rasheed is happy with the marriage. After multiple miscarriages, Mariam is discouraged and Rasheed becomes abusive. Then he marries Laila, a woman younger than Mariam. Laila is already pregnant by Tariq and soon gives birth to Aziza. She later gives Rasheed a son. Were it not for one significant moment, Mariam would have resented Laila forever. Laila gains Mariam’s rather amazing loyalty through one small thing: she stands up for her. In doing so, Laila recognizes Mariam and gives her a voice. Working from that moment, assess the differences that take place in Mariam. Illustrate how she becomes Laila’s friend and eventual protector, as well as adopted mother for Laila’s children.

Topic #2: The love story

Loyalty is an important theme in “A Thousand Splendid Suns”. Mariam is very loyal to Laila. Laila remains loyal to Tariq even after she is told that he is dead. They are childhood friends, then lovers. Laila is told that Tariq is dead and seeks a marriage to ensure that Tariq’s child will not be alienated by illegitimacy. When they are reunited years later, Laila and Tariq still feel strongly for one another. It is a love story of epic proportions. The young lovers are separated by miles and supposed death. Years pass and they rediscover one another. Mariam’s daring and bravery allows them to run away together with the children, free from Rasheed forever. Present an examination of the relationship between Tariq and Laila. Explain whether or not their feelings for one another are realistic after so many years of separation.

Topic #3: The treatment of the female characters

In her culture, Mariam has two strikes against her from birth: she is female and illegitimate. Her own father will not take her to see a movie at his cinema. Her mother harps on the unreliability of men and the degradation of women. Laila is raised by both her parents. Her father pushes for her to be well educated and put off marriage as long as possible. When Laila finds out that she is pregnant, she decides to marry so that Aziza will not be labeled as illegitimate. These two women are from different backgrounds and are separated by an age gap. Both end up married to Rasheed, who becomes a bitter and abusive husband. Scrutinize the way each handles her situation. Present the key factors that determine how Mariam and Laila differ in their coping mechanisms.

Topic #4: The ultimate gift

The main reason that Rasheed’s attitude toward Mariam changes is her inability to carry a pregnancy to full term. She is unable to give life of her own body. At the end of the book, Mariam gets the chance to give life before she dies. She attacks Rasheed to save Laila. Her blows are fatal and Rasheed dies. She later admits to the murder and is executed for her crime. Her acts allow Laila, Tariq, Aziza, and Zalmai to have lives that are free of Rasheed’s cruelty and, in the case of Zalmai, spoiling. Mariam’s sacrifice of her own life gives life to four other people. Examine the course of events and Mariam’s acceptance of her fate. She is at peace at the end, having become much more than an illegitimate girl child.

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A Thousand Splendid Suns Essay Topics & Writing Assignments

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the setting of Herat, Afghanistan in the 1960s. Who was the leader of the country at this time? What was the political atmosphere like? How many people lived in Herat? How was wealth distributed in the country and the city? Where does Mariam live with her mother at this time? What is their home like?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and analyze the narrative style of the novel. Is the narrative related from a first, second, or third-person narrator? Is the narrator involved in the action of the story? How would the story differ if it were told from a different narrator?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss marriage customs within Muslim society and girls’ education in Afghanistan in the 1960s and 1970s. Jalil has three wives in the novel. How common is it for Muslim men to have more than one wife? What customs surround marriage and courtship in...

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Essays on A Thousand Splendid Suns

Prompt examples for "a thousand splendid suns" essays, the role of women in afghan society.

Explore the portrayal of women in Afghan society as depicted in "A Thousand Splendid Suns." How do characters like Mariam and Laila challenge or conform to traditional gender roles?

Motherhood and Sacrifice

Discuss the theme of motherhood and sacrifice in the novel. How do Mariam and Laila's experiences as mothers shape their characters and the trajectory of the story?

The Impact of War and Conflict

Analyze the effects of war and conflict on the lives of the characters. How do the political upheavals in Afghanistan impact their personal journeys and relationships?

Friendship and Solidarity

Examine the evolving friendship between Mariam and Laila. How does their relationship evolve, and what does it symbolize in the context of the broader narrative?

Social Injustice and Oppression

Discuss the themes of social injustice and oppression in the novel. How are characters like Rasheed representative of the oppressive systems in Afghan society?

Redemption and Healing

Explore the concepts of redemption and healing in the story. How do Mariam and Laila find ways to heal and rebuild their lives in the face of adversity?

The Importance of Education

Analyze the significance of education in the lives of the characters. How does access to education empower Mariam and Laila, and what does it represent for Afghan women?

Family and Identity

Discuss the theme of family and identity in the novel. How do Mariam and Laila's backgrounds and family histories shape their sense of self and belonging?

Symbolism in "A Thousand Splendid Suns"

Examine the use of symbolism in the novel. What do elements like the burqa, the Kabul River, and the title itself symbolize in the story?

The Afghan Cultural Landscape

Explore the rich cultural tapestry of Afghanistan as depicted in the book. How does the author convey the traditions, customs, and folklore of Afghan society?

The Power and Struggle of Women in a Thousand Splendid Suns

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The Confusion Towards The Rights of Women in "A Thousand Splendid Suns"

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Gender Roles and Male Dominance in 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'

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A Thousand Splendid Suns: Oppression of Women and The Veil Controversy

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May 22, 2007

Khaled Hosseini

Novel, Domestic Fiction

Mullah Faizullah, Zalmai, Mariam, Jalil, Aziza, Nana, Fariba, Tariq, Laila, Rasheed, Hakim

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• A Thousand Splendid Suns: Summary
• A Thousand Splendid Suns: Part 1, Chapters 1-4
• A Thousand Splendid Suns: Part 1, Chapters 9-12
• A Thousand Splendid Suns: Part 1, Chapters 13-15
• A Thousand Splendid Suns: Part 2, Chapters 16-19
• A Thousand Splendid Suns: Part 2, Chapters 20-23
• A Thousand Splendid Suns: Part 2, Chapters 24-26
• A Thousand Splendid Suns: Part 3, Chapters 27-31
• A Thousand Splendid Suns: Part 3, Chapters 32-34
• A Thousand Splendid Suns: Part 3, Chapters 35-38
• A Thousand Splendid Suns: Part 3, Chapters 39-42
• A Thousand Splendid Suns: Part 3, Chapters 43-47
• A Thousand Splendid Suns: Part 4, Chapters 48-51
• A Thousand Splendid Suns: Character Profiles
• A Thousand Splendid Suns: Metaphor Analysis
• A Thousand Splendid Suns: Theme Analysis
• A Thousand Splendid Suns: Top Ten Quotes
• A Thousand Splendid Suns: Biography: Khaled Hosseini

A Thousand Splendid Suns: Essay Q&A

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A Thousand Splendid Suns

Khaled hosseini.

History and Memory in Afghanistan

As Laila, Babi , and Tariq drive out on a day trip from Afghanistan, their taxi driver tells of the tumultuous history of the region. He concludes, “And that my friends, is the story of our country, one invader after another.” The novel deals with a thirty-year swath of Afghan history. It begins with the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan up until their withdrawal in 1989, and continues through the infighting among the Mujahideen throughout the…

Suffering and Perseverance

None of the characters in the novel is a stranger to pain and suffering, either physical or emotional. However, this suffering takes different forms. The loss of loved ones brings its own kind of acute pain—often in a way that seems to lack any kind of redemption. On the other hand, there are other types of suffering that the characters willingly endure in the service of others.

A Thousand Splendid Suns seems to grapple with…

Shame and Reputation

A particular kind of suffering in the novel has to do with shame, which comes up again and again as both a pain to be endured and as a tool to inflict on others. In the first case, shame is linked to responsibility and ensuing guilt for an incident in a character’s past. Mariam’s mother’s suicide, after Mariam runs away to Jalil , is one example of such shame. Laila feels her own sense of…

Love, Loyalty, and Belonging

In A Thousand Splendid Suns , love may not conquer all, but it is a stronger tie than many other social bonds, from social class to ethnic status. Love makes the novel’s characters act in sometimes irrational ways, and their erratic behavior can often be explained by the strong loyalty that stems from love. Mariam’s love for her father Jalil remains constant despite hints that he is ashamed of her harami— she ultimately turns her…

Gender Relations

By telling the story of A Thousand Splendid Suns through the perspective of two Afghan women, Hosseini can emphasize certain aspects of Afghan life and history that differ from the established historical narrative. The novel, in fact, draws on the limitations imposed on women in Afghan life in order to explore how women have lived, endured, and subverted these constraints.

Gender relations differ throughout the novel depending on the occupying forces and the laws that…

Female Friendship

Though gender norms shift throughout the course of the novel as a result of changing occupations and laws, one constant theme is friendship between women. The relationship between Mariam and Laila rests at the heart of the novel, as even its structure reveals: Part I takes Mariam’s perspective, Part II takes Laila’s, and Part III alternates between them. Laila also treasures her friendship with her classmates Giti and Hasina , with whom she shares laughs…

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