A Thousand Splendid Suns

A Thousand Splendid Suns is a breathtaking story set against the volatile events of Afghanistan’s last thirty years—from the Soviet invasion to the reign of the Taliban to the post-Taliban rebuilding.

A Thousand Splendid Suns tells the stories of Mariam and Laila, alternating between their points of view. At heart, it is a story of Kabul. There is no doubt that the novel is the story of two women from different backgrounds, different points of view, and even different generations, who end up living and working, surviving together.

You are tasked with reading the book and answering the discussion questions. At the book’s conclusion the class will engage in a roundtable seminar.

Directions: Read the book and answer the discussion questions IN VISION. Make sure to have a typed copy of your answers for VISION and for the seminar.

Questions 1-2 are due ______

Questions 3-10 are due ______

1. 3 Main characters shape Mariam's early life the most: Nana, Jalil and Rasheed. Compare/Contrast these characters. Think about some of these prompts when you craft a response:

First impressions of each character

Most likeable character?Least likeable character?

Major flaws of each character

Motivations of each character

Qualities of each character (if any)

Who is the most unhappy? Who is the most happy?

Most positive effect on Mariam? Most negative effect on Mariam?

2. How did the violence (first with the Russians and then the civil wars) affect Laila’s relationship with her mother? Give examples.

3. By the time Laila is rescued from the rubble of her home by Rasheed and Mariam, Mariam’s marriage has become a miserable existence of neglect and abuse. Yet when she realizes that Rasheed intends to marry Laila, she reacts with outrage. Given that Laila’s presence actually tempers Rasheed’s abuse, why is Mariam so hostile toward her?

4. Laila’s friendship with Mariam begins when she defends Mariam from a beating by Rasheed. Why does Laila take this action, despite the contempt Mariam has consistently shown her?

5. Among other things, the Taliban forbid “writing books, watching films, and painting pictures.” Yet despite this edict, the film Titanic becomes a sensation on the black market. Why would people risk the Taliban’s violent reprisals for a taste of popcorn entertainment? What do the Taliban’s restrictions on such material say about the power of artistic expression and the threat it poses to repressive political regimes?

6. Based on the book, what are your observations of the justice system under the Taliban, especially as it relates to Mariam’s experiences?

7. Did Mariam’s decision to fight back against Rasheed at the end surprise you? Why or Why not?

8. Compare/Contrast the two leading characters in the book: Laila and Mariam. Think about some of these prompts as you craft a response:

Who is physically stronger? Mentally stronger?

Who was more prepared to endure the hardships they faced?

What qualities did each possess?

What were their flaws?

What did each value?

Which character do you admire more? Why?

9. A major theme of the book was the status of women in Afghanistan.What changes did you see take place over time particularly in Kabul as it relates to this theme?

10. What impression does this book give you of Islam? Is this a fair representation of the religion? Why or why not?

1. 3 Main characters shape Mariam's early life the most: Nana, Jalil and Rasheed. Compare/Contrast these characters. Think about these prompts when you craft a response:

First impressions of each character

Most likeable character?Least likeable character?

Major flaws of each character

Motivations of each character

Qualities of each character (if any)

Who is the most unhappy? Who is the most happy?

Most positive effect on Mariam? Most negative effect on Mariam?

2. By the time Laila is rescued from the rubble of her home by Rasheed and Mariam, Mariam’s marriage has become a miserable existence of neglect and abuse. Yet when she realizes that Rasheed intends to marry Laila, she reacts with outrage. Given that Laila’s presence actually tempers Rasheed’s abuse, why is Mariam so hostile toward her?

3. Laila’s friendship with Mariam begins when she defends Mariam from a beating by Rasheed. Why does Laila take this action, despite the contempt Mariam has consistently shown her?

4. Among other things, the Taliban forbid “writing books, watching films, and painting pictures.” Yet despite this edict, the film Titanic becomes a sensation on the black market. Why would people risk the Taliban’s violent reprisals for a taste of popcorn entertainment? What do the Taliban’s restrictions on such material say about the power of artistic expression and the threat it poses to repressive political regimes?

5. Mariam refuses to see visitors while she is imprisoned, and she calls no witnesses at her trial. Why does she make these decisions?

6. While the first three parts of the novel are written in the past tense, the final part is written in present tense. What do you think was the author’s intent in making this shift? How does it change the effect of this final section?