1. irony
1.1. irony: there are many instances where irony is clear in a thousand splendid suns, for example how the men who are made out to be strong, and the protectors of the society, are the ones who are harming several important members of the society, the women. another example is Mariam was told by Jalil about Queen Gauhar Shad, who built Herat's renowned minarets in the 15th century. It is strange that a queen would get such honours while men in Afghanistan wield such dominance over women.
1.1.1. Jahlil would lift Mariam up high and swing her around at the start of the book. Mariam would hear advice from Nana to be cautious since Jahlil will inevitably drop her one day. Ironically, Jalil abandons her after forcing her to leave his home and sending her off to wed Rasheed.
1.1.2. The Taliban's leadership in Afghanistan is ironic in that, despite its claims to uphold Islamic law and protect women, the group's authority is characterised by violence, oppression, and violations of human rights, particularly with regard to women.
1.2. Rasheed invites a lot of men over to his house, but he makes Mariam go upstairs and hide while they are there, as if he is ashamed of her. This, ironically, gives Mariam a sense of value and importance.
2. mood
2.1. The mood of the work is frequently one of sorrow and pessimism, especially when Mariam and Laila fight to survive under the Taliban's repressive regime. There are moments that are quite terrible, such when Rasheed is pushed to marry Mariam or when Laila loses her parents in a bombing. The characters are continually in danger of violence or retaliation by the Taliban, which contributes to the mood's pervasive sense of anxiety and uncertainty.
2.1.1. The more depressing portions of the book are balanced out by brief moments of optimism and resiliency. Despite their differences, Mariam and Laila have a close friendship that comforts and supports both women. Additionally, their shared love for their children gives them a purpose to continue fighting. There are also beautiful and tender moments, such when Mariam and Laila discuss their dreams and experiences with one another or when they see Laila give birth to her daughter.
2.1.2. A Thousand Splendid Suns" was primarily sorrowful and depressing in tone. It induces hopelessness and despondency in the reader. But occasionally, the tone shifted and became energising and inspiring.The tone of the book was alsomelancholy, introspective, and intense. The work tackles weighty subjects like war, brutality, tyranny, and loss, and the tone of the book matches the seriousness of these subjects.
3. allusion: An allusion is a reference to a person, thing, or piece of literature that is implied to the reader but is not expressly mentioned in the text. Khaled Hosseini makes a number of references to various works of literature and historical events in "A Thousand Splendid Suns."
3.1. the Taliban: A key historical figure in the book is the Taliban, an Islamic fundamentalist movement that ruled Afghanistan in the 1990s. Rasheed's persona and the numerous limitations he and the female characters in the book experience serve as a metaphor for the Taliban's repressive rule.
4. imagery: The use of sensory elements and descriptive language to paint a clear picture in the reader's mind is known as imagery. The imagery in "A Thousand Splendid Suns" is vivid, which aids in bringing the story's characters and setting to life.
4.1. The expressive depictions of Kabul's bustling streets, lively bazaars, and war-damaged structures can be found throughout the book. Hosseini uses sensory elements to paint a vivid and realistic picture of the city, like the sound of children playing and the scent of roasting kebabs.
4.2. The childhood home of Mariam in Herat is depicted in exquisite detail, even down to the garden's abundance of fruit trees and flowers and colourful tiles and high ceilings. This imagery stands in stark contrast to the dark and harsh setting of her existence in Kabul with Rasheed.
4.3. The novel contains explicit descriptions of violence, ranging from Rasheed's beatings of Mariam and Laila to the Taliban's executions in public. The brutality and senselessness of war and persecution are highlighted by these depictions, which are frequently visceral and horrifying.
5. The majority of "A Thousand Splendid Suns" takes place in Afghanistan, and it spans several decades, from the 1960s to the early 2000s. The book is broken up into four sections, each of which analyses the effects of political developments and social changes on the lives of the individuals. They are each set in a distinct era of Afghan history.
5.1. Mariam is born and raised in Herat, a cosmopolitan city known for its beautiful gardens, historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural scene. Despite poverty and isolation, she finds solace in the natural beauty of the city and her father's stories.
5.2. Kabul: The novel switches its attention to Kabul in the 1980s following Mariam's forced marriage to Rasheed. During this time of political unrest and bloodshed, a protracted and devastating war results from the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Kabul is portrayed as being under siege, with explosions, food and gasoline shortages, and an omnipresent feeling of fear and uncertainty. Despite these difficulties, Mariam and Laila develop a close friendship and discover beauty and joy even in the midst of chaos.
5.2.1. the final part of the book is set in Post-Taliban Afghanistan in the early 2000s, just after the Taliban government was overthrown. The arrival of international aid organisations and the promise of reconstruction and rebirth alter Kabul once more. As the characters strive to come to grips with the consequences of the past and the prospects for the future, the novel captures the optimism and unpredictability of this time period.
5.3. The novel is set in the 1990s in Kabul, Afghanistan, during the Taliban's rule. Women are forced to wear burqas, public executions, and severe punishments for those who defy the regime. The setting reflects the oppressive and patriarchal nature of the Taliban regime, and the fear Mariam and Laila must survive.
6. characterization: Characterization is the method an author uses to build and grow the characters in a literary work. Khaled Hosseini uses a range of strategies in "A Thousand Splendid Suns" to develop characters that are deep and multifaceted.
6.1. Character growth: Throughout the course of the plot, the characters in the novel experience considerable transformations. For instance, Mariam starts off as a timid and subservient girl but gradually grows more self-assured and forceful as she discovers how to speak out for both herself and other people. Similar to Laila, who begins as a young woman who is naive and idealistic but matures as she navigates the difficulties of living in war-torn Afghanistan.
7. SYMBOLISM: The symbolism in Khaled Hosseini's book "A Thousand Splendid Suns" contributes to the deeper understanding of the plot and the characters.
7.1. The Burqa is a strong symbol in the book. It is a full-body veil worn by women in Afghanistan. It stands for the limitations on women's freedom and the oppression of women in Afghanistan. As women in Afghan society are compelled to conceal their faces and bodies in public, the burqa also serves as a symbol for their voicelessness and lack of visibility.
7.2. The Key: Mariam's father's love and the secrets he concealed from her are symbolised by the key she discovers in the floorboards. It also symbolises Mariam's own fortitude and resolve to learn the truth about her origins.
7.3. Laila's Baby: Laila's child is a representation of hope and new life. The infant's birth symbolises the continuity of life and the possibility of a better future despite the conflict and misery all around them.
8. conflicts
8.1. internal
8.1.1. Mariam's struggle with duty and desire: Mariam was brought up with a strong sense of duty and responsibility to her family and society. But she also longs for affection and approval, especially from her father and subsequently Rasheed. She is compelled to wed Rasheed despite her qualms and doubts because she believes it is her responsibility to fulfil her role as a wife, which highlights this tension.
8.1.1.1. Laila's struggle between tradition and modernity: Laila grows up in a more modernised home than Mariam, where her father supports her independence and education. She additionally battles the constraints and expectations Afghan society places on her as a woman. She falls in love with Tariq, a guy from her neighbourhood who symbolises a more progressive and egalitarian perspective of gender roles, but is finally compelled to wed Rasheed in order to ensure her safety and the safety of her kid, illustrating this dilemma.
8.2. external
8.2.1. The third section of the book is set in the 1990s, at the height of the Taliban's authority over Afghanistan, and depicts the war between the Taliban and the Afghan people. The Taliban are portrayed as a cruel and oppressive government that targets women and minorities in particular while enforcing strict Islamic rule on the populace. Since the protagonists must navigate the hazards and perils of life under the Taliban government and risk punishment or even death for disobeying its laws, this conflict serves as a key source of tension in the book.
8.2.1.1. Tradition against progress: As Afghanistan experiences tremendous social and cultural development, the novel examines contradictions between traditional and modern values. Characters Tariq, who represents a more progressive perspective on gender roles and relationships, and Laila's father, who supports her education and independence, serve as examples of these contradictions. The protagonists must negotiate the dangers and repercussions of challenging these expectations because these principles conflict with the customary expectations Afghan society has for women.
9. global issue
9.1. The novel depicts the persecution and gender injustice that women in Afghanistan, particularly during the Taliban rule, experience. Basic rights, including access to healthcare, education, and the right to make their own decisions, are denied to the female protagonists in the book. Their access to justice and legal protection is limited, and they are also victims of forced marriages and domestic violence.
9.1.1. Religious fundamentalism and extremism: The Taliban government in Afghanistan serves as an example of the emergence of religious extremism in the book. Targeting women, minorities, and anybody who does not follow their rigorous interpretation of religion, the Taliban imposes severe Islamic law on the populace. The tale emphasises the perils of religious extremism and the effects it can have on people's rights and individual liberties.
9.2. The Soviet-Afghan War and the succeeding civil war, which caused enormous destruction and the eviction of the Afghan people, are the backdrops for the narrative. As a result of these disputes, the protagonists in the book are forced to evacuate their homes, face bloodshed and explosions, and live in poverty and uncertainty.
9.2.1. Child marriage: In Afghanistan, where young girls are frequently coerced into marriage at a young age, the problem of child marriage is depicted in the book. Laila and Mariam are both pushed into premature marriages at a young age. Mariam is married off to Rasheed when she is only fifteen years old. The story emphasises the negative effects of child marriage, including the loss of opportunity and access to school as well as the possibility of domestic violence.