A Thousand Splendid Suns Chapters 31-40

Questions and Answers

In what ways does Rasheed verbally degrade Mariam?

He calls her a harami, saying if she were a car she would be a Volga.

Why does Rasheed have reservations about Laila's upbringing, and what changes will he enforce?

He does not like the leniency her parents had with her, so he makes sure that she cannot leave the house unless he is with him.

What rules does Mariam lay down when she confronts Laila about both their roles in the household?

Laila will do the laundry and sweep the house, Mariam will cook and wash the dishes, then they will alternate the remaining chores.

How does Mariam feel after establishing the rules?

She was nervous and felt little satisfaction. Signup and view all the answers

What new information do you learn about the death of Rasheed's first child?

He died because Rasheed was drunk and was not watching his child. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the Koran forbid drinking?

It always falls on the sober to pay for the sins of the drunk. Signup and view all the answers

How does Laila deal with her grief over the next several months?

She would do her chores and walk around when it was too cold outside. Signup and view all the answers

How does Laila feel about wearing the burqa?

She is glad no one can see what she has become; she doesn't like it but finds it comforting. Signup and view all the answers

What do Mariam and Laila get into a fight over?

The misplacement of a wooden spoon Mariam uses to stir rice. Signup and view all the answers

Why might the two women have enjoyed the argument?

It was a way to let out their built-up feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What is unusual about Laila's arrival home from the hospital?

She brings home a baby girl which Rasheed does not want. Signup and view all the answers

What complaints does Rasheed have about the baby?

It's a girl, smells, crying, he steps on toys, and the baby draws a lot of Laila's attention. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mariam 'smirk' when she hears Rasheed complaining?

Rasheed finally has to experience hardships. Signup and view all the answers

Why are the baby's clothes an issue?

The clothes are made for boys. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mariam's reaction to Rasheed ignoring Laila?

She pities Laila. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rasheed try to blame Mariam for?

Laila's reluctance to have sex with him. Signup and view all the answers

Describe what happens during the fight between Rasheed and Mariam.

He swings his belt at Mariam, but Laila tries to stop him and submits to having sex with him. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Mariam's middle of the night encounter with the baby. What can you infer from it?

Mariam goes downstairs for a drink of water and runs into the baby which is awake. She stays with it for the rest of the night while it holds Mariam's finger. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rasheed ask Laila about Tariq?

He asks if they were more than friends, if he had anything to worry about, and if they had sex. Signup and view all the answers

What gift from Mariam does Laila find outside her bedroom door?

Clothes for her baby girl. Signup and view all the answers

How does Laila finally win over Mariam?

By protecting her against Rasheed because no one else has ever cared about her like that before. Signup and view all the answers

When the 'look passed between Laila and Mariam,' what do the two women come to understand?

They understand they were not enemies any longer. Signup and view all the answers

What behaviors at the beginning of chapter 35 show that Laila and Mariam are becoming friends?

They do their chores together, share chai tea every night, and care for Aziza together. Signup and view all the answers

Mariam is slightly awkward with Aziza and tells her, 'I am nobody...What have I got to give you?' Why does Mariam behave this way?

She does not feel she has anything of value that she can give to Aziza. Signup and view all the answers

Mariam says she has a 'life of false, failed connections.' Who are or were these connections and why?

Jalil, Nana, and Rasheed all have never tried to make connections with Mariam. Signup and view all the answers

How and why has the war worsened?

The Afghan warriors turned on themselves. Soviets left. Taliban have more power. Signup and view all the answers

Mariam says that 'love was a damaging mistake, and its accomplice, hope, a treacherous illusion.' Do you agree? Explain.

I do not agree because Mariam and Laila developed a love for each other and Aziza, and where there is love, there can be hope. Signup and view all the answers

How does Laila's secret make Mariam feel a stronger connection to Aziza?

Since Aziza is also a harami like herself, they have something shared in common. Signup and view all the answers

Why must Mariam and Laila find a male escort?

They have to have a male relative with them in order to travel. Signup and view all the answers

What does Laila tell the young man about her family situation?

She says that she is a widow with her mother, Mariam, and her child. Signup and view all the answers

How does the young man betray Mariam and Laila?

He informs the Taliban that they are traveling alone. Signup and view all the answers

During the interrogation, how does the policeman try to catch Laila and Mariam in a lie?

He states the differences between Mariam and Laila's features and asks questions about where the uncle lives. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it ironic that the policeman says, 'It's my responsibility, you see, to maintain order'?

They are not keeping the Mujahideen in order for what they are doing. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize Rasheed's brutal reaction to Laila and Mariam's attempt to run away.

He attacks Laila, throws Aziza like a rag doll, and beats Mariam terribly. Signup and view all the answers

What effects of heat and dehydration do Laila and Aziza experience?

Dry mouth, deprivation of energy, hypothermia, hallucinations. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the Taliban, and what is Rasheed's opinion of them?

They are a guerrilla force that intend to destroy the Mujahideen forces. He believes them to be a force of good. Signup and view all the answers

How do the citizens of Kabul react to the Taliban's arrival?

They have a parade and make posters supporting them. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the Taliban's rules is most surprising to you, and why?

If you keep parakeets, you will be beaten. What is the harm in having a bird as a pet? Signup and view all the answers

Describe some ways in which the Taliban soldiers destroy Kabul.

They destroy historic statues, shut down the university, shredded paintings, kicked television screens, burned books except for the Koran. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Rasheed wield power over Laila regarding the Taliban's strict laws about women?

He would be able to give Aziza away, he keeps her off the street, he has the ability to do whatever he wants with her. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why Laila is in the bathroom with a bicycle spoke.

She wants to self-abort her baby. Signup and view all the answers

What is wrong with Laila when Rasheed and Mariam take her to Malahai Hospital?

She is going into labor but the baby is not coming. Signup and view all the answers

Why can Laila not get medical attention at the hospital?

The hospital no longer cares for women. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways is Rabia Balkhi Hospital different from a hospital you might visit?

There are no x-rays, no suction, no oxygen, no antibiotics. Signup and view all the answers

While at the hospital, how does Mariam come to understand Nana?

She sees all the sacrifices that Nana made in keeping a harami with her. Signup and view all the answers

How old is Laila's son now?

2 years old. Signup and view all the answers

How is Rasheed's treatment of Zalmai different from his treatment of Aziza?

He loves Zalmai, approves of his mischief, buys new clothes for him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Aziza treat her little brother?

She takes care of him, feeds him, and clothes him. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it risky for Rasheed to buy Zalmai a television?

They have banned television. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Rasheed suggest to Laila that they let Aziza beg on the streets?

He borrowed too much money from his friends to pay them back. Signup and view all the answers

What is Laila's response when she punches Rasheed?

He shoves a gun in her mouth. Signup and view all the answers

What do they bury in the backyard?

The television Rasheed bought for Zalmai. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Dynamics

Rasheed verbally degrades Mariam by calling her "harami" and compares her to an undesirable car, emphasizing his disdain for her.
Rasheed imposes strict controls on Laila, not allowing her to leave the house unaccompanied, reflecting his possessive nature and negative view of Laila's upbringing.

Household Roles and Relationships

Mariam establishes household rules that require Laila to take on specific chores, indicating a shift in power dynamics and their forced cohabitation.
Post-rule establishment, Mariam feels nervous and unsatisfied, signaling her internal conflict regarding the new arrangement.
Mariam learns damaging news about Rasheed's past and his first child's death due to his negligence.

Coping and Resistance

Laila copes with her grief through chores and walks, illustrating her attempt to maintain normalcy despite her emotional turmoil.
Laila feels conflicted about the burqa, finding comfort in not being seen while resenting the loss of her identity.
A fight between Mariam and Laila over a wooden spoon allows them to release pent-up emotions, hinting at budding camaraderie.

Motherhood and Gender Roles

Laila's return home from the hospital with a baby girl leads to Rasheed's complaints about the child's gender and noise, showcasing his patriarchal mindset.
Mariam smirks at Rasheed's frustrations with the baby, indicating a shift in her feelings towards him as he now experiences hardships himself.

Friendship Development

Laila and Mariam bond over caring for Aziza, sharing responsibilities that strengthen their relationship as they transition from adversaries to allies.
Mariam grapples with feelings of inadequacy around Aziza, stating she has "nothing" to offer, stemming from her past of failed connections.

Societal Changes and Conflict

The war in Afghanistan has worsened as factions turn against each other, and the Taliban gains power following the Soviet withdrawal.
The Taliban's arrival is met with public support, including parades celebrating their rule, revealing societal complexities in Kabul.
The enforcement of strict rules, such as prohibiting pet parakeets, illustrates the Taliban's harsh governance and absurdity.

Violence and Resistance

Rasheed reacts violently when Mariam and Laila attempt to escape, showcasing his brutality, which includes humiliation and physical abuse.
Effects of the oppressive environment lead to Laila and Aziza suffering from dehydration and hallucinations during captivity.

Health Care and Gender Discrimination

Laila's labor complications at Malahai Hospital highlight the lack of medical care for women in the Taliban regime.
Rabia Balkhi Hospital illustrates inadequate medical facilities, unprepared to assist women in childbirth or medical emergencies.

Familial Relationships

Rasheed's treatment of his son Zalmai differs significantly from Aziza, marked by affection and indulgence reflecting gender biases.
Aziza plays a nurturing role towards her little brother, which reveals her maturity despite her difficult upbringing.

Consequences of Resistance

Laila's confrontation with Rasheed, resulting in her punching him, escalates to threats against her life, portraying severe power dynamics in their relationship.
Rasheed's secretive actions, such as burying the television, underscore his awareness of the risks associated with defying Taliban restrictions and indicate growing tension within the household.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the events and character dynamics in chapters 31-40 of 'A Thousand Splendid Suns.' It explores themes of degradation, control, and familial relationships, particularly focusing on the characters Rasheed, Mariam, and Laila. Use these flashcards to test your understanding of the text and discuss the implications of Rasheed's behavior.