A Thousand Splendid Suns - Part 3 Summary

Study Notes

Chapter 27

Mariam and Rasheed care for Laila after a bombing; Laila experiences guilt over her family's death.
Rasheed claims to have rescued Laila from the wreckage, while her family did not survive.
A month later, Abdul Sharif visits Laila, introducing a connection to her past.

Chapter 28

Abdul Sharif, a clothing shop owner, reveals he met Tariq in the hospital after a kidney infection.
Tariq was injured while escaping to Pakistan and lost his other leg.
Sharif conveys Tariq's last wishes to Laila, stating he misses her, but tragically informs her of Tariq's death.

Chapter 29

Rasheed feigns sympathy during dinner, trying to win Laila over.
Mariam confronts Rasheed about his intentions towards Laila, who admits he wants to marry her.
Rasheed pressures Mariam by highlighting the dangers Laila would face if he does not marry her.

Chapter 30

Rasheed gives Laila a wedding ring, which he acquired by trading Mariam’s ring, shocking Laila.
Laila hastily marries Rasheed, keeping her pregnancy from him a secret.
To deceive Rasheed into thinking she was a virgin, Laila pricks her finger on a knife.

Chapter 31

Laila and Mariam avoid each other as Rasheed enforces family dynamics, insisting Laila wears a burqa.
Rasheed prohibits Laila from leaving the house alone and blames Mariam for his wife's wellbeing.
Laila seeks cooperation from Mariam, but Mariam insists they will not form a bond and will share chores.

Chapter 32

Laila recalls gossip about Rasheed’s deceased son and his struggles with alcohol.
Laila reveals her pregnancy to Rasheed, who reacts with joy but treats Mariam cruelly.
Tensions rise between Laila and Mariam, culminating in their first significant argument over a missing spoon.

Chapter 33

Laila gives birth to a baby girl named Aziza, but Rasheed is displeased, refusing to buy her girls' clothes.
Despite Rasheed's anger and threats, Laila chooses to have relations with him to protect herself and her baby.
Mariam finds Laila and Aziza asleep by the fire, creating a moment of tenderness amidst turmoil.

Chapter 34

Laila tells Aziza about Tariq indirectly, choosing never to acknowledge him as her father.
Rasheed suspects Laila's past relationship with Tariq and questions her about it.
Laila plans to escape with stolen money; Mariam anonymously leaves baby clothes for Aziza, leading to a budding bond between them.

Chapter 35

Laila and Mariam increasingly share responsibilities and care for Aziza, strengthening their relationship.
The ongoing violence in Afghanistan forces Rasheed to remain home more often, heightening anxiety for the women.
Rasheed's aggressive demeanor with a gun creates an oppressive environment as Laila copes with her new life.

Description

This quiz covers chapter summaries from Part 3 of 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'. It focuses on key events, character dynamics, and thematic elements that unfold in chapters 27 and 28. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of this compelling narrative.