disussion topic: C

In A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini heartbreakingly conveys Mariam’s use of her past to survive in the present and understand her own life. Because of her illegitimate status, Mariam didn’t know much except Nana’s words about the real world. From what she had learned, Mariam implements the power to stay strong against any obstacle.

                When she was little, Nana taught her a really important lesson. “there is only one, only one skill a woman like you and me needs in life…and it’s this: tahamul. Endure” (18).  Because of what Jalil did to them, Mariam is taught that the only thing she needs to do is to go through the hardships that men implement on women.  She remembers these words and uses it with her marriage to Rasheed.  “Over the years, Mariam had learned to harden herself against his scorn and reproach, his ridiculing and reprimanding” (240). She uses Nana’s teachings from the past in order to endure Rasheed’s harsh criticism and continue on in life.

                Another part of Mariam’s past that she used was when Nana said, “ Like a compass needle that points north, a man’s accusing finger always finds a woman…(364)”. When Mariam turned herself in for killing Rasheed, she knew that they would accuse her anyways with or without any witnesses. That is why she sacrificed herself in order to protect Laila and the kids. Remembering those words helped her get through her persecution.

                Lastly, before Mariam passed away, she remembered all the good times she had when she was with Laila, Aziza, and Zalmai.  Mariam felt “a sensation of abundant peace that washed over her…She was leaving it as a friend, a companion, a guardian…This was a legitimate end to a life of illegitimate beginnings” (370). The time she spent with Laila and the kids gave her the most love that no one has given.  It also gave her more motivation to protect them from the society.

                Mariam’s experiences with the past events in her life gave her the strength and understanding to face her future. As a whole, her actions show that a person can find happiness within the midst of all the bitterness she’s had.