Mariam And Laila In A Thousand Splendid Suns
The relationship between Mariam and Laila is formed through aspects of women’s treatment in Afghanistan proven through Rasheed’s actions against his wives. Specific treatment of women was often enforced through the strict protocols of the Taliban’s list. However society norms built from the Taliban’s rule made actions, such as, Rasheed’s abuse be legal in societies eyes. Furthermore, the relationship of Laila and Mariam is built through the developments of their home cities and how war affected their lives. The setting of A Thousand Splendid Suns allows aspects of society to be applied to the homes of Afghanistan families. When the novel introduces the Taliban’s arrival many people believe they will settle the peace and end corruption in the
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city of Kabul. For example on page 273 part three, Rasheed states “...but look around you. What do you see? Corrupt, greedy Mujajideen commanders, armed to the teeth, rich off heroin, declaring jihad on one another and killing everyone in between-that's what. At least the Taliban are pure and incorruptible.” Leaving the interpretation of his view point towards the Taliban’s actions and what he believes of them. This provides background of how Rasheed is motivated by his beliefs. The Taliban also begin to enforce laws after taking control of Kabul, they stated in their rules that women should not speak unless spoken to, make eye contact with men, and not walk alone, without a man, in the city or they will be beaten. These laws being enforced made women be the minorities in comparison to men who had “all the power” given to them based off of these new rules. The clear disregard for women’s emotional health and self-worth led to the encouragement of society viewing women lower than men. This was proven through the described situation on page 264 in part three, this was when Laila and Mariam were caught urging Laila to beg the officer to let them go in order to escape Rasheed. However when Laila states her concerns the officer replied with “As a matter of policy, we do not interfere with private family matters.” Concluding, the Taliban’s enforcement of laws towards women increase the social norm of abuse towards women. The Taliban’s enforcement of these laws help men develop a persona that leads them to believe abusive relationships are normal and not offensive.
Therefore, absentmindedly, Rasheed continues to believe his actions against his wives are not incorrect. His abusive nature is encouraged, since the Taliban members have no disregard in beating women in the streets; if not following their rule of being accompanied by a man. This leads to encourage his behavior since the Taliban is an authority figure to the people of Kabul. Therefore, causing the citizens of Kabul to fear the Taliban they also would not likely go against the Taliban, furthermore following the rules stated for them to follow, creating more followers for other citizens. This then creates the illusion of a social norm towards the men and women’s role in society. This can therefore affect the way Rasheed thinks that abusing your wives is a matter of the law and not difficult to maintain. This is proven on page 278 part three, as Rasheed turns the radio off from listening to the Taliban’s announcement of rules; when Laila questions their power in keeping women in their homes, while Rasheed’s attitude shows encouragement that they will be successful through his straight forward reply “Why not?” This introduces how he recognizes his approach towards his wives is similar to the Taliban’s tactics. The comparison of Rasheed’s’ tactics of fear being used on Laila and Mariam is stated through Mariam’s words on page 279 in part three,“ Mariam agreed with him. He’d done the same to her and Laila, in effect, had he not?” The Taliban helps to encourage Rasheed to continue his behavior against his wives, since the viewpoint from society clarifies and does not regard his actions as wrong. These aspects of society apply to Laila and Mariam as they live with Rasheed. He is constantly abusive in a physical and mental manner towards the women of his
home.
city of Kabul. For example on page 273 part three, Rasheed states “...but look around you. What do you see? Corrupt, greedy Mujajideen commanders, armed to the teeth, rich off heroin, declaring jihad on one another and killing everyone in between-that's what. At least the Taliban are pure and incorruptible.” Leaving the interpretation of his view point towards the Taliban’s actions and what he believes of them. This provides background of how Rasheed is motivated by his beliefs. The Taliban also begin to enforce laws after taking control of Kabul, they stated in their rules that women should not speak unless spoken to, make eye contact with men, and not walk alone, without a man, in the city or they will be beaten. These laws being enforced made women be the minorities in comparison to men who had “all the power” given to them based off of these new rules. The clear disregard for women’s emotional health and self-worth led to the encouragement of society viewing women lower than men. This was proven through the described situation on page 264 in part three, this was when Laila and Mariam were caught urging Laila to beg the officer to let them go in order to escape Rasheed. However when Laila states her concerns the officer replied with “As a matter of policy, we do not interfere with private family matters.” Concluding, the Taliban’s enforcement of laws towards women increase the social norm of abuse towards women. The Taliban’s enforcement of these laws help men develop a persona that leads them to believe abusive relationships are normal and not offensive.
Therefore, absentmindedly, Rasheed continues to believe his actions against his wives are not incorrect. His abusive nature is encouraged, since the Taliban members have no disregard in beating women in the streets; if not following their rule of being accompanied by a man. This leads to encourage his behavior since the Taliban is an authority figure to the people of Kabul. Therefore, causing the citizens of Kabul to fear the Taliban they also would not likely go against the Taliban, furthermore following the rules stated for them to follow, creating more followers for other citizens. This then creates the illusion of a social norm towards the men and women’s role in society. This can therefore affect the way Rasheed thinks that abusing your wives is a matter of the law and not difficult to maintain. This is proven on page 278 part three, as Rasheed turns the radio off from listening to the Taliban’s announcement of rules; when Laila questions their power in keeping women in their homes, while Rasheed’s attitude shows encouragement that they will be successful through his straight forward reply “Why not?” This introduces how he recognizes his approach towards his wives is similar to the Taliban’s tactics. The comparison of Rasheed’s’ tactics of fear being used on Laila and Mariam is stated through Mariam’s words on page 279 in part three,“ Mariam agreed with him. He’d done the same to her and Laila, in effect, had he not?” The Taliban helps to encourage Rasheed to continue his behavior against his wives, since the viewpoint from society clarifies and does not regard his actions as wrong. These aspects of society apply to Laila and Mariam as they live with Rasheed. He is constantly abusive in a physical and mental manner towards the women of his
home.