Themes, Motifs, Symbols, and Other Literary Elements
Repetition
Men and women do not receive equal respect.
- “You see? This is what it means to be a woman in this world" (7).
- "Learn this now and learn it well, my daughter: Like a compass needle that points north, a man’s accusing finger always finds a woman" (7).
- “Women have always had it hard in this country, Laila, but they’re probably more free now, under the communists, and have more rights than they’ve ever had before"
Throughout the story, the author displays the lack of freedom and rights for women in Afghanistan. He shows how men view women as inferior.
God’s will and tests
- “God’s will" (91).
- “…[God] may try you" (94).
The author conveys the idea that everything goes according to God's plan.
Great Changes in Setting
The book starts with a peaceful and serene setting. It begins with Nana and Mariam in a kolba, which is on the outskirts of Herat. Then the setting progresses to the heart of the city of Herat, where Jalil resides. Now Mariam is in an extravagant home. When Mariam is married off, Rasheed whisks her to his home in Kabul. Kabul is not as similar as Mariam’s former home; however, it still is a thriving city. Among all of this, war gradually emerges and erupts. Kabul, as well as the rest of Afghanistan, erupts into great chaos.
Themes
The company you keep shapes who you will become later on in life.
- Mariam’s relationship with her abusive mother causes Mariam to have low self-esteem when she grows up.
- Laila’s experiences with her father and his love for education gave Laila the confidence to defend herself and use reason in the presence of Rasheed.
Repetition
Men and women do not receive equal respect.
- “You see? This is what it means to be a woman in this world" (7).
- "Learn this now and learn it well, my daughter: Like a compass needle that points north, a man’s accusing finger always finds a woman" (7).
- “Women have always had it hard in this country, Laila, but they’re probably more free now, under the communists, and have more rights than they’ve ever had before"
Throughout the story, the author displays the lack of freedom and rights for women in Afghanistan. He shows how men view women as inferior.
God’s will and tests
- “God’s will" (91).
- “…[God] may try you" (94).
The author conveys the idea that everything goes according to God's plan.
Great Changes in Setting
The book starts with a peaceful and serene setting. It begins with Nana and Mariam in a kolba, which is on the outskirts of Herat. Then the setting progresses to the heart of the city of Herat, where Jalil resides. Now Mariam is in an extravagant home. When Mariam is married off, Rasheed whisks her to his home in Kabul. Kabul is not as similar as Mariam’s former home; however, it still is a thriving city. Among all of this, war gradually emerges and erupts. Kabul, as well as the rest of Afghanistan, erupts into great chaos.
Themes
The company you keep shapes who you will become later on in life.
- Mariam’s relationship with her abusive mother causes Mariam to have low self-esteem when she grows up.
- Laila’s experiences with her father and his love for education gave Laila the confidence to defend herself and use reason in the presence of Rasheed.