Characters
This character is a servant who became pregnant by her employer
Nana
"Where I come from, a woman's face is her husband's business only."
Rasheed
What was the most important thing for Laila according to Babi?
Her education / schooling
This theme topic is introduced by Nana, carried out through Mariam's life, and is mostly illustrated through the women's point of view
Endurance
Why was Rasheed so violent towards Laila and Mariam? Did the climate of society give him a reason to be abusive, or do you believe he is abusive at heart? Explain.
Answers may vary.
This character walked with a limp because he wore a prosthetic leg
Tariq
"As a reminder of how women like us suffer...How quietly we endure all that falls upon us."
Nana
Why do Laila and Mariam not get along at first?
They are taking their frustrations out on one another / both are miserable / Mariam does not like being pushed aside
This theme topic is evident in Babi's hopes and dreams for Laila, religious control, and the oppression of women in the novel. Think about something the women were not allowed to receive for a portion of the novel
Education / Intelligence
Do you believe Jalil ever deserved a second chance from Mariam? Was he ever truly sorry for his actions? Support your answer.
Answers may vary.
This character lived in a kolba with her mother and waited every Thursday for her father to visit
Mariam
"God's words will never betray you, my girl."
Mullah Faizullah
What did the man tell Laila after the bomb hit her house and she was living with Rasheed and Mariam?
That Tariq has died
This theme topic is evident in Rasheed's actions, behaviors, and entitlement he feels towards the women in his home and women in general.
Power / Control / Authority
There are two examples of haramis in this novel. Who are they and how might you compare their lives?
Mariam and Aziza. Mariam knows from a young age that she is illegitimate and hidden away from the rest of society. Aziza does not know of her origin; rather, she is loved and nurtured her entire life by people who love her.
This character suffered a severe mental break when she learned her sons were killed at war
"You had that man sit across from me...You knew I would leave if I thought he was alive."
Laila
Why does Laila decide to keep Rasheed's baby inside of her instead of terminating it?
She thinks the baby is innocent / she has already seen too much killing / the baby is blameless
This theme topic is evident in every character in the novel. Some characters use this topic to justify their evil behaviors. Others use this topic as a form of comfort when facing difficult times.
Religion / Faith
In the novel, Mariam feels as though she has no control over her life. When do we see her finally take control? What gives her the bravery to do so?
Mariam finally takes control of her life (in her opinion) when she murders Rasheed to save the people she loves. She is able to do this after finally feeling like her life is worth something because of Laila, Aziza, and Zalmai. She feels loved and has had the opportunity to love back.
This character adored his father, or appeared to like him the best, despite how he treated others in the house
Zalmai
"It's all I have to give her...this knowledge, these prayers. They're the only true possessions I've ever had."
Mariam
Why is Mariam a hero in jail?
She had killed her husband/her oppressor which is something the other women never could have been brave enough to do
This theme topic is most evident when Mariam is walking to her execution after murdering Rasheed. Think of the passage: "And yet she was leaving the world as a woman who had loved and been loved back."
Meaning of Life / Self Purpose / Identity
The title of the book came from these lines: "One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs, / Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls." What might these lines represent when thinking about the novel in general--especially Laila and Mariam.
Afghanistan in general being a country of constant war and violence but inhabited by so many people who are kind, loving, etc. / The women who suffer so much and must endure so much are still able to love and be happy in one another's company, finding happiness in small victories. / Laila and Mariam did not originally like one another but grew to understand.