Plot
How does Mariam's relationship with her mother Nana shape her early worldview?
Nana instills shame in Marim, calling her "harami" (illegitimate), which makes her feel unworthy and unloved
What happens to Mariam after Rasheed's death?
She confesses and is executed by the Taliban.
What role do Laila's children play in her decision?
They motivate her to endure hardship and seek a better life.
What does the novel say about the idea of family - both biological and chosen?
Biological family often fails the characters, while chosen family (Mariam & Laila) provides true support.
How does Hosseini use the setting of Kabul to reflect the characters' inner turmoil?
As Kabul deteriorates, so do the characters' lives; it slow rebuilding mirrors their healing.
Do you think Mariam was justified in her actions? Why or why not?
Yes - she saved Laila's life and stood up to lifelong abuse, becoming heroic.
Why is Mariam forced to marry Rasheed?
After Nana's suicide and being rejected by Jalil's family, she is married off for social convenience.
What do Laila, Tariq, and their children do after escaping Kabul?
They settle in Pakistan, then return to Kabul to help rebuild.
Describe Mariam's transformation throughout the novel?
She grows a passive, self-doubting woman to a courageous protector.
How is sacrifice represented through Mariam's actions?
She gives her life to protect Laila, ensuring her future happiness.
What impact do the Soviet occupation and subsequent wars have on the story?
They cause the deaths of family members and create a backdrop of fear, shaping every major life event.
Identify and explain one major symbol in the novel
The burqa symbolizes both oppression and eventual concealment of resistance.
How do Mariam and Laida first meet?
Laila is injured in a bombing, and Rasheed brings her home to care for her.
Why does Laila return to Kabul in the end?
To help rebuild her homeland and honor Mariam's sacrifice.
How is Nana's outlook on life different from Jalil's?
Nana is bitter and fatalistic, while Jalil appears kind but is cowardly and selfish.
How is the theme of female oppression portrayed in the novel?
Through forced marriage, domestic abuse, and societal restrictions under the Taliban rule.
Describe life under the Taliban rule as shown in the novel.
Women are brutally restricted: no schooling, healthcare, or freedom; men face war and scarcity.
Which character do you think had the greatest personal growth, and why?
Mariam - she evolves from a voiceless girl to courageous woman who reclaims her power through sacrifice.
How does Rasheed treat Mariam and Laila differently?
Initially kinder to Laila, he later becomes equally abusive toward both.
How does Mariam feel about her decision to kill Rasheed?
She feels peace and purpose, believing it was the right thing to do.
In what ways does Laila show strength and resilience?
She survives war, abuse, and loss, while remaining hopeful and devoted to her children.
In what ways do Mariam and Laila reclaim power in their lives?
Mariam kills Rasheed, Laila escapes abuse and rebuilds her life with purpose.
How does the political instability in Afghanistan affect the characters' lives?
It causes trauma, displacement, poverty, and oppression - especially for women.
What point of view is the novel written in and why is it effective/
Third-person limited (alternating between Mariam and Laila), providing emotional depth and contrast.
How do Mariam and Laila's relationship evolve over time?
They go from mistrust and rivalry to deep friendship and solidarity.
What events lead to Mariam killing Rasheed?
Rasheed tries to strangle Laila and Mariam kills him to protect her.
What values does Laila's father (Babi) represent?
Education, progressive thinking, and hope for women's future.
In what ways does the novel explore motherhood?
It shows both suffering and empowerment through maternal love and sacrifice.
How does Hosseini use imagery to enhance the emotional weight of the story?
Vivid description of violence, poverty, and beauty make readers feel the characters' suffering and shape.
How does the structure of alternating perspectives impact the storytelling?
It builds empathy for both women and shows different sides of the same events.