Oppression Of Women In A Thousand Splendid Suns By Khaled Hosseini

“Afghan women, as a group, I think their suffering has been equaled by very few other groups in recent world history.” These are the words of the author of A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini. Oppression of women is an offense that is common in the country of Afghanistan. Majority of the women in Afghanistan are illiterate and suffer at the hand of the misogynistic culture. A Thousand Splendid Suns is an amalgamation that reveals the tyrannical treatment and degradation of women in Afghanistan. Hosseini wrote the novel to bring light to the effect that the Fundamentalist Islamic Governments have on women in Afghanistan. The Mujahedeen and the Taliban, governing parties in Afghanistan enforce the oppressing regime that results in …show more content…
As a result of the Taliban’s rule restricting women, men in the homes gained power over women. Abuse is common and Hosseini reveals this through Mariam’s relationship with Rasheed. For instance, when Mariam makes rice and Rasheed is displeased with it, he forces her to chew on pebbles. Rasheed often beats and verbally abuses Mariam even though she is often found doing exactly what he asked of her. This type of abuse is what women in Afghanistan often suffer through. A woman was required to be obedient to her husband and submit to him no matter the circumstances. In an environment like such, a breeding ground for abuse was created. Stories of the abuse of women in Afghanistan speak volumes to the abuse they endure. In an article written by Bethany Matta for Al Jazeera, writes of a woman who was beaten by her husband accompanied by his family members on multiple occasions. The woman, Sadie states the family would tell her “You’re all alone, scream as loud as you want, there is no one here to hear you.” Although these words seem harsh, it is the reality of the abuse that women in Afghanistan suffer. Instances like this is what Hosseini was trying to exemplify through the life of Mariam in A Thousand Splendid Suns. The repeated abuse by her husband is a mirror image of the abuse described by the woman in the article. Hosseini continues Mariam’s abuse throughout the novel to make it apparent that abuse for women in Afghanistan was consistent and often. Mariam is not the only character that Hosseini uses to reveal the abuse that women suffered at the hand of men. Laila, the other protagonist is also abused by Rasheed. There is an example of sexual abuse. When Laila refuses to have intercourse with Rasheed, he blames Mariam and tries to beat her. In an effort to protect Mariam, Laila decides to have intercourse with Rashed. The abuse