The Persimmon Tree Najma Quotes

In chapter five of Under the Persimmon Tree, there are aspects of Najmah's character that are revealed, simply by following her father's orders to protect Mada-jan. "When only I see Uncle I do not tell Mada-jan, as I don't want to worry her... I push aside the curtain and step outside, holding the curved knife in one hand." (58) Najmah knows how Uncle can be seen as a threat. He grows poppies to bring in profit and only returned home after his father died, to take his share of his land. Najmah thinks of all of these things, and picks up her father's large, curved knife to protect her mother in case Uncle were to do something. This protective side of Najmah hasn't completely been seen before. She has shown that she is willing to take care of her mother when her brother and father are taken by the Taliban, but she's never picked up a knife just in case, like she did in this situation. …show more content…
I bring the rest out on the plate, placing it on the carpet before Uncle." (60) Mada-jan wants Najmah to bring Uncle food when he unexpectedly visits, but Najmah knows very well that they are low on supplies. Instead of thinking about herself going hungry, Najmah hides a fruit and a piece of bread so her mother will be able to eat later on. This is completely selfless of Najmah, and once again showcases that she is worried more about protecting and taking care of her mother than bringing food to her unwanted guest, Uncle. "And then I hear a strange whistling sound that seems to grow louder... a loud thump echoes from somewhere below. The village, I think, and begin to run." (65) Najmah realizes the bombs are getting closer and closer, and then realizes that they must be closing in on the village. Although there used to be many people in Golestan, it is now just Mada-jan, Habib, and Uncle due to what the text