FEMINIST LITERARY CRITICISM
A Thousand Splendid Suns
(Excerpt)
Khaled Hosseini’s novel entitled A Thousand Splendid Suns is set in Afghanistan. It
uncovers that some women are oppressed and prevented from enjoying basic rights and
freedom. Hosseini also broadens the theme of gender roles. In the novel, it was mentioned that
Mariam had never worn a burqa. This can reflect on her own role in her marriage. The burqa is
a symbol of control over a woman. It clearly shows that Mariam is subject to Rasheed’s
authority.
Based on the novel, Kabul was the best place to show how the status of women
changed over time. Mariam witnessed all the changes firsthand when she was forced to move
to Kabul and marry Rasheed. She was amazed by the modern lifestyle of women. She was
surprised that women could wear whatever they wanted, like stylish clothes and makeup, walk
around the city, and stroll alone.
. This novel captures the unequal treatment and oppression faced by women. Domestic
hierarchy is at play in the household of Rasheed. It reveals that men had a grip and control over
women, and women’s rights were strictly restricted.