A Thousand Splendid Suns By Mieke Eilidh Imaan

A Thousand Splendid Suns By Mieke, Eilidh, Imaan, Jeffrey and Robert

Our Question Explain the contrasts between Laila’s upbringing and what we read of Mariam’s at the start.

Quote 1 “Laila set aside old blouses, old shoes, books, toys. ” Pg 185 This shows that Laila was loved and had enough money to be bought toys, extra clothes and things she does not necessarily need. Mariam didn’t have any of these.

Quote 2 “Every night after dinner, Babi helped Laila with her homework and gave her some of his own” Pg 132 It shows that Laila had help and encouragement and someone who loved her. Mariam didn’t have the chance to go to school. Nana or Jalil didn’t care about her and wouldn’t help her.

Quote 3 “One day as they were walking , Mariam told him that she wished she would be allowed to go to school” Pg 70 Mariam can’t go to school. She wants to go out and explore she wants her freedom. In contrast Laila is encouraged to go to school and hopes to pursue education when she's older whereas Mariam isn’t encouraged.

Quote 4 “Babi took her to the doctor” Pg 139 Mariam couldn’t go to the doctor. The is also a contrast between their two fathers which has a direct impact to their life Mariam's especially.

Quote 5 They went to the Cinema Park that day, Laila and Tariq, and had to settle for a Soviet film that was dubbed. P 153 Mariam did not get to go to a cinema, even though her father owns one. “They had to settle” shows that they did not really like the film. Mariam would be really exited to see any film. Laila also got to go with a friend. Mariam has no friends at all to go with to anywhere.

Conclusion This presentation shows how horrible Mariam’s childhood was compared to Laila’s. Mariam did not get the same level of treatment. This shows how illegitimate children were mistreated.

The End