“A Thousand Splendid Suns”: The Development Of Laila’s Character

The reader recognizes Laila’s role in the modern communist revolution of 1979 when she is introduced to her at the start of the second part. The author portrays Laila as a special person in the context of her birth, and calls her “Revolutionary Girl” because of this. This includes her academic achievements and her family’s progressive views about women’s right. However, Afghanistan’s instability around politics causes her to be more unique than she expects and makes it harder for her to become a better person. She is forced to make certain decisions by the turmoil around her. This is evident in her distrust of authority and her stubbornness. These are the traits that she adopts as a child, based on her uniqueness and her academic performance.

Laila’s first loss is Noor and Ahmed who die shortly before the story begins. The novel does not mention their deaths, but Laila continues to talk about them throughout the story. It is this discussion that introduces readers to the strong Afghan family connection to their country. These characters’ deaths represent the idea that you can sacrifice yourself for something you hold dear. The grief and misery that afflicts the families after the death of the boy shows how death can have far-reaching effects. This idea is introduced throughout Laila’s lifetime as she sees the deaths of others. Laila’s reactions to her brothers’ deaths can be a predictor of how she will react to those who die. Laila doesn’t want to’summon mourning’ her brothers’ deaths. Instead, she feels that it’s difficult to do so because her attitude towards them is one of indifference and disrespect. Hosseini used the metaphor of the ‘fable’ to both remind the reader of Laila’s childhood through the childlike connotations of a story and also to emphasize how Laila doesn’t grieve people she has never met. This juxtaposition of childhood innocence and death is used by Hosseini to illustrate how Laila moves from being a child into an adult. Ahmed and Noor’s passing symbolizes infiltration of Afghan politics in the lives of the characters. It suggests that Laila has to mature due to the conflict and death that is a result of this situation. Both the macro-level political changes and the micro-level interaction between characters show how political figures like Ahmed or Noor can infiltrate into the personal lives of the characters. This suggests that Laila is being forced to grow up because of the conflict and death in Afghanistan. Mariam introduces Fariba, a young and vibrant woman in part 1. She loves her family and is optimistic about life. But, her sons become Mujahedeen soldiers, and she withdraws from them. She is now blinded by her sadness over her sons’ deaths and what is happening with her daughter, who lives with her. Laila feels unattended and neglected, and she realizes that her “footprints” will forever be washed away by the sorrowful waves that crashed and swelled. This metaphor is used in the novel to illustrate the idea of different emotions. Hosseini shows the struggles mothers face to raise children, particularly in this setting. While it is easy to assume that Fariba is a poor parent because of Laila’s treatment, one could argue that her grief over her sons’ deaths is evidence of her love for her children. Similar to Nana’s, Fariba didn’t spend much time with Laila and was not aware of her. This could have been argued for Laila’s learning about resilience and endurance. Laila finds herself having to do the chores and relationships with her emotions that mothers have to manage by not being around the house. Laila also recognizes the importance childcare. This is something that she does later when she has children. So, it could be argued that Laila, while still a little girl, has a strong bond with her mother. She also gets a better understanding of motherhood and the difficulties involved.

Laila’s status as a woman in a society that restricts women by law and men is the reason she needs to learn so quickly. In patriarchal societies, women are denied education rights. Laila’s academic ability gives hope for her character. Babi, her dad, insists that Laila has an education. It is this foundation that gives rise to her personality. Laila believes that education empowers her and gives her more opportunities in later life. Babi believes so strongly in education that he tells Laila, “A society cannot succeed if its women are not educated.” No chance. Women in Afghanistan see academics as a means of defending themselves and education as a hope. After they have been married, Laila asks Rasheed about his differing political views. This is why Laila, by the end the novel, teaches in an orphanage. Laila is a symbol of hope and a model for female education. She also allows others to see her as wiser than her. The wisdom she has gained through education allows her to speak up and also helps young girls make difficult decisions.

Laila’s growth is influenced by the people around her and the environment in which they live. Laila’s experience with characters such as Ahmed and Noor helps her overcome grief. This will help her to be resilient when faced with common tragedies like those in Afghanistan. Fariba’s inability to be with Laila during her childhood helps her prepare for the independence that will come after her parents’ deaths. It’s also what allows her as a mother to her children towards the end. Laila also receives an education which motivates and empowers her in a patriarchal world where many women don’t have the means to educate themselves. Part 2 will show how Laila has grown over the years.