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Mariam, a young Afghan girl, experiences abuse and discrimination from "summary" of A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
In the streets of Herat, Mariam, the daughter of a maid and a wealthy businessman, endures a childhood filled with neglect and mistreatment. Her mother, Nana, bears the burden of societal shame and resentment, which she often takes out on Mariam. Nana's bitterness towards her circumstances seeps into her interactions with Mariam, leaving the young girl feeling unloved and insignificant. As Mariam grows older, she is forced into a marriage with Rasheed, a man three times her age. Rasheed's oppressive nature and violent tendencies quickly become apparent, as he subjects Mariam to physical and emotional abuse. He controls every aspect of her life, restricting her movements and isolating her from the outside world. Mariam's dreams and desires are dismissed, as she is reduced to a mere servant in her own home. In addition to the abuse she faces within her marriage, Mariam also experiences discrimination in the wider Afghan society. Her status as a woman from a lower social class leaves her vulnerable to mistreatment and prejudice. Despite her intelligence and resilience, Mariam is constantly reminded of her inferior position in the eyes of others. Throughout her struggles, Mariam finds solace in the companionship of Laila, a young woman who becomes her friend and confidante. Together, they navigate the challenges of living under the oppressive rule of the Taliban and support each other through their shared experiences of abuse and discrimination. In each other, Mariam and Laila find the strength to endure and resist the injustices they face.- It becomes a powerful testament to the resilience of Afghan women in the face of adversity. Despite the hardships she endures, Mariam's spirit remains unbroken, and she ultimately finds a sense of purpose and belonging in a world that seeks to diminish her worth. Through her journey, the reader is confronted with the harsh realities of gender inequality and the enduring power of the human spirit to overcome even the most oppressive circumstances.
