A Thousand Splendid Suns tells the story of Afghan women, but it also imagines what would happen to Afghanistan if Gods were sent there from Mount Olympus during the Taliban years and the post-taliban period. Hosseini has created symbolic characters as a way to demonstrate the fact that both men & women are capable. Hosseini wrote a feminist book with A Thousand Beautiful Suns. Hosseini uses Greek mythology to represent the characters of his novel, in order for them to demonstrate that these actions are not only common but also should not be accepted.
Hosseini uses Rasheed to show that men, historically, have been given power and superiority just because they are male. This has caused them to feel that all women should be treated with respect. The audience is scared by the description of Rasheed’s physical size and threat. Hosseini says, “Mariam was able to smell him even before she met him. She could smell cigarette smoke as well as a sweet, thick cologne. Jalil had a fainter scent. She could feel him lingering at the doorway before he moved slowly and heavily across the room. The candy dish on top of the table was jingling in sync with his movements” (Hosseini 52). Zeus’s sexual conquests are now more logical. Rasheed has a similar appearance to Zeus. Women were burned by the God’s true form. Hosseini wrote this knowing that it would be uncomfortable for the audience to see Mariam taking up so much space. Rasheed has the same ability as Zeus to gather romantic partners and not be scorned. Zeus’ wife gets upset whenever her husband finds other romantic partners. Rasheed’s wife also does this, but she cannot divorce him or leave him. Rasheed tells Mariam that he is thinking of Laila as a potential courtesan. I give you a hand around the home and give her a safe haven. This is a very generous act of mine… To me, it’s a reward. Rasheed asks for praise because Mairam does what is expected of her, namely invite another person into their house. Hosseini makes Rasheed show his power so we can see that Rasheed and society in general see men as the only one capable of running a home. Hosseini wants the audience to see that this old-fashioned mindset has been surpassed by society. Rasheed’s and Zeus’s use of brute force as a way to punish others is another trademark. Rasheed carries a belt that is as menacing as Zeus’ lightning rod. Hosseini wrote in her novel that “His hands were powerful and clasped the jaw of his victim.” He pushed two fingers into her mouth to pry it open. Then he forced the pebbles inside. Mariam struggled in vain, murmuring, but he continued pushing them into the mouth. His upper lips were curled, and he gave a sneer. Tears dripped from her corners” (Hosseini 14). Rasheed has abused women on numerous occasions. Rasheed is taught to think that as a woman, he should be above women. Hosseini’s story makes the women, not Rasheed, the main characters. He doesn’t see anything wrong in Rasheed’s behavior.
Mariam is Hosseini’s version of Hera. It was intended to depict a woman raised in a society with inequalities, who grew up to realize the injustices that were in place and tried to do more in life than what others thought. Hera in Greek legend is known primarily as Zeus’s wife. Mairam and Hera however, have both earned a reputation that goes beyond their roles as decorations for their spouses. Mariam & Hera display resilience as they deal with being reduced to a wife and servant. Mariam’s emotional burden from losing seven of her own children affected her her whole life. In the text, she describes how she mourned for months after she buried her first child. Mariam feels the loss of her childless life, but Rasheed has children with Laila. Zeus has the freedom to choose whom he likes, and Zeus remains loyal to Hera. Mariam, who has been a victim of society’s expectations and standards (by failing to have a child), sees herself the way others do: useless. Hosseini would say that Mariam’s importance is greater than her ability to produce children. Mariam’s situation is the same as Hera’s. Mariam becomes jealous over Rasheed’s treatment towards Laila. Mariam then retaliates and says, “I wouldn’t even have fed or washed or nursed you had I known you were about to steal my man” (Hosseini 226). Mariam’s realization that she is not bound by the rules of society makes this moment significant. As Hera did, she took matters into her hand and controlled her life, which was not the norm for women in that time. Hosseini makes the moments where Mariam defends herself heroic so that the audience will see the value of women having their voice. He encourages the audience to want to see women succeed in a world that views them as underdogs. Mariam was called a harami and a bastard for a large part of her childhood, even though she had no role in creating herself. Hosseini writes in “It’s not the harami or the bastard who is guilty but the creators” (Hosseini). The sentence is meant to show that Mariam doesn’t deserve the negative way the society views her. The first time in the story, the audience sees that women do not have to be blamed when they are viewed as objects. It is instead the society that is at fault for seeing them that way.
Laila plays a role similar to Athena because she is intelligent and willing to challenge the social flaws. Athena, Zeus’ favourite child, was Laila (initially). Rasheed constantly praises Laila, telling her, “You are queen, malika, and your palace is here” (Hosseini 233). Laila uses this praise to manipulate Rasheed. She cannot control him but she can stop him from being violent towards Mariam. Hosseini showed Laila’s power by adding this element to the story. She was attempting to prove that Laila could be powerful, even if she was seen as her husband’s toy. Laila shows her intelligence and power through her manipulation. Laila has the same knowledge that Athena does. Laila’s knowledge is acknowledged by all those around her. You’re destined to become someone. One day I’ll be able to pick up the paper and find you on the first page. This knowledge allows her to go against the norms of society, and equalize herself with other men. Laila’s refusal of being compliant grows more violent as she spends her final moments with Rasheed. Laila, like Athena, is a warrior. Laila’s bold decision to use a glass of water as a weapon in her last battle with Rasheed (Hosseini 347) was a brave one. Laila knew she could not compete with Rasheed physically, but she slammed the glass anyway. Athena and Laila are both goddesses who know their worth. The audience is made aware of the fact that women shouldn’t have to endure such struggles. They realize that women should not have to endure such struggles.
Khaled Hosseini used the Greek gods as the inspiration for his characters in A Thousand Splendid Solars. This was done to persuade the audience that the ideas of today are wrong. Rasheed’s aura may appear to be the strongest, but when the audience examines the story closely, they will see that Mariam Laila and Laila can actually outperform him. Rasheed’s Zeus-like strength in the physical realm is not comparable to what Mariam or Laila endured. These women have suffered more loss and more emotional battles that Rasheed. Yet, the society has told them they are beneath him. These women are gods. To think otherwise would be a mistake.