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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to the laws enforced by the Taliban in Chapter 37, all boys in grades one through six are to wear what?

2. Who hires Tariq to work as a handyman at his motel after Tariq gets out of prison?

3. When does Chapter 37 begin?

4. What is the name of Kabul's ancient music ghetto that is silenced by the Taliban in Chapter 38?

5. How old is Tariq when he reappears in Chapter 44?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the conflicts between Laila and Mariam develop in Chapter 32?

2. How have the political changes in Afghanistan influenced Rasheed's behavior in Chapter 38?

3. What leads to the capture or Mariam and Laila in Chapter 36?

4. What is the greatest conflict that Laila faces in Chapter 31?

5. What are the consequences of Mariam's and Laila's capture in Chapter 36?

6. How does Laila attempt to repay Mariam for her sacrifice in Chapter 50?

7. What symbolism and metaphors are explored through the death of Rasheed in Chapter 45?

8. When does Chapter 41 take place? How is the atmosphere of Afghanistan described at this time?

9. What decision has Laila reached in Chapter 49, and what has led her to this decision?

10. What transition takes place in Chapter 27? What circumstances are established at the beginning of this chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of sacrifice in A Thousand Splendid Suns. In what ways does Mariam’s sacrifice give life and freedom to Laila and her children? Is Laila aware of the sacrifice that Mariam makes for her? What does Mariam’s act mean to Laila?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of survivalism in the novel. What are some examples of ways in which characters in the story commit actions in order to survive? In what ways has Mariam learned to survive? How have Laila’s experiences differed from Mariam’s?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss marriage customs within Muslim society and girls’ education in Afghanistan in the 1960s and 1970s. Jalil has three wives in the novel. How common is it for Muslim men to have more than one wife? What customs surround marriage and courtship in Afghanistan, particularly in the 1960s?

(see the answer keys)

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