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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. What kinds of businesses does Abdul Sharif say he owns in Chapter 28?

2. Where does Laila plan to take a bus to from Kabul when she runs away in Chapter 34?

3. According to Shari'a law under the Islamic State of Afghanistan, women are permitted to travel under what condition?

4. How old is Mariam when Rasheed marries Laila?

5. During one of his rages in Chapter 33, Rasheed says of the baby, "I'm telling you, Laila's given birth to" whom?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Mariam attempt contacting Jalil in Chapter 41? What does she discover?

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

3. How would you describe Laila's greatest struggle in Chapter 42? How does Laila's suffering influence your opinion of her character?

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

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

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

7. What is symbolic about the burial that takes place in Chapter 40?

8. How would you describe the ending of the novel? Do you think the novel ends on a hopeful note? Why or why not?

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

10. How are the conditions described when Laila gives birth in Chapter 39? Where does Laila give birth?

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

Analyze and discuss the characters of Laila and Hakim in the novel. How does Laila’s relationship with her father differ from Mariam’s? How do Laila’s overall circumstances differ? What is Hakim’s profession? How would you describe Hakim’s relationship with his wife?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the themes of pregnancy and oppression in the novel. What oppressions has Mariam faced as a woman in Afghanistan by the age of fifteen? How are these oppressions compounded with her marriage? How does Mariam feel about her pregnancy? How do these themes apply to Laila?

(see the answer keys)

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