The Portrayal of Afghan Women under Soviet Occupation and Taliban Rule: An Analysis of Mariam and Laila's Experiences

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16883625

Abstract

This study explores the depiction of Afghan women during the Soviet occupation and Taliban rule through a qualitative analysis of the two central characters, Mariam and Laila, in Khaled Hosseini's "A Thousand Splendid Suns". Utilizing feminist and interpretive literary frameworks, the research examines how their personal experiences reflect broader themes of gender oppression, political instability, and cultural restrictions in Afghanistan's tumultuous history. Mariam, an illegitimate child, faces lifelong marginalization, while educated Laila witnesses her future being destroyed by war. Despite these adversities, both characters embody resistance Mariam through her final act of sacrifice and Laila through her ongoing struggle for education and freedom. Their evolving relationship highlights the theme of female solidarity, challenging the patriarchal norms that seek to isolate and silence women. This study employs thematic and textual analysis to reveal that Hosseini's narrative not only exposes the injustices faced by Afghan women but also showcases the transformative power of resilience and sisterhood. By highlighting these experiences, the novel makes a significant contribution to feminist literary discourse and provides profound insights into the realities of women's lives in conflict zones. Ultimately, this study affirms the role of literature in amplifying marginalized voices and advocating for post-war social gender justice.

Keywords: Afghan Women, Political Instability, Taliban Rule, Gender Oppression, Resistance, Solidarity, Feminist Analysis