Discussion Topic A

In the novel A Thousand Splendid Suns, written by Khaled Hosseini, Hosseini utilizes literary elements such as imagery, diction, and conflict to emphasize on the issue of domestic abuse endured by Mariam and Laila. He introduces imagery to give the audience some sense of understanding of how physically abusive Rasheed was on these women. Conflict is demonstrated in the form of man vs. man to reveal how Rasheed treated these women as his victims, not taking into consideration how much brutal pain he was putting them through.
Initially, Hosseini exercises imagery in a way in which the audience can observe the actions taking place. The audience can imagine how much misery these girls are put through by taking note of the descriptive sounds Laila hears when the beatings pursue. She describes the sounds as "methodical...There was no cursing, no screaming, no pleading, no surprised yelps, only the systemic business of beating and being beaten, the thump, thump of something solid repeatedly striking flesh...someone, hitting a wall with a thud, cloth ripping." This image shows the different characteristics of Rasheed. At first, he acted like a calm gentleman who could do no harm, but as the novel progressed his true colors were revealed and the audience was able to see him as a different person. In this scene he is depicted as a cruel and cold-hearted human being. The diction in this phrase highlights the speaker's tone by creating an overall despairing and sorrowful mood. Even for the audience this is a terrifying moment as Rasheed shows no sympathy when he is beating Mariam. The word "methodical" connotes a slow and painful beating. There were no words, "no cursing," meaning Rasheed did not hesitate for an explanation by Mariam.
Secondly, Hosseini utilizes conflict to highlight the battle between Rasheed and his wives. Overtime, Rasheed has characterized himself as a man with a bad temper who exerts violence on Mariam and Laila to solve his problems. The audience can only wonder why Rasheed treats these women as badly as he does, sometimes for no reason. For example, "He found fault with Laila, the way she smelled, the way she dressed, the way she combed her hair, her yellowing teeth." He implies that her changing appearance has caused her to turn "into Mariam." His harsh choice of words signify he is apathetic of Laila's feelings. Rasheed's actions and choice of words gives the audience reason to believe he treats these women like a piece of dirt. This conflict of man vs. man is a representation of beatings, neglect, insults; all coming from Rasheed to his wives.
Hosseini's message to the audience is that domestic violence is wrong and by no means should men exert their fists or legs to harm a woman. He successfully establishes this message by getting through to the audience that women are humans like men and should not be treated like punching bags.