A Thousand Splendid Suns: Writer's Techniques – A Level English Literature CCEA Revision

A Thousand Splendid Suns: Writer’s Techniques

Khaled Hosseini adopts an omniscient third-person narrative which allows the author to delve into the lives of different characters, providing a variety of perspectives on Afghan society.
The switching narratives between Mariam and Laila offer contrasts and comparisons in their lives, further emphasising themes like patriarchy, female solidarity and resilience.
Hosseini’s choice of objective narration eliminates personal bias while providing a raw and honest depiction of reality, making the narrative more powerful and poignant.

Powerful imagery is used throughout the novel to evoke an understanding of the harsh Afghan landscape and the brutal realities of war.
Notable symbols like the kolba (Mariam’s childhood home) reflect her isolation and marginalisation, while the buzkashi tournament mirrors the violence and chaos in Afghanistan.
The recurring imagery of the burqa symbolises women’s suffocation and oppression in a patriarchal society.
The title’s symbolism, taken from a poem about Kabul’s beauty, serves as an ironic contrast to the city’s war-torn reality, thus underlining the impact of destruction and the hope for restoration.

Hosseini’s use of local Afghan dialect such as words like “harami” and “Tashakor” add authenticity to the narrative and establishes the setting.
Descriptive language portrays the harsh realities of life under Taliban rule and the degradation of Kabul, amplifying the depth of the characters’ suffering.
The contrast in language when describing peaceful pre-war times to that of the war and post-war era further emphasises the shocking change brought on by the conflict.

Characters like Mariam and Laila are used to explore and critique societal norms including gender inequality, child marriage, and women’s rights.
Dynamic characterisation of Mariam and Laila – from victims to resilient survivors – reflects on women’s agency, even in a society that seeks to limit it.
Contrasting characters such as Rasheed and Tariq serve to emphasise the diverse male attitudes towards women in the Afghan society.

Themes like female solidarity, resilience, and hope are regularly reintroduced and explored throughout the novel to underscore women’s capacity to endure and overcome adversity.
The domestic realm serves as a significant motif to reflect the prison-like existence of women, and yet it also becomes a space for comfort, allyship, and resistance against patriarchy.
The recurring motif of physical and emotional scars left by war, abuse, and loss shed light on the lasting impact of trauma.