Introduction lesson to A Thousand Splendid Suns

Today's lesson:

• Poetry reading and discussion
• Break Time
• Introduction to the book A Thousand Splendid Suns
• Group Discussion
• Exit Tickets

Read the following poem:

Make a mark on my vehicle for me
last night, I waved to a wrong one

Reread the poem and discuss it in your group.

Read the next poem:

If there is no bad intention in your mind, oh
rahman
There is no sin in looking at a beautiful face

Reread the poem and discuss it in your group.

Read the last poem:

May god destroy your father, you old man,
who threw me into your bed and called it destiny

Reread the poem and discuss it in your group.

Break Time

Take a short break and stretch. Relax before we continue.

Introduction to A Thousand Splendid Suns

In a post-World War II era, Afghanistan's political sphere was dominated by the Soviet Union until 1989, bringing an end to what was known as the decade-long war. Although many thought this to be an era of hope and growth, rebellions started against the communist-backed government in the country by united factions known as the Mujahideen (those who engage in Islam), who overthrew the government and changed the name of Afghanistan to the Islamic State of Afghanistan.

However, the factions within the Mujahideen would soon go to war with one another, with warlords claiming territory and fighting with each other for control over major points of the country and the cities, especially the city of Kabul. This left untold amounts of damage to not only cities, but also to broken families and societies as a whole.

Later, a more united force known as the Taliban emerged and brought an end to the fighting overall, instituting an extremist form of Islamic rule over the country, implementing and enforcing Islamic law and changing the name of the Islamic State of Afghanistan to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

The book A Thousand Splendid Suns takes place in Afghanistan during this period of time and revolves around two main characters: Mariam, a Farsi girl from Herat, and Laila, a Tajik girl from Kabul.

The book touches on several topics and interconnected themes, such as abuse, the patriarchy, war, famine, death and gender roles, but also touches on topics such as endurance, relationships and hope.

Group discussion

• What is the role of a man and a woman in society?
• Do you believe men and women should be seen as different?
• Should they perform different duties, or are they better at different things compared to the opposite sex?

Exit tickets

After reading the introduction to A Thousand Splendid Suns, how do you think the poems will connect to the story?

Get some paper from the teacher's desk, write down your thoughts and hand it in.