A Thousand Splendid Suns (ATSS) essay plan - The relationship between Laila and Tariq

How was their relationship first presented?

There is a closeness within Laila and Tariq’s relationship from the start, with subtle implications suggesting a romantic bond may later be explored by the two.

Part two begins by introducing Tariq and Laila as a pair from Laila’s point of view. This highlights the importance of Tariq in Laila’s life as even as a nine year old, her first thought, the first sentence from her point of view is “Nine year old Laila rose from bed, as she did most mornings, hungry for the sight of her friend Tariq”. The word “hungry” suggests that Tariq is essential in Laila’s ability to live, he is a basic necessity for her and she would die without him. Additionally the word has connotations with sexual desire, and while this is not the kind of hunger being referred to here, it leads the reader to believe that it may lead to a sexual nature in time as the pair grow older.

Strains upon the relationship

In A Thousand Splendid Suns the societal pressure of preserving Laila’s reputation as a “pure” virgin.

Mama tells Laila that “The reputation of a girl, especially one as pretty as you, is a delicate thing, Laila. Like a mynah bird in your hands. Slacken your grip and it flies away”. Laila’s whole life is expected to revolve around her reputation and how attractive she may be viewed by suitors, a struggle that many, if not all, women and girls faced within this society.

Her friendship with Tariq endangers her reputation, as “ if [she’s] not careful, people will talk”.

This highlights just how easily a woman’s reputation could be tainted, a simple friendship, a slackening of her grip upon her obedience to society’s rules and expectations may result in her losing her good reputation, symbolised by the bird flying away. Once the bird is gone, she will be unable to get it back and will forever be at a disadvantage in life as she would not be…