A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS (EXCERPT) BY: KHALED HOSSEINI

READING LITERATURE:
A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS

(EXCERPT)

BY: KHALED HOSSEINI

UNLOCKING OF DIFFICULTY:

1. Burqa - a piece of clothing that covers a woman
2. Hem - the edge of a piece of cloth
3. Unnerving - Inspiring fear
4. Mosque – Muslim place of worship
5. Skewer - a pin of wood or metal to fasten/ hold a meat
6. Swatted – hit by a blow
7. Odd – unusual
8. Morsel – a piece of food
9.  Cantering – walking, jogging
10. Whiff – smell, aroma

GUIDE QUESTIONS:

1. Who were the characters in the story?
2. Where was the setting?
3. What do you think a burqa symbolizes for Afghan and/or Muslim society?
4. Would you ever want to wear a burqa? Why or why not?
5. Why does Mariam compare herself to the other women?
6. Why is it important to show in the story that there are also modern women in Afghanistan?
7. What is the theme or focus of the story? Why so?