Of the books we have read so far in class, the novel Room seems to have many parallels to A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. The oppression of women is seen consistently throughout both works even though they take place in very different settings. The oppression that occurs in TSS is almost regimented and enforced by society. However, in Room, the maltreatment is occurring on a much smaller scale and is completely illegal. It is interesting to see that despite this difference the women have similar outlooks on life and their hope for the future.
Because Laila and Miriam’s situation is permitted in the male- dominated society of Afghanistan, it is astonishing that the women still have hope. They realize that even though they are being oppressed, there is still a bright future ahead for their children, which gives them a will to live. Jack has a similar effect on Ma’s outlook on life. He makes her feel needed, which gives Ma the strength to overcome her imprisonment and raise Jack in captivity. Throughout the novel, she is hopeful for Jack’s life outside of Room, discussing plans for college and new living arrangements. Regardless of the oppression occurring in both situations, the women put their children’s futures before themselves. This shows the strength and selflessness that women embody when forced into abusive situations.
Because Laila and Miriam’s situation is permitted in the male- dominated society of Afghanistan, it is astonishing that the women still have hope. They realize that even though they are being oppressed, there is still a bright future ahead for their children, which gives them a will to live. Jack has a similar effect on Ma’s outlook on life. He makes her feel needed, which gives Ma the strength to overcome her imprisonment and raise Jack in captivity. Throughout the novel, she is hopeful for Jack’s life outside of Room, discussing plans for college and new living arrangements. Regardless of the oppression occurring in both situations, the women put their children’s futures before themselves. This shows the strength and selflessness that women embody when forced into abusive situations.
"One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs
And the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls"
- Said-e-Tabrizi