Explain the contrast in characterizations in Mariam and Laila as teenagers.

. This presentation is about the contrast between Laila and Mariam when they were around the same age. We have five quotations to explain. Mariam and Laila are both raised differently and had different opportunities.

Quote:1 P:108 “Her beauty was the talk of the valley. It skipped two generations of women in our family but it sure didn’t bypass you, Laila.” This is in contrast to how Mariam was described. Mariam was never very happy with the way she looked.

Quote:2 P:153 “They went to cinema park later that day, Laila and Tariq, and had to settle for soviet film that was dubbed…” This contrasts to Mariam’s life as a teenager. Mariam never got to go the the cinema.

Quote:3 P:186 “ Oh Babi, we will come back. When this war is over, we will come back to Kabul. You’ll see.” This quote shows that Laila cares about Babi. That type of personality disappears from Mariam.

Quote 4 ‘But I’m glad I have you, everyday I thank god for you. Every single day.’p.148 This quote shows that Laila’s dad is very thankful for her. She was surrounded in place where she was loved and taken care of by her family Mariam has had a childhood without any friends or proper family. She was hated and called a ‘harami’

Quote 5 P.180 “I’ll ask Kaka Hakim for your hand. He’ll give us his blessing, Laila, I know I”. He was right. Babi would. But it would shatter him. Tariq was still speaking, his voice hushed, then high, beseeching, then reasoning; his face hopeful, then stricken. “I can’t”, Laila said. This quote shows Laila has the choice in her situation whilst Mariam didn’t, she was forced into her marriage by her father. It shows the different parents they were raised by because Jalil didn’t care for Mariam while Laila her fathers everything.

Conclusion These quotes all prove that the characterisation of Laila as a teenager contrasts with that of Mariam at a similar age. In part 2 of the book Laila was given more opportunities and choices while Mariam was never given a say. Mariam was hated from the beginning and was very isolated compared to Laila who was always loved and encouraged.