The Redemption Of An Unfortunate Spirit

This thesis analyzes the two feminine protagonists-Mariam and Laila of A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, an Afghan-American author, from the perspective of feminism, showing their transformation and growth against the background of a war-stricken and patriarchal Afghan, depicting their living condition characterized by gender discrimination and patriarchal depression, and revealing their action against discrimination and depression as well as the pursuit of equity and freedom.Women hold a disadvantageous position in the patriarchal Afghanistan society in terms of social status, marriage and economy. They are at the lowest class in the society and are seriously restricted by the policy of government. As for the marriage, they play a role of tool to reproduce a new generation and can not gain happiness. When it comes to economy, they can not gain independence and have to relied on their husband to support the family. Therefore, thy have lost the right to seek for freedom and equality. During the Taliban-governed period, some Islamic doctrine was distorted, the requirement on women became stricter, the position of women was downgraded noticeably, and their aspiration for freedom and equality was seriously subdued.The thesis firstly demonstrates the evolution of the feminine status in Afghanistan from the perspectives of history and culture, including the origin, development and ideologies, and the feminism evolution, and then analyzes the repressed social role, marriage role and economic role of the two protagonists, Mariam and Laila, reflecting that the feminist consciousness has been repressed against that social background. The feminism to be awakened is presented through depicting the maternal love of Mariam and Laila in raising children as well as the sisterhood established between them, and Mariam, once an illegitimate daughter who can not be accepted by the society and husband, has also obtained love and happiness. The last part of the thesis makes analysis on the feminism regained; Mariam killed Rasheed to protect Laila and for the freedom of her and her children. Meanwhile, Mariam, once an obedient housewife suffered servitude, has also gained the freedom in spirit by sacrificing herself and breaking the patriarchal structure. This thesis aims to attract people’s attention to meditate on the fate of Afghan women through analyzing the figures in the novel. Against the background of patriarchal society, women have to break the restraint imposed by the patriarchy through efforts and struggle for the right to voice and support the marginalized women.