Visions of Afghanistan Quotes in A Thousand Splendid Suns

How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

"How urbane, how Tajik of you. You think this is some new, radical idea the Taliban are bringing? Have you ever lived outside your precious little shell in Kabul, my gul?" (3.37.53)

The different ethnic groups of Afghanistan have vastly different cultures. The Persian Tajiks are known for the metropolitan nature, while the Pashtuns have a conservative culture. These differences are embodied by Laila and Rasheed: she's a Tajik, and he's a Pashtun.

Quote #8

That summer, Titanic fever gripped Kabul. People smuggled pirated copies of the film from Pakistan—sometimes in their underwear. After curfew, everyone locked their doors, turned out the lights, turned down the volume, and reaped tears for Jack and Rose. (3.41.12)

American pop culture has a surprisingly big impact on the Kabul in A Thousand Splendid Suns. Even in the midst of a war, Afghans are so hungry for stories that they are willing to risk life and limb to watch a movie.

Quote #9

[I]n the last few months, she has found herself missing the city of her childhood. She misses the bustle of Shor Bazaar, the Gardens of Babur, the call of the water carriers lugging their goatskin bags. (4.50.5)

After the war, Laila often becomes nostalgic for the Kabul of her youth. Many of the places she remembers are destroyed, which leaves her and the other remaining Afghans with the task of rebuilding.