Conclusion

           Through his use of symbols and imagery, Hosseini reveals that the protection of family is an important cultural value and the treatment of women is also a significant issue in this culture. In passage 15, Mariam, Laila and Rasheed are in an overcrowded womens and children’s hospital where Laila is ready to give birth. Mariam tries and struggles to find a staff member who can tend to Laila as she is in much pain. It’s very difficult for her to do so because they are many other women who have issues of their own. Hossieni describes the hospital as unsanitary and cramped with women and children. He states, “The air stank of sweat and unwashed bodies, of feet, urine, cigarette smoke, and antiseptic. Beneath the idle ceiling fan, children chased each other, hopping over the stretched out legs of dozing fathers”(286). Hossieni’s imagery gives the reader a vivid picture and understanding of the horrible hospital conditions that these women have to face. Without the description of the hospital, people may not understand the extent of suffering that women in Afghanistan have to endure on a regular basis, which includes lack of healthcare they need. Even the few doctors and nurses who work at the hospital, are forced to wear burqas. Mariam “found herself face to face with a nurse, who was covered head to toe in a dirty gray burqa” (287). These working women who barely have freedom have to be constantly reminded of the dominance of the Taliban. The Talibs have absolute control over people's lives and force women to wear burqas even as they work and Hosseini symbolizes oppression through the wearing of the burqa. Despite the horrible conditions, Mariam is willing to do whatever she needs to get Laila that help that she needs.  At the hospital, “Mariam clawed at necks, at arms and elbows, at hair, and, when a woman nearby hissed, Mariam hissed back”(286). This image shows the love and care that Mariam has for Laila because she is willing to fight others to get help for Laila. Furthermore, Mariam’s passion demonstrates that Afghans are willing to do as much as they can to defend their families and loved ones.  Although protection of family seems to be ann accepted value in Afghan society, there are still many social issues that Afghan women constantly face and Hossieni portrays both concepts in his use of symbolism and imagery.