b. Many works of literature deal with political or social issues. Analyze how Hosseini uses literary elements to explore the issue of gender relations. Do not summarize the plot or action of the work you choose.

         Gender is often seen as a controversial subject when involved with the topic of power. Throughout history, we see different way many people value gender difference. Many believe that men should have all the power and many believe that all people should have equal power.  Khaled Hosseini develops the recurring motif of gender relations in the novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns through the use of diction and how it can create struggles in many relationships. In the novel Hosseini’s main character, Mariam was force to marry the antagonist, Raheed. The marriage of Mariam and Rasheed was a prime example of gender discrimination.  Rasheed often physical y abused Mariam but he also abused her verbally in order to take control over her. For example, after Rasheed married Laila, he would obnoxiously compare his two wives. He describes Mariam as a “Volga” and Laila as a “brand-new, first-class, shiny Benz” (222). This use of diction shows how wives can be compared to be mere objects. Discrimination is developed and created self-abasement among the women.  Mariam is forced to conquer these trials and must learn that life is unfair and you must keep living.