“Laila remembered how Mammy had dropped to the ground, how she’d screamed, torn at her hair. But Laila couldn’t even manage that. She could hardly move. She could hardly move a muscle.She sat on the chair instead, hands limp in her lap, eyes staring at nothing, and let her mind fly on. She let it fly on until it found the place, the good and safe place, where the barley fields were green, where the water ran clear and the cottonwood seeds danced by the thousands in the air; where Babi was reading a book beneath an acacia and Tariq was napping with his hands laced across his chest, and where she could dip her feet in the stream and dream good dreams beneath the watchful gaze of gods of ancient, sun-bleached rock.”
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Quote Analysis
In this passage from Khaled Hosseini's novel, "A Thousand Splendid Suns," the protagonist, Laila, is depicted in a moment of despair and numbness. The quote highlights Laila's emotional detachment as she recalls a traumatic event involving her mother. Despite her lack of physical movement, internally, Laila transports herself to a serene and idyllic place in her mind. This escape symbolizes her desire for comfort, safety, and peace in the midst of turmoil. The imagery of the "green barley fields" and the presence of loved ones like Babi and Tariq suggest a longing for a sense of belonging and security that is absent in her current reality. The passage underscores Laila's resilience and ability to find solace in her imagination even in the face of adversity.
Exploring the Power of Mental Escape and Imagination in a Harsh Reality
In this passage from Khaled Hosseini's "A Thousand Splendid Suns," the protagonist Laila demonstrates the power of mental escape and imagination in coping with a harsh reality. Despite facing unimaginable pain and suffering, Laila finds solace in her memories and dreams of a better, safer place. This theme is relevant in modern times as individuals continue to struggle with adversity and find ways to cope and maintain their mental well-being. This passage highlights the importance of finding peace and comfort even in the midst of turmoil.
Example of Usage:
"Laila remembered how Mammy had dropped to the ground, how she’d screamed, torn at her hair. But Laila couldn’t even manage that. She could hardly move. She could hardly move a muscle. She sat on the chair instead, hands limp in her lap, eyes staring at nothing, and let her mind fly on. She let it fly on until it found the place, the good and safe place, where the barley fields were green, where the water ran clear and the cottonwood seeds danced by the thousands in the air; where Babi was reading a book beneath an acacia and Tariq was napping with his hands laced across his chest, and where she could dip her feet in the stream and dream good dreams beneath the watchful gaze of gods of ancient, sun-bleached rock." - Khaled Hosseini
Reflection Questions:
The passage from Khaled Hosseini's novel showcases the power of memories and imagination in providing solace during difficult times. Reflecting on this excerpt, consider the following questions:
Have you ever experienced a moment where you found comfort in memories or imagined scenarios during a challenging situation?
How do you interpret the contrast between Laila's present reality and the idyllic place she escapes to in her mind?
In times of distress, do you tend to rely on nostalgia and daydreams as a form of escapism, or do you confront the situation head-on?
What do you believe this passage says about the resilience of the human spirit and our ability to find peace in the midst of turmoil?
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“She would never leave her mark on Mammy's heart the way her brothers had, because Mammy's heart was like a pallid beach where Laila's footprints would forever wash away beneath the waves of sorrow that swelled and crashed, swelled and crashed. ”
“But Laila has decided that she will not be crippled by resentment. Mariam wouldn’t want it that way. ‘What’s the sense?’ she would say with a smile both innocent and wise. ‘What good is it, Laila jo?’ And so Laila has resigned herself to moving on. For her own sake, for Tariq’s, for her children’s. And for Mariam, who still visits Laila in her dreams, who is never more than a breath or two below her consciousness. Laila has moved on. Because in the end she knows that’s all she can do. That and hope.”
“Laila remembered Mammy telling Babi once that she had married a man who had no convictions. Mammy didn't understand. She didn't understand that if she looked into a mirror, she would find the one unfailing conviction of his life looking right back at her. ”
“Mammy's heart was like a pallid beach where Laila's footprints would forever wash away beneath the waves of sorrow that swelled and crashed”
“Nine-year-old Laila rose from bed, as she did most mornings, hungry for the sight of her friend Tariq. This morning, however, she knew there would be no Tariq sighting.- How long will you be gone? - She’d asked when Tariq had told her that his parents weretaking him south, to the city of Ghazni, to visit his paternal uncle.- Thirteen days- Thirteen days?- It’s not so long. You’re making a face, Laila.- I am not.- You’re not going to cry, are you?- I am not going to cry! Not over you. Not in a thousand years.She’d kicked at his shin, not his artificial but his real one, and he’d playfully whackedthe back of her head.Thirteen days. Almost two weeks. And, just five days in, Laila had learned a fundamental truth about time: Like the accordion on which Tariq’s father sometimes played old Pashto songs, time stretched and contracted depending on Tariq’s absence or presence.”
“At the door, she made him promise to go without goodbyes. She closed the door on him. Laila leaned her back against it, shaking against his pounding fists, one arm gripping her belly and a hand across her mouth, as he spoke throughout the door and promised that he would come back for her. She stood there until he tired, until he gave u , and then she listened to his uneven footsteps until they faded, until all was quiet, save for the gunfire cracking in the hills and her own heart thudding in her belly, her eyes, her bones.”