Soraya and Jamila Taheri represent the different roles of women in Afghanistan. When Amir arrived at their lafz, the ceremony of “giving word”, Soraya kept with tradition of not being present. When Soraya finally appeared, she was wearing a wine-coloured traditional Afghan dress with long sleeves and gold trimmings. According to tradition, Soraya’s family would have thrown the engagement party called the Shirini-khori, then an engagement period that would have lasted a few months, and finally, the wedding. “Soraya and I never went out alone together while preparations for the wedding proceeded…it was considered improper” (p. 169). But because Baba did not have long to live, they agreed they would go without the Shirini-khori.
Jamila Taheri, whom Amir called Khala Jamila, had once been famous in Kabul for her beautiful singing voice. Even though the general appreciated listening to music, he did not allow Jamila to sing in public. “He believed the performing of it is best left to those with lesser reputations” (p. 177). It had been one of the general’s conditions when they got married. Not only was she not allowed to sing in public, but she and the general slept in separate bedrooms.
Good job Ashley! You told us a lot about Soraya and her Mom's roles and how their actions reflect women's roles in Afghan culture. In your blog, you also included some good examples!Someone who hasn't read the book would definitely understand the point you're trying to get across!
ReplyDelete