GUILTY

GUILTY

~Blog Post #4~

Topic H

May 14, 2015

Elizabeth Erickson

One of the most evident underlying themes in The Swallows of Kabul was of guilt. This reminded me a lot of the novel Crime and Punishment which we read this year; specifically in terms of the shared sense of guilt between the characters Atiq and Raskolnikov. It is clear from the beginning of The Swallows of Kabul that Atiq struggles with the guilt that he subconsciously feels for being an all-around terrible guy, and treating his loving, sick wife in an abusive and disgusting way. This guilt eats away at him and drives him crazy, so that he reflects it onto the people around him (especially Mussarat) and by the end, is actually psychotic. We see a similar pattern in the story of Raskolnikov, who, after the murder of two women, is driven to (deeper) insanity by his own guilt. In addition to both of these characters being motivated by guilt, there is a similarity in another driving factor of their violent actions. In both novels it seems as if the characters are in need of an outlet; there is a desire for change that they feel should be met no matter what the change is, good or bad. This is a power-thirsty attitude that I believe drives these characters to perform violent acts on people that are "lesser" than them, as a method of taking out their feelings on people that are more accessible than the actual problem (like the Taliban). 

The Mood-Swings of Kabul

The Mood-Swings of Kabul

~Blog Post #3~

Topic B 

May 14, 2015

Elizabeth Erickson

The introduction of Zunaira and Mohsen's relationship in The Swallows of Kabul leaves an adorable, warm impression of the two, and especially of Zunaira's willingness to work as a team and be together through the hard times. Unfortunately, this is not an impression that was meant to last long. Zunaira goes through some major changes in her overall attitude toward Mohsen, after her panic attack that was fueled by the trip they took together outside. She switches from wanting to be with him through the tough times, to wanting nothing to do with him. In chapter 3 she leans into his touching her face, and says to him, "we're together so we can support each other. It's up to us, to us alone, to keep hope alive" (35). But chapter 10 comes along and her feelings have significantly changed, "I've told you a hundred times not to touch me... I don't ever want to see you again, Mohsen Ramat!" (129). The loving relationship we see in the beginning becomes an abusive, even fatal one, because of Zunaira's change of heart. Her "suffocating" in her Burqa became a problem that she had with him, not with the Taliban. I believe this is because Mohsen was an accessible outlet for her anger and resentment, whereas she had no power against the Taliban. It makes me sad that the environment and situation that these characters face turn them against each other, when the real problem is the real oppressor: the Taliban.

Burqa or Nah

Burqa or Nah

~Blog Post #2~

Topic A

May 14, 2015

Elizabeth Erickson

The first in-depth discussion about the Burqa that takes place in The Swallows of Kabul, mainly consists of Zunaira's insight as to why wearing one is degrading. She says, "I refuse to wear a Burqa...It cancels my face and takes away my identity and turns me into an object... If I put that damned veil on, I'm neither a human being nor an animal, I'm just an affront, a disgrace, a blemish that has to be hidden" (77-78).

I think Zunaira's resentment of the mandatory apparel tells a lot about her character; both her passionate belief in the significance of individuality, and her discontent at the Taliban are revealed through her ranting. It is clear by this point in the novel that Zunaira is a headstrong woman, and her emphasis on the pain that comes from the taking away of her individuality really shows how she feels about herself. She is confident in who she is as a person, and when the Taliban takes it away from her, she makes her disapproval evident. The Burqa as a new requirement also becomes a symbol for the changes that the Taliban made in Zunaira's life. Just like the other characters in the book, she misses the way life was before the Taliban, and one of the significant changes was the Burqa requirement for women. Her refusal to wear it, similar to the little actions of rebellion that Mohsen does, is a way for her to indirectly fight back at the Taliban.

Blog Post #4 

May 12, 2012

By: Michelle Deme

In the beginning of the year, we read a book called How to Read Literature like a Professor. The book detailed different symbols and themes that are common throughout many books. A theme in his book described religion. Throughout Swallows of Kabul, religious themes and motifs are scattered throughout to better describe characters. 

Many times, Atiq compared his boss to a serpent and to evil. He hinted that his boss was like the devil, interrupting and corrupting everything he touched. One can also argue that Musaratt was portrayed Christ-like in the novel, especially at the end. Beyond the fact that she is a selfless person, she also dies for her husband's happiness and prosperity. She is martyred, like Jesus, for crimes she is not guilty of. Even with her death, Atiq was more worried about being alone rather than feeling guilty for the fact that HE killed his wife pointlessly.

Blog Post #3

May 6, 2015

By: Michelle Deme

A common motif throughout the novel is the idea of selflessness. Even though most characters are selfish, there is one that stands out to be selfless. Musaratt focuses all her attention on her husband. Even when she can barely stand up or walk, she tries to help Atiq. Her love for him is nonconventional. She doesn't love him in a sexual way but rather in a more compassionate way. Throughout the novel, Musaratt clearly cares for her husband more than herself.
This selfless attribute is even more prominent when she openly listened and supported her husbands liking of Zunaira. She was astonished that Atiq could actually love something. She even made a lunch for her husband's admiree. Her love for her husband was clear at thiat point. She would do anything to make him happy. Musaratt feels guilty for being sick and a burden upon her husband. So, she commits every last ounce of energy she has to support her husband's desires.

Blog Post #2

April 29, 2015 

by: Michelle Deme

In the beginning of the novel, Mohsen and Zunaira seem perfect. Mohsen actually treats her like a real human being. Their characters seem relatable and cute. However, by the end of chapter 8 their entire relationship changes. Mohsen and Zunaira laughed at the crazy old man. The Taliban heard Mohsen laugh and whisked him away to listen to a speaker called Mullah. He leaves poor Zunaira alone in the sun. Zunaira frustrated by the events then has a panic attack. The panic attack became the turning point for their relationship together.

Throughout chapter 9, there is clear dissent between the two. Zunaira shrinks away whenever Mohsen comes home. They take out each others anger for the Taliban on each other. If these few chapters prove anything, it is the strength of the Taliban. This oppressive group breaks apart a marriage that seems perfect on the outside. 

Meta-cognitive 2

May 12, 2015

By: Michelle Deme

I have been trying to focus more on my novels. I put literally all cellular devices away and focus all my brain power on the book. I also stopped listening to music when I read. I realized that I focus more when it is silent, and I am in a clam environment. If I don't understand the material, I re-read the paragraph. With focus, I am able to better participate in group discussions. It is also to find symbolism and motifs throughout the novel.