When Laila is introduced at the beginning of the second part, the reader recognizes that she represents the new and modern ideals that arise from the communist revolution of 1979. From being called 'Revolutionary Girl' by her teacher, as she was born on the same day as the revolution, as well as having physical attributes such as her 'green eyes' and 'blonde curls', it is immediately clear that the author is portraying Laila as someone who is unique or special in terms of context. This extends to both her educational achievements and her family's socially progressive views on women's rights. However, the instability surrounding Afghanistan's politics has proven to submerge her uniqueness and force her to grow over the course of the novel, the surrounding conflict forces her to develop some ideas, which are showcased through her moments of skepticism towards authority and her stubborn personality. The ways in which he grows to adopt these attitudes all originate from his uniqueness; his family values, his academic performance, and the close relationships he has with the other characters. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Ahmed and Noor's death occurs early in Laila's story and is the first death in her family. Their absence in the novel, but the continued discussion about them in Laila's house, introduces the reader to the strong connection that Afghan families have with their country. The death of both of these characters symbolizes the idea of sacrificing yourself for something you believe in. The misery and pain that afflict the families after the boy's death tell how the effects of death spread far beyond the simple character who dies. This idea is continually introduced into Laila's life as people around her begin to die. Laila's reaction to her brothers' deaths may therefore foreshadow how she will react to people who die. For Laila it is difficult to 'evoke pain' for her brothers because, for her, they are like 'characters in a fairy tale'. Although one could interpret Laila's attitude towards their deaths as a lack of respect, perhaps it is more of a regretful indifference. Using the metaphor of a "fairytale", Hosseini reminds the reader of Laila's young age, through the childish connotations associated with a fairytale, and at the same time emphasizes how Laila cannot mourn people she has never met. The author juxtaposes these ideas of childhood and innocence with those of death and experience to perhaps show how Laila is in a period of transition from child to adult. The deaths of Ahmed and Noor symbolize the infiltration of Afghan politics into the characters' personal lives, suggesting that Laila is forced to grow up due to the death and conflict caused by the context. The political change at the macro level along with the characters' interaction at the micro level shows how the death of political figures, such as Ahmed and Noor, forces the characters to mature much more quickly. Other family relationships are also shown to have an effect on the rate at which Laila grows, particularly the relationship she has with her mother. Fariba is introduced in the first part as a young and lively woman from Mariam's point of view, who loves her husband and children and generally has a positive outlook on life. However, after her sons go to fight for the Mujahedeen, she withdraws into herself and grieves for them. Her depression over the fate of her children blinds her to what is happening to her daughter, who still lives with her. This causes Laila to feel unwanted and neglected, leading her to realize.
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