A Sinner's Punishment

I believe that a supposed sinner is punished for their actions, perhaps not exactly how the 'universe' thinks they should be, but more so how society thinks they should be. For instance homosexuality is often looke upon as a sin an is something many people shy away from or try to hide. Once such person who supposedly hid such acts from the world was Oscar Wilde. Wilde was alleged 'sodomite' and appeared in court twice to address these allegations. I believe that is is reflected in Basil Hallward from The Picture of Dorian Gray. Basil seems to have an almost infatuated sort of regard for Dorian. There is one instance for example where, before beginning Dorian's porait sitting, Basil requests that Lord Henry leave so that he, Lord Henry, does not disturb them. He has no desire to share his portrait, and in turn his obsession with Dorian, with the world and declares he shall never place the painting in any gallery. He hides his supposed sin from the world much like the other characters in the story. Dorian's sins, like Basil's, are hidden from the world within the form of his painting. It is curious to think that sins are seen as something that should be hidden away when it is Dorian and Basil who suffer for their sins, rather than Lord Henry who wears them upon his sleeve.

February - The Return of Tariq

Tariq's return was an excellent way to establish the final line of Lilia's life with Rasheed. Lilia was miserable but without Tariq she no longer had anything outside of her children to live for. She could not leave Rasheed and leave her children. Tariq's return gives Lilia the ability to fight back and Mariam the courage she needs to kill Rasheed because she knows that there's is not way they are both getting out alive but with Tariq around at least Lilia stands a chance.

January - The Loss of Nana

I believe that Mariam's loss of Nana was an essential occurrence in A Thousand Splendid Suns because without that loss Mariam never would have become the woman she was at the end of the story. She finally realizes that's Nana was right and her father was a spineless man only to return to find Nana dead. This causes her to live by Nana's rule of endurance that helps her to survive her life with Radheed. Nana's role is and essential catalyst for the progression of Mariam's character. Without those lessons and loss Mariam would not have been able to endure Rasheed, protect Lilia and eventually sent them free.