Justin's Discussion Questions #2 (pages 131-180)

1) What relationship does religion have in Afghanistan with the society?


The Call from Ali

Religion is rooted in every single part of Afghan society.  Even the government is based on Islamic views, there is no separation between church and state.  It is also of high importance to family life.  An interesting thing to consider would be the comparison between the actual religion, the Afghan traditions, and the stereotypes of Muslims.  Islam is actually a religion based on the idea of peace and equality.

2) Why does Mansur feel like he is so dirty?  Why does he become so much more religious?


The Call from Ali

He feels dirty because he witnessed his friend have sex with a young prostitute, and he did nothing to stop it.  Mansur then makes the journey to ask for forgiveness because this has troubled him so much.  When he is there and is independent from his father, he seems to have a rebirth about Islam.  Although his religious views have become stronger, he still wants freedom from his father's rules.

3) How does the author write about Mansur when he is on his trip for forgiveness and when he is back home with Leila?


The Smell of Dust

When he is on his journey, he is shown as a brave and concentrated young teenager.  It does not seem so out of the ordinary, as he is on a road trip with some friends drinking coke and eating cakes.  This seems very normal, but he is also on dangerous Afghan roads, which compares him to the bravery of Sultan in the beginning of the book.  When he arrives home and we read about Leila's perspective, we see he treats women the same way Sultan does.  He treats Leila like she is worthless, as if she is stupid and is only there to do whatever he wants.  This is the complete opposite from how we viewed the boy who fell in love and then felt guilty about the young poor prostitute.

4) How is Leila treated by the family?  How does she feel about this?


The Smell of Dust

She is treated like she is worthless even though she does so much for the family.  Leila is basically a maid that does not get any breaks.  The family, especially the men, are ungrateful and never help he with the chores.  She is overworked and never gets a thank you, only complaints.  Although all of the women in Kabul do not have freedom, some are more privileged than others (mostly based on marriage and children).  Even though Leila seems miserable, she accepts her life because she has no where else to go in Kabul.  No matter how she feels, her destiny is not up to her, it relies on the men.