These images (all images of Afghanistan occuring during the time period in Part 2) could depict some of the main plot points of the beginning of Part II (Laila's Story) of A Thousand Splendid Suns. While these moments are important, they are by no means the only significant points in these chapters. Here is a link to Getty Images collection of photos of Afghanistan in the 1980s:

https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/afghanistan-1980

After having read these chapters:

1. Select a single passage (this may be a single paragraph or several) that you feel best typifies the thematic importance of "shelter" in this section of ATSS. You may Copy/Paste from the PDF copy of ATSS on GClassroom OR clearly paraphrase the passage to familiarize your reader.
2. Explain the action and context of the quoted passage (you must cite the passage) and then,
3. Explain how your understanding of this passage (1) supports your understanding of the thematic topic, "shelter," (2) deepens the character development, AND (3) builds a central message that aligns with one of the unit's essential questions (see the main ATSS page).

Primary Blog Expectations (respond to the prompt above): 100-150 words, minimal errors in grammar and usage, thoughtful and thorough writing. Please use the name that you were assigned in class as your PEN NAME and be sure to add word count. Due by 11:59 pm on Sunday night! 

At the end of chapter 1 in A Thousand Splendid Suns, Nana says to her daughter, Mariam:

Learn this now and learn it well, my daughter: Like a compass needle that points north, a man's accusing finger always finds a woman. Always. You remember that, Mariam (Hosseini 6).

In a thoughful and well-written paragraph, address the following points:

• Explain your understanding of this quote within the context of the story.
• Create a claim that either agrees or disagrees with Nana's warning to her daughter.
• Support your claim with anecdotal evidence from your understanding of society, historical events, or personal belief.
• End with a strong concluding statement.

Use your Pen Name!

Primary Blog Expectations (respond to the prompt above): 75-100 words, minimal errors in grammar and usage, thoughtful and thorough writing. Please use the name that you were assigned in class as your PEN NAME and be sure to add word count at the end of your response. Due by 11:59 pm TONIGHT!

Secondary Blog Response Expectations (read everyone's primary responses, select two that interest you, and respond to their ideas): 75-100 words EACH, minimal errors in grammar and usage, thoughtful and thorough writing. In these replies, you can contribute, agree, disagree, support, elaborate, challenge, clarify, and/or connect. Please use the PEN NAME that you were assigned in class as your PEN NAME and be sure to add word count at the end of your response. Due by 11:59 pm on Monday night!

Day One-PRIMARY BLOG ENTRY-After actively listening to the linked NPR Podcast, please consider these three topics. Select ONE of these three topics to respond to in your Primary blog entry. In this Primary blog entry:

• Label your entry with its topic.
• Answer the aligned questions in a soild narrative paragraph (word count below).

Day Two-SECONDARY BLOG ENTRIES-Scan through all of the Primary Blog Entries and pick TWO (ONE form each of the OTHER two topics). For EACH Secondary Blog Entry you may respond with your choice of the following types of responses:

• Agree? Disagree? Why?
• Continue the discussion.
• Add additional thoughts.

1. Historical Narratives & Power: This episode explores how Afghanistan has been shaped by both internal and external forces over centuries. How does the way history is told influence our understanding of a place like Afghanistan? Who controls these narratives, and what impact does that have on global perceptions of the country?
2. Geopolitics & Identity: Afghanistan has often been referred to as the "graveyard of empires" due to its strategic location and history of resisting foreign control. How has Afghanistan's geography influenced its role in global politics, and in what ways has this shaped Afghan national identity?
3. Colonialism & Its Legacies: The episode highlights Afghanistan's encounters with colonial and imperial forces, from the British and Soviet invasions to U.S. involvement. How do the long-term effects of these interventions compare to those experienced by other nations with similar histories of foreign interference? What patterns of colonial influence do you see repeating across history?

Primary Blog Expectations (respond to the prompt above): 75-100 words, minimal errors in grammar and usage, thoughtful and thorough writing. Please use the name that you were assigned in class as your PEN NAME and be sure to add word count. Due by 11:59 pm TONIGHT!

Secondary Blog Response Expectations (read everyone's primary responses, select two that interest you, and respond to their ideas): 75-100 words EACH, minimal errors in grammar and usage, thoughtful and thorough writing. In these replies, you can contribute, agree, disagree, support, elaborate, challenge, clarify, and/or connect. Please use the PEN NAME that you were assigned in class as your PEN NAME and be sure to add word count. Due by 11:59 pm on Friday night!