The Breadwinner Reading Log Essay Example

approximately 17 years old.

The text specifies that detailed information about her physical characteristics is not given. However, it mentions that she already has a woman's figure and long, beautiful hair, which Parvana envies. The closure of girls schools affects Nooria's reaction, showing that she enjoyed attending school. Similarly to her mother, she takes pride in her education and aspires to become a teacher. Nooria's relationship with Parvana is of a traditional elder sister-younger sister dynamic, with both jealousy and affection present. She typically treats Parvana with disdain.

Nooria's increased irritability is a result of her entrapment in a single room apartment due to Taliban restrictions on women's mobility. Despite this, she displays her affection for her family by assisting her mother with household tasks and caring for Parvana's injuries. Throughout the story, particularly when Parvana makes sacrifices such as accompanying their mother to prison and agreeing to cut her hair, the sisters grow closer. However, when Nooria unexpectedly departs for Mazar for an arranged marriage at the end of the book, both girls feel saddened by their separation.

In my opinion, The Breadwinner and other narratives like Khalid Hosseini's books depict the public punishment of criminals by the Taliban. The chapter that introduces these punishments in the stadium is crucial as it highlights the Taliban's ignorance and despotic nature. It portrays an event that supposedly takes place every Friday, a holy day in the Muslim week when Muslims aim to be more pious, patient, and generous. However, the Taliban violate the sanctity of Friday by engaging in such atrocious acts.

Living in countries such as Saudi Arabia, where the author has lived,

involves being subjected to capital punishment laws. These laws are designed to deter crime; however, the Taliban exploits them for their brutal intentions. The event at the stadium exposes Parvana and Shauzia to the harsh reality of living under such a regime, an experience that continues to haunt Parvana long after that day. As a Muslim, it saddens the writer to witness how the actions of the Taliban portrayed in this novel bring disgrace upon Muslims in modern times.

The peaceful religion of Islam promotes morality and generosity, contrary to the distorted representation by the Taliban. This book raises several thoughts, including why influential nations and empires have historically sought to conquer Afghanistan. While it once served as a passage to East Asia, this phenomenon persists today. It is puzzling why countries with rich ancient and medieval cultures now lag behind in the modern world.

What is the reason behind allowing military powers to intervene in conflicts abroad? Moreover, why do economic and military superpowers opt for selling weapons at minimal profits to unstable regions? Ultimately, what is accountable for the notable disparities in quality of life among various global regions?

The Breadwinner takes place over a few months, featuring settings like the prison and the graveyard. However, the story remains primarily centered at Parvana's home and in the marketplace.

The book has an overall serious and solemn tone with occasional humorous moments, reflecting the atmosphere in Afghan households during the Taliban rule. Parvana's encounters with horrifying events throughout the story prove the seriousness of the book. Examples include her father's abduction (chapter 2), the beating she and her mother endure

in prison (chapter 4), and the scene at the stadium (chapter 11). Mrs. Weera and Fatana, two educated and eloquent women, share similarities and differences as characters.

Both Mrs. Weera and Fatana share feminist beliefs and oppose the Taliban, but their approaches differ. Mrs. Weera takes a more direct and forceful stance, while Fatana is willing to wait for the end of the Taliban's governance before speaking out against them. Mrs. Weera plans to take immediate action by starting a magazine that focuses on life under Taliban rule. Despite losing most of her family, Mrs. Weera remains determined and resilient, while Fatana becomes depressed after losing her husband. These contrasting reactions demonstrate that their physical descriptions align with their personalities.

The book does not explicitly describe Mrs. Weera's physical appearance, portraying her as strong and athletically built. This suggests that she lacks a dominant physical presence. In The Breadwinner, there are several conflicts presented:
i) A conflict between characters: Fatana and Father frequently argue about specific topics. Fatana wants to leave Afghanistan for a better life elsewhere, but her husband disagrees. He believes that as educated Afghans, they should stay and possibly help rebuild Afghanistan after the Taliban's downfall.

Fatana believed that she could use her education and writing skills to inform others and remove those in power. However, she hesitated because she doubted that her work would ever get published. In a similar vein, Parvana initially resisted doing chores or pretending to be a boy to support her family. Nevertheless, as she became accustomed to her new role as the provider for her family, she encountered Shauzia who proposed the idea of

leaving Afghanistan—an idea that fascinated Parvana.

Parvana's determination to stay with her difficult life and family instead of leaving with Shauzia is seen by the author as the primary conflict in the story. At the beginning of the narrative, Parvana challenges the Taliban by venturing out alone and accompanying her father to the market. Her defiance against them intensifies when they capture her father. Collaborating with her mother, she protests for his release at the prison and subsequently disguises herself as a boy to work in the market.

She also supports Mrs. Weera and her mother’s magazine and, towards the end of the book, rescues Homa from their clutches. The Breadwinner is written in third person form but from Parvana’s point of view. The narrator, Deborah Ellis, can only give us insight into Parvana’s thoughts. The narrator does not surface or interfere in the story. By writing the story from Parvana’s point of view, the author finds the abduction of Parvana’s father as an intriguing event with no apparent grounds.

The event of Father's kidnapping by the Taliban is sudden and the only reason given appears to be his foreign education. However, it doesn't make much sense considering there was no prior indication of the Taliban wanting him. The writer believes that this event is a catalyst in the plot and more background information should have been provided by Ellis to enhance the plot and make the book more engaging and credible.

The author highlights the significance of advice given by an anonymous man, which urges to "Go home and remember better things." (122). This advice is crucial for children from

third-world countries who have endured terrible atrocities, leaving them with emotional scars. For these children, forgetting their experiences seems to be the only option. Parvana, deeply affected by what she has witnessed, becomes so traumatized that she isolates herself at home for several days. However, her longing to forget ultimately brings her back to the market.

The phrase "Almost every family has been affected by the turmoil and everyone has something to forget" is frequently heard in Kashmir, where the Indian Army has committed atrocities. The author of this paper, who is also from Kashmir, acknowledges the significant impact of these events on families in the region.

Incorporating various words from Afghani languages, particularly those related to clothing and furniture, Deborah Ellis provides insight into Afghan culture and language. However, the author suggests that adding more words, specifically those associated with people, could have further enhanced our connection with Parvana.

The author's use of foreign words in the book creates a sense of immersion for readers and establishes a strong presence. For instance, "Chador" signifies traditional women's clothing that covers their hair and shoulders. "Kebab" represents meat pieces cooked on a skewer over fire, and "Toshak" refers to a narrow mattress commonly used instead of beds in Afghan homes. By purposefully omitting names for adult male characters, Ellis effectively highlights the struggles experienced by Afghan women and skillfully incorporates symbolism.

The author of The Breadwinner explores the ironic affection that the Talib, a member of an oppressive organization, has for his wife. Humor is used throughout the book, such as Mother's comment about battles (29), Parvana's joke about Nooria's marriage outcome

(141), and Parvana's response to her father with "I just brought home onions." (157). The absence of a clear climax in this trilogy leaves readers with unanswered questions and uncertain about Parvana's fate.

The Breadwinner reveals that the protagonist and her father are embarking on a journey to find the rest of her family, while also making a promise to meet Shauzia at the Eiffel Tower in France in twenty years. The essay's author has identified several potential themes within the book, such as determination, perseverance, and courage. Parvana exhibits immense bravery by taking on the role of breadwinner for her family. She agrees to disguise herself as a boy and put her life in danger in order to provide for them. Her unwavering determination to enhance their living conditions leads her to work as a grave digger.

Unified Text:
The living conditions in Afghanistan, affected by ongoing conflict and bombings, are reflected in the state of Parvana's house and the scarcity of readily available drinking water. Consequently, a considerable portion of the population is compelled to beg or trade their possessions in marketplaces. Women like Fatana, Nooria, and Maryam are bound by Taliban regulations that restrict them from leaving their residences without written consent from their father.

During Taliban rule, the only way they could earn a living after Father’s abduction was by disguising Parvana as a girl and sending her to work. Women were not allowed to work, and girls were also prohibited from receiving an education. Other themes explored in the book include the harsh life of children under the Taliban, who were often forced into begging or difficult

labor, such as bone digging. The novel also highlights social situations in third world countries and emphasizes the importance of family bonds, as Parvana's labor was to support her family.

In spite of Father's capture and Fatana's subsequent depression, the writer discovered the importance of family unity and care. The Breadwinner taught a valuable lesson about survival through determination and perseverance, even in dire circumstances. It also shed light on the impoverished conditions and low quality of life in third world countries like Afghanistan, as well as the challenges faced by its people. Additionally, it raised awareness about the oppression women endure under despotic rulers. Moreover, this novel introduced stylistic devices such as symbolism to the writer.