A Thousand Splendid Suns Lesson Plan

Discuss Laila and Tariq's relationship. What does he mean to her? What does she mean to him?

Laila’s relationship with Tariq is one of the happiest and most hopeful aspects of the book. Theirs is a generous friendship: from childhood, each complements the other perfectly and is elated at their presence. Laila misses Tariq desperately when he is away, and he passionately protects her from bullies. Laila truly loves Tariq as a friend and a brother, and eventually develops romantic feelings for him. Though he sometimes shies away from demonstrations of affection and romance, it is clear that Tariq respects Laila and seeks her approval. In a book full of relationships...