Essay Questions

How does the novel touch upon Afghanistan's violent history?

The novel mentions Afghanistan’s violent history, suggesting that the country is struggling to recover from constant invasion and warfare. This is emphasized in the following passage: “I tell you these things only to explain the terrible burdens under which Afghanistan has labored. Our major cities have been destroyed so many times. Do you know what I expect, seriously? When a thousand men like me have rebuilt Kabul and made it as great as the city once was, either the Russians or the Americans will come with their airplanes and bomb it to rubble." This character describes how Kabul has been damaged by its violent history and is struggling to recover.

What does Kochi mean?

The term "Kochi" is mentioned many times in the novel and refers to ancient travelers and tradesmen who are nomads. In the novel, Mark travels with a Kochi tribe and learns about their way of life and customs.

How does Michener present the women of Kabul?

When Mark visits Kabul, he states that there are not a lot of women living there: "There were no women visible". The women that were there, however, he describes as wearing a "Muslim covering that provides only a tiny rectangle of embroidered lace through which the wearer can see but cannot be seen." He describes this covering as representing their seclusion.

After this, Mark disturbingly suggests that there is a sort of sexuality in this dress, saying: "I must admit, however, that these ghostly figures, moving through the city in shrouds that were often beautifully pleated and made of costly fabric, imparted a grave sexuality to life. There was a mysteriousness in meeting them and wondering what kind of human being resided inside the cocoon." This is an example of sexualization and orientalism, one which shows how ignorant Mark is about Kabul's culture at the beginning of the novel.