Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Chapter Two SOK
Atiq Shatuk is alone in the jail. He is feeling sick. I can't believe that everyone in the jail has been executed. That is crazy! I think Atiq feels guilty about all the people that have been killed in his jail. He leaves the jail and goes to the marketplace to buy fruit. He gives some details about what is going on in his life at home, mostly with his wife. She is very sick, and even the doctor has given up on her case. I think Atiq really loves his wife, despite what he may try to portray. Atiq sees Mirza Shah, who was a friend of his when he was a kid. They sit and talk for a while. Atiq makes the mistake of telling Mirza about his wife. Mirza has absolutely no sympathy for Atiq or for his wife. In fact, he tells Atiq to divorce her and find another young woman. Atiq claims that his devotion to his wife is not a question of love, but simply that she saved his life and she has no where else to go. I can't believe that Atiq is ashamed of loving his wife. I thought the entire purpose of marriage was to be with the person you love forever. I guess this is not so in Kabul. It is sick how they treat the women too. If one gets sick, divorce her and get a new one. They treat the women like property to be bought and disposed of. Mirza had four wives!
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3 comments:
Islamic law (unlike the US) is very harsh and authoritarian. Judgement is swift and deadly, as reflected by the Taliban. Hence you have empty jails.
I agree, Atiq does love his wife, but is perplexed due to her illness. He can't fix her, and is upset. The conversation with Mirza reveals this.
Atiq's view of women, like many from the Middle East is very low. Women are seen and not heard from. Islamic law puts them "in their place" as it were. Very different than how we in America view them. It's one thing that really is striking about the book. The lack of respect shown towards women.
Keep up the good work.
Mr. Farrell
Yea I'm interested to see what Mirza does throughout the rest of the book regarding his wife. He says he doesn't want to divorce her but he's becoming more and more violent as the book goes on due to the conditions of Kabul.
The one thing i respect about Atiq is that he loves his wife, even though he may not show it in public. He is very different than other men in Kabul, he doesn't have four wives and has been loyal to the only one he has. I cannot beleive he friend giving him advice to divorce his wife when she needs him the most. what a heartless jerk!
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