Dependence

In the novel A Thousand Splendid Suns, the issue is presented that women, historically and even today have been forced to rely on men by society, tradition, and sometimes goverment.  In the literature, Mariam and her mother are completely dependent on Jalil for everything they need; their house, food, and anything else they have.  Without Jalil, Mariam's mother would most likely not be able to support Mariam and it is the same when Mariam and Laila marry Rasheed.  They don't have the ability to support children because the Taliban (the people in power) did not allow women to work.  They depended on Jalil for everything.  Even in today's American society, where women have every right that men have, there's is still an echo of the past.