How does a broken plate feel?

Shattered on the cold clay tile floor, a white circle, woven with cracks and fractures. Jagged edges. Reflection of the incandescent light. A look of dismay. This is what the human eye sees. But how does a broken plate feel? Does it's life flash before it's eyes as it falls towards the cold shining floor? Do memories of meals and dishwashers and the inside of a wooden cubbord race through its mind? And as it lays on that floor, not dead but broken beyond repair, what emotions does a plate have? Feelings of rejection and abuse probably penetrate this plates mind, as would penetrate any broken things mind. And as it's swept up and tossed carelessly into the garbage, it can be certain this poor plate feels unimportant, uncared for, and miserable.

A Thousand Splendid Suns Synthesis Piece

The novel A Thousand Splendid Suns and the poem which it was named for, Kabul, both reflect on how despite the horrors that can be inflicted on something, that person or city can find the strength to persevere, regardless. In the poem, the city of Kabul is described as “enthralling to the eye” and although its been under constant attack, and surrounded by countries in despair, it is infallibly exquisite and strong. This idea of strength in the face of desolation is something the characters of Khaled Hosseini’s novel can relate to. The main characters Laila and Mariam suffer incredible amounts of abuse and cruelty from their husband Rasheed, but, like the city of Kabul, they are resilient. Even at the end of the novel, when their home has been ruined, their lives interrupted by wars and destruction, Laila and Mariam return to Kabul to rebuild their lives. The “thousand splendid suns that hide behind [Kabul’s] walls” could be associated with the strength of spirit shining within both these women.

A Thousand Splendid Suns

The title for the book A Thousand Splendid Suns is based off a seventeenth century poem called Kabul, which is the city the novel mainly takes place in. The poem is an ode to the city of Kabul, and its magnificance and glory. The author of the book, Khaled Hosseini says he came acrorss this poem while looking for a verse of poetry to reflect the agony that comes with leaving ones home, their cherished city, but also found an “evocative title in the phrase a thousand splendid suns”. Khaled Hosseini himself was born in Kabul, and spent 8 years of his life within the city. He therefore is able to relate to the poem, and its flattery of the city.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khaled_Hosseini