Introduction
The book A Thousand Splendid Suns was written in 2007 by Khaled Hosseini. The story itself takes place in Afghanistan, the time period spanning from the 1960s to 2003. In order to better understand the life choices and social issues the various characters of the novel face, we must first investigate the political and social turmoil taking place in the country during this time period. This WebQuest offers you a look into the life, culture, politics and history of Afghanistan. This will help enhance class discussions and provide you with a deeper understanding of the novel.
To complete the WebQuest, visit the pages on this site. Answer the questions presented on each page using the provided links in a Word document. Answers must be in the form of complete sentences written in your own words. In other words, do not simply copy and paste answers from the websites into a Word document.
SECTION I.
About the Author WebQuest Questions
1. Describe the two different ways the author believes Afghans view America.
2. Describe the author’s belief in equal rights for women.
3. What inspired Hosseini to write this novel?
LINKS:
http://www.khaledhosseini.com/
SECTION II.
In order to develop a deeper understanding of the life choices and social issues presented to the characters in the novel, we must develop an understanding of the land and country they come from. To do so, investigate the following links and answer the questions below about the history, politics, culture and people of Afghanistan.
Political History
http://www.afghanistans.com/Information/defaulf.htm
http://www.historyofnations.net/asia/afghanistan.html
Social History: Through the eyes of the media
http://afghanistan.blogs.cnn.com/
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/01/22/acid.attacks/index.html
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2002/04/afghan-girl/index-text
War in Afghanistan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Afghanistan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Afghanistan_(2001–present)
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/09/10/slideshow.afghanistan/index.html
About Afghanistan WebQuest Questions
1. What is the name of the “Afghan girl”?
2. Outline the daily activities of her life
3. How do the two images of the “Afghan girl” depict the journey of her life?
4. Describe the size and location Kabul?
5. What are the Taliban?
6. Political powers have great influence over the citizens of a country. Below list the controlling political party during each year and what some of their beliefs are. Who is the controlling power of Afghanistan in 1974?
· In 1992?
· In 2003?
SECTION III.
About Women in Afghanistan
http://www.rawa.org/wom-view.htm
1. What rights were women denied by the Taliban? Identify and explain at least three.
2. How were women treated during the ruling of the Taliban?
3. Describe the current conditions of women in Afghanistan