Nana, the mother of Mariam, chooses to hang herself in Khaled Hosseini’s ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ as a tragic response to her feelings of despair, shame, and hopelessness. Throughout the novel, Nana is portrayed as a deeply troubled character who is haunted by her past and the societal stigma attached to her status as an illegitimate child.
Her decision to take her own life comes after a series of painful revelations about her daughter Mariam’s future and the oppressive circumstances they face as women in Afghan society. Nana’s suicide serves as a poignant moment that highlights the intense anguish and the lack of agency experienced by women. Despite her tumultuous relationship with Mariam, her act signifies a final escape from the pain and disappointment of her life.
This moment is critical in setting the tone for the rest of the novel, as it underscores themes of sacrifice, the struggle for autonomy, and the consequences of familial and societal expectations on women’s lives. In the context of the narrative, Nana’s death also provides a stark contrast to Mariam’s eventual journey toward self-discovery and resilience.