ATSS Part 1

What is a "harami"? And who uses this word to describe Mariam?

• ignoramus, Nana says it because Mariam is clumsy

• "bastard," Nana says it because Mariam was born out of wedlock

• "tuberose," Jalil says it because Mariam is like a little flower that he likes.

The narrator mentions several discrepancies in the story of Mariam's birth, as related to her by her mother Nana and her father Jalil. What are they?

• Nana says she was alone; Jalil says she was in a hospital.

• Nana says she was in labor for two days; Jalil says she came in under an hour.

• Nana says that Jalil kept brushing his horse's mane when he heard the news; Jalil says he rode on horseback to get to Mariam and Nana as soon as he could.

• All of the above.

Who brings supplies to Nana and Mariam on ration day and how does Nana react to this?

• Two young boys from the village, and Nana is grateful for the food.

• Two of Mariam's half-brothers and Nana mocks them and throws rocks at them.

• Jalil and Nana, though she hates him, always behaves very politely. She knows they need the food.

When Mullah Faizullah asks Nana about giving Mariam an education, Nana says that educating a girl was as useful as "shining a spittoon." (a spittoon is used by people who chew tobacco. What does this say about Nana's view of education, or Mariam, or both?

• Mariam will learn nothing useful. There's only one thing a woman in their culture needs, and it is not taught in school.

• Mariam is not smart enough to excel at school. She should just learn to cook.

• Mariam can learn more from Nana because Nana excelled in school.

What does Mariam want for her 15th birthday?

• For Jalil to take her to his theater

• For Nana and Jalil to take her out to dinner

• For Jalil to let her sleep at his house

• For Nana and Jalil to get married

1. In 1973, something major happens in Afghanistan which Jalil tells Mariam about, but she is distracted by a gift in his pocket.

• The Soviets invade Afghanistan and begin a war.

• A bloodless coup in which one brother takes over from another and names himself the president of a Republic, rather than a Monarchy.

• One ruling brother murders another and becomes the new king of Afghanistan.

What is the gift that Jalil brings to Mariam on one of his many visits when she's a child?

• He brings her a newspaper so she can know what's going on in the world.

• He brings her a little pendant (necklace) that Nana says is worth nothing.

• He brings her a fresh orange, as he does every Thursday.

How does Mariam end up spending her 15th birthday?

• After making her way to Harat, she ends up sleeping outside Jalil’s house, knowing that he’s inside, but her father won’t come out to see her.

• At the movie theatre with Jalil seeing Pinnochio, but Jalil won’t introduce her to her siblings.

• Back at the kolba with Nana because Jalil never shows up to take her to the movies.

Which of the following statements would Rasheed agree to regarding his opinion of women?

• Women should only be the business of men, so men should control their women.

• Women should look as beautiful as possible by wearing makeup and short skirts

• Women should be uncovered so men can see them and their appearances at all times.

• Women should be modern in appearance but conservative in their views of religion and education

What does Rasheed do for a living?  

• a.  he owns a restaurant
•  b.  he owns a shoe shop
• c.  He is a Mullah
• d.  He works with the government