An Analysis of The Main Characters’ Conflict in Khaled Hosseini’s Novel A Thousand Splendid Suns

Abstract

This research discusses the story of two Afghan women named Mariam and Laila, who experience difficult life struggles in the novel A Thousand Splendid Suns, written by Khaled Hosseini. They become a symbol of courage and resilience in the midst of harsh and conflict-ridden conditions in the novel A Thousand Splendid Suns. This study aims to determine the internal and external conflicts faced by the main characters. The writer uses the conflict theory from Tennyson, which categorizes conflicts into three basic conflicts: individual in conflict with another individual; individual in conflict with himself or herself; and individual in conflict with outside groups. In completing this research, the writer used a qualitative descriptive method. The results of this study indicate that the main characters, Mariam and Laila, face internal and external conflicts. The main characters' internal conflict with themselves is an inner conflict that causes guilt, fear, disappointment, anxiety, regret, sadness or loss, ignored, and difficulty in making decisions. While the main characters’ external conflicts with other individuals include other characters, society, and groups or communities, which result in increasingly widespread conflicts. The results show the internal conflicts of Mariam and Laila revolve around their struggles with guilt, fear, disappointment, anxiety, regret, and the pressure of societal expectations while trying to protect their families. Meanwhile, the external conflicts they face involve confrontations with various individuals and outside groups, such as family members, the Taliban, and the police.