Heathcliff and Mariam: A Character Comparison
What are the differences between A Thousand Splendid Suns and Wuthering Heights? This page explores the contrasts between Heathcliff and Mariam, two central characters from these novels. Heathcliff, an outsider with no surname, is influenced by Catherine and surrounded by an enigmatic aura. Mariam, on the other hand, is labeled a "harami" or illegitimate child, whose only sin is being born.
Highlight: Both characters struggle with identity issues, but their responses differ. Heathcliff takes pride in his uniqueness, while Mariam longs for love and acceptance.
The page also touches on the themes of love and identity in both novels. In Wuthering Heights, love is portrayed as a 19th-century concept of companionship, while in A Thousand Splendid Suns, it's more about survival and acceptance.
Vocabulary: Harami - An illegitimate child or a bastard in Afghan culture.
Quote: "Your name, Mariam, means 'the little flower.' Mariam jo. It was the name of the tuberose that Jalil's mother loved best."
This comparison provides insight into the characters' upbringing and their struggle for identity and love, setting the stage for a deeper comparative analysis of Heathcliff and Mariam's characters.