AN ANALYSIS OF REALISTIC VALUES IN A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS BY KHALED HOSSEINI

Authors

  • Nguyen Thi Kieu Oanh Department of Literature, Linguistics, Journalism and Communication, School of Political Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Can Tho University, Vietnam
  • Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan Department of Literature, Linguistics, Journalism and Communication, School of Political Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Can Tho University, Vietnam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejls.v7i1.713

Keywords:

Afghanistan, A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini, Islam, realistic values

Abstract

Khaled Hosseini’s novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, serves as a pivotal work in reflecting the reality of Afghanistan. This article aims to analyze the various facets of realistic values depicted in the masterpiece, including the tapestry of Islamic culture, the landscape of social instability, the tragedy of women, and the inherent beauty of the human soul hidden beneath sorrow. The study employs literary analysis in conjunction with a socio-historical approach, drawing on specific evidence from the text and relevant academic research. The findings reveal that A Thousand Splendid Suns not only authentically recreates the material and spiritual lives of Afghans under the devastating influence of religion and war but also profoundly portrays the tragedy and resilient vitality of women, thereby condemning social prejudices and injustices. This article contributes to clarifying the realistic and humanistic values of the work while raising awareness of the social challenges faced by Afghan women.

Author Biographies

  • Nguyen Thi Kieu Oanh, Department of Literature, Linguistics, Journalism and Communication, School of Political Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Can Tho University, Vietnam

    Ms. Nguyen Thi Kieu Oanh is currently a lecturer in the Department of Literature, Linguistics, Journalism and Communication, School of Political Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Can Tho University, Vietnam. She teaches courses in Vietnamese literature, foreign literature - particularly American and European works - and journalism. In 2023, she earned her doctoral degree in Journalism from the Academy of Journalism and Communication in Hanoi. Her research interests include literary theory, language studies, intercultural communication, journalism, the teaching and learning of both Vietnamese and foreign literature, curriculum design, assessment and testing, and professional development. She can be contacted at: kieuoanh@ctu.edu.vn.

  • Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan, Department of Literature, Linguistics, Journalism and Communication, School of Political Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Can Tho University, Vietnam

    Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan recently graduated from university with a degree in Literature from the Department of Literature, Linguistics, Journalism and Communication, School of Political Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Can Tho University, Vietnam. She has conducted in-depth research on literature, particularly on this topic. She can be reached at: nguyenthingoclan003ct@gmail.com.

References

a. English sources

Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN). 2009. Afghanistan: The tribulations of child-bearing children". Retrieved from https://webarchive.archive.unhcr.org/20230528081531/https://www.refworld.org/docid/4b28a1421e.html

James, B., C.K, G., & Smart, C. (2025, February). An Analysis of Realist and Naturalistic Elements in Khaled Hosseini's Works: A Comparative Review of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389004559_An_Analysis_of_Realist_and_Naturalistic_Elements_in_Khaled_Hosseini's_Works_A_Comparative_Review_of_The_Kite_Runner_and_A_Thousand_Splendid_Suns

Monakhova., I., (2020), (Tran., translated), Vissarion Belinsky – Nguoi dong sang tao “The ky vang” cua van hoc Nga, Van hoa Nghe An, Retrieved from http://vanhoanghean.vn/chi-tiet-tin-tuc/14107-vissarion-belinsky-nguoi-dong-sang-tao-the-ky-vang-cua-van-hoc-nga#:~:text=%C4%90i%E1%BB%81u%20%C4%91%E1%BA%B7c%20tr%C6%B0ng%20l%C3%A0%20trong,kh%C3%B4ng%20th%E1%BB%83%20n%C3%A0o%20kh%C3%A1c%20%C4%91%C6%B0%E1%BB%A3c

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b. Vietnamese sources

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Hosseini, K. (2010). Ngan mat troi ruc ro. (Nguyen Thi Huong Thao). Nxb Van hoc. Ha Noi.

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Published

2026-05-29

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Articles

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