How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Parvana was tired. She wanted to sit in a classroom and be bored by a geography lesson. She wanted to be with her friends and talk about homework and games and what to do on school holidays. She didn't want to know anymore about death or blood or pain (12.49).
There's only so much an eleven-year-old girl can take, and up until this point, you have to hand to Parvana: she's been a trooper. But now the poor kid needs a break. She's had enough of violence and adult responsibilities, and longs for her school days.
Quote #8
The marketplace ceased to be interesting. She no longer laughed when a man got into an argument with a stubborn donkey. She was no longer interested in snippets of conversation she heard from people strolling by. Everywhere, there were people who were hungry and sick. Women in burqas sat on the pavement and begged, their babies stretched across their laps. (12.50)
The novelty of the marketplace is wearing off. It was exciting in the beginning and being able to roam about freely is great and all, but after seeing so much misery… well, Parvana has had enough for a while. What does this say about her?
Quote #9
One afternoon, she heard sounds coming from above her. A man was very angry. He was shouting at a woman who was crying and screaming. Parvana heard thuds and more screams. Without thinking, she spray to her feet and looked up at the window, but she couldn't see anything through the painted glass.
"What goes on in man's house is his own business," a voice behind her said. (12.63-12.64)
The Window Woman is clearly being beaten by whoever is holding her captive, but no one can do anything to help her. People know suffering is happening all over Kabul, but they also know that if they speak up or try to fight, they will suffer themselves. In this kind of environment, how can the suffering ever end?