Parvana Quotes

n many situations throughout this novel Parvana is forced to make life or death decisions not only affecting her but also her family, Parvana is forced into responsibilities no 11-year-old can be expected to carry out however, we see Parvana taking on the responsibilities thrust upon her that push her boundaries and take her out of her comfort zone. Parvana also makes many choices that place responsibility on her, With the support of her friend Shauzia, the girls decide that they will earn money the way they choose to and make great sacrifices to achieve their dream. Responsibility is a key theme throughout the novel and whether chosen or thrust upon her, Parvana demonstrates her love for her family and friends time and time again.

One example proving that Parvana has responsibilities forced upon her was when parvana had the “choice” between becoming a boy and ultimately the death of her family. "In the end, it was really her decision. I'll do it"pg. 66, Parvana was referring to going out into the market as a boy. Although Parvana wouldn't have had to do this if she didn't approve the

choice was between that and her family dying. Parvana was forced into this responsibility as she was the only family member who could pass as a man."Since the Taliban decreed that women must stay inside.." pg. 18. In the end, for most people, this isn't really a choice. Parvana is forced to provide for her family unless she wants their deaths on her hands. This is why this is the perfect example of a responsibility being thrust upon Parvana.
Parvana was able to make decisions for herself such as her choice to take up the dangerous job of a bone digger. Parvana made this decision in the hope to earn more money for her and her family. By earning this extra cash she had a chance of earning enough to buy a tray and earn money from a job she enjoyed. “I'm not sure this is a good idea,” pavana said pg.106, in the end, this was her decision but she had help and encouragement from Shauzia. This decision was one in which was not thrust upon her, Yet still incredibly harsh conditions for any person let alone an 11-year-old. “let's make money” Pg. 108 says parvana, This quote serves as further evidence that parvana is making financial choices not expected to be made by a child of her age. This is further proof that Parvana if left to make life-changing decisions few other would have to.
Another large life-threatening decision Parvana finds herself making was choosing to stay home from Mazar despite her mother insisting she come.

“I'm not going to Mazar!” This further shows Parvana's strong intent to stay home in the hope of her father returning. This decision was a lot for an eleven-year-old to process due to the different factors. If Parvana left she may have missed the return of her father and would have been unable to help him. However, by making this choice she is putting her life at risk as she doesn't have her parents to protect her. By making the choice of staying home without her family she gave herself more responsibility. "make me proud of you" (13.34) says Parvana's mother, This quote shows that despite the obvious danger of parvana staying her home from Nooria’s wedding her mother is supportive and had grown to trust Parvana's judgement by this

stage.
Throughout the course of this novel, we see parvana take on more and more responsibility both by choice and by force. Paravana makes choices expected of few others in life or death situations. In this novel we see Parvana taking on the responsibility of providing for the family. How Parvana goes about making money is up to her. In order to gain her dream job, Parvana earns more by taking the job of a bone digger which proves dangerous. You do not see Parvana completely come to terms with all the responsibility thrust upon her, However, we do see her judgment and decision making improve. Due to the extreme circumstances, we see parvana's decision making grown well beyond what is expected at her age.