How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"No matter. The point is, I am your husband now, and it falls on me to guard not only your honor but ours, yes, our nang and namoos. That is the husband's burden. You let me worry about that." (3.31.11)
This is a classic psychological power move from Rasheed. First, he ties Laila's honor with his. Then, he claims that it is his responsibility to guard their honor. In a few words, he's effectively taken ownership over Laila as a person.
Quote #2
"Well, one does not drive a Volga and a Benz in the same manner. That would be foolish, wouldn't it?" (3.31.12)
This sounds like a bad pick-up line, but it's really just straight up manipulative. By insulting Mariam and praising Laila, he's pitting the two against each other. That leaves them in conflict, while he takes control of both of them without resistance.
Quote #3
"It's a matter of qanoon, hamshira, a matter of law," Rahman said, injecting his voice with a grave, self-important tone. "It is my responsibility, you see, to maintain order." (3.36.99)
Sometimes power isn't flashy. The police officer, Rahman, probably thinks he is doing the right thing by upholding the law. But in reality, he's simply using his position of power to give himself a little ego boost.