How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Nooria had ideas for the school. She had been planning to go to teacher's college when she finished high school, before the Taliban changed her plans. Father had given her and Parvana lessons for awhile when the schools first closed, but his health was not good, and the practice fell away.
"I could teach arithmetic and history," Nooria said. "Mrs. Weera could teach health and science, and Mother could teach reading and writing."
Parvana didn't like the idea of learning from Nooria. As a teacher, she'd be even bossier than she was as a big sister! Still, she couldn't remember the last time she'd seen Nooria excited about something, so she kept quiet. (9.48-9.50)
Education gives Nooria's life a purpose—she feels that teaching is her calling, and just the thought of starting a small school excites her. You've got to hand it to these women. They refuse to let a few Taliban soldiers get in the way of the girls' education, and school means so much to them that they are willing to die in order to keep young minds growing.
Quote #8
"Do you really want to do this?"
Nooria nodded. "Look at my life here, Parvana. I hate living under the Taliban. I'm tired of looking after the little ones. My school classes happen so seldom, they're of almost no value. There's no future for me here. At least in Mazar I can go to school, walk the streets without having to wear a burqa, and get a job when I've completed school. Maybe in Mazar I can have some kind of life. Yes, I want to do this." (13.6-13.7)
Nooria has agreed to the arranged marriage, which means she will move to Mazar. Parvana questions if this is what she really wants, but it clearly it is—Mazar offers women the freedom to go to school and get a job, and for Nooria, this is a chance to become fulfilled and lead a meaningful life.
Quote #9
"If we had left Afghanistan when we had the chance, I could be doing my work!"
"We are Afghans. This is our home. If all the educated people leave, who will rebuild the country?" (4.9)
When the Taliban first arrived in Kabul, Mother wanted to leave but Father felt it was important to stay, since they are part of the few educated elite, and he believes it is their duty to help build a new government once the Taliban is defeated. Father's decision causes conflict in his marriage, and really puts the women in the house in a pickle. Aren't they the ones who suffer the most? For being so smart, some might say this was a really stupid decision.