The Pearl That Broke Its Shell

The novel explores the dangers and anxieties of motherhood in an extremely patriarchal society. However, it also depicts motherhood as the sole solace for the oppressed women of traditional Afghan society. Rahima, Shekiba, and Raisa represent contrasting modes of motherhood.

Rahima is a child bride and is consequently a very young mother. Childbirth nearly kills her; were it not for the attention of Jameela, an experienced mother, Jahangir’s birth could have been disastrous. Rahima is a victim of a cruel and oppressive situation. In Abdul Khaliq’s house, she is the fourth wife of an abusive man. Having a son greatly improves her value to her husband; however, Jahangir remains more valuable than Rahima. If Abdul Khaliq were to disown Rahima, Jahangir would stay with him. When Jahangir dies, it emphasizes the role that mothers are expected to take in Afghan society. Even if Rahima were to have been with him, there is little she could have done to cure his serious medical condition. Despite this, she carries all the blame for his death—even though it is Gulalai who prevented her son from taking Jahangir to a proper hospital. Grief nearly destroys Rahima, demonstrating the deep connection mothers feel toward their children.