What parallels do you see between Mustafa, the middle child between a quiet older sister and a spirited younger one, and Karam, who occupies a similar place in his family?
Created: 05/25/18
Replies: 4
Join Date: 10/15/10
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Join Date: 02/05/16
Posts: 381
It seems they resembled each other, and shared some key personality traits, although we only hear once from Mustafa, for obvious reasons, and not at all from Karam. I get the sense that Karam is Alia's "unspoken" favorite because he reminds her of her brother. Both are easygoing, tender-hearted, close to their sisters, wanting to please others. Mustafa grows up with his father's anger and bitterness and then, his absence. As a young man, he is easily moved by the story he hears from the imam, easily influenced by Atef's enthusiasm for the cause, drawn into a political resistance which he knows isn't suited to his character ("I am the roar without the bite," he thinks), and it costs him his life. Karam in contrast grows up with his father's grief, but also his presence, his greater understanding and guidance. Karam is encouraged to develop his artistic side. He makes his way into a productive life. Karam shows us what Mustafa might have become.
Join Date: 02/18/15
Posts: 497
I agree with JLPen77. Karam and Mustafa are very similar. Both quiet and in the shadow of their sisters. Both could be easily swayed and this led to the death of Mustafa. Karam is the character developed to live the life that Mustafa could have had.
Join Date: 03/29/16
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Join Date: 05/29/15
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