Chapter Ten
by testsuphomeAdminIn this chapter of “The Breadwinner,” Parvana and her friend Shauzia embark on an unusual and grim task: digging up bones in a war-torn section of Kabul to sell for money. Despite Parvana’s initial hesitations about the morality of their actions, Shauzia insists that their primary goal is financial survival. As they make their way to the abandoned graveyard, they encounter devastation in the form of ruined buildings and graves disturbed by bomb blasts. The sight of crows scavenging among the bones highlights the bleakness of their surroundings.
Upon arrival, they learn about the bone broker, a man who buys the bones from scavengers like themselves. While Parvana is curious about the purpose of the bones, Shauzia reassures her that their focus should be on earning money. After nervously beginning their work, the two girls discover multiple skulls, which they jokingly personify, even designating one as their “mascot.”
As they continue digging, they share a moment of levity when discussing the potential repercussions of disturbing the dead, as well as the fear of land mines, which adds a layer of tension to their grim activity. They manage to dig up a considerable amount of bones and eventually meet with the bone broker, who pays them a substantial amount—more than Parvana would typically earn in three days. This newfound wealth brings excitement and plans for further digging the next day.
Reflecting on their actions under the brief sunlight that breaks through the clouds, Parvana and Shauzia contemplate the significance of their experience. They express a nostalgic hope to remember this day when they are older and wealthy, indicating an understanding that their current actions are a stark consequence of their dire circumstances.
By the end of the chapter, Parvana carefully navigates her homeward thoughts, determined to hide a portion of her earnings to secure a little financial freedom for herself. Despite her attempts to wash away the day’s grim imagery, the memory of their unsettling task lingers, symbolized by the sight of the grinning skulls. The chapter encapsulates the harsh realities of life during wartime, the resilience required to survive, and the bittersweet moments of childhood amidst tragedy.
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