Mariams early actions reveal her hostility toward Laila. Mariam has been married to Rasheed for 18 years Mariam does not want a second wife in the marriage. Mariam lets her thoughts know by saying “Eighteen years. And I never asked for a thing”(221). Mariam never asked for a thing from Rasheed and she thinks t is wrong for Rasheed to do this without her consent. Mariam believes she deserves better. Mariam does not want Laila to take Rasheed away from her because she has been in this marriage for 18 years. Mariam say to Laila “I won't be your slave. I won't” (232). Mariam doesn't want Laila to think she is better than her. Mariam has become territorial during the years and does not want to share Rasheed. Mariam is letting Laila know how she
