How did the characters, Mariam and Laila, react to obstacles?

Mariam avoided obstacles and submitted to the decisions made by others for her life. She lived a life of misery and oppression.

Laila challenged the obstables set before her, but she also realized that she needed to bide her time in order to stay safe. She marries Rasheed to provide for her child, she steals from Rasheed in order to secure her future, and she plans her escape....