"She is being sent away because she was the walking, breathing embodiment of their shame"

Mariam is being sent away by Jalil's family because she "was the walking, breathing embodiment of"  Jalil's family. The figurative language shows the readers that Mariam is everywhere and it is impossible to get rid of her. Jalil's family doesn't want other people to know Mariam's existence because Mariam's mother, Nana, is not from a wealthy family. Also, Nana and Jalil never get married. Therefore, Mariam is an illegitimate child. Mariam's existence is the shame of Jalil's family. This shows that in Afghan society, people value family reputation and their social status. This is way Jalil's family want to send Mariam far away, so she will not stain their repetition.