Looking Back

At several points in the novel, Khaled Hosseini narrates a moment that recalls a previous moment in the text. For each of the examples below, do the following.
Find the previous moment in the text that Hosseini refers to.
Explain in writing how the present moment compares to or contrasts with the past moment.
Explain in writing why you think Hosseini refers to the moment from the past. Is his purpose to create a point of contrast with the previous moment? Does he try to develop a character, theme or idea?

Amir’s putting the money under the mattress at Wahid’s house

As Amir places money under the mattress at Wahid’s house, he says that this is only the second time in his life, he has done this. One can look back and remember the first time Amir does this for Hassan. However, in the first instance, Amir’s intentions were not good. His intentions were to make it look like the money was stolen. In the second case, Amir is very genuine and shows that he cares for Wahid and wants to help with his families’ conditions. The theme that Hosseini develops is that the second time around, people change and learn how important it is to give.

The sheep reference to Sohrab

“Sohrab’s eyes flicked to me. They were the slaughter sheep’s eyes. They even had the mascara-I remembered how, on the day of Eid of qorban, the mullah in our backyard used to apply mascara to the eyes of the sheep and feed it a cube of sugar, before slicing its throat. I thought I saw pleading in Sohrab’s eyes.” While Amir is witnessing Sohrab’s helplessness, he recalls the sacrificing of the lamb. This refers back to the first half of the novel, when he sees Hassan is being raped. In both cases he sees that these characters are about to have something stolen from them. The sheep has been robbed of its life. When Hassan was raped, innocence was stolen from him. And Now Amir is realizing that Sohrab’s childhood has been taken from him. There is contrast between the reference to Amir witnessing the look in Sohrab’s eyes and the look in Hassan’s eyes. Earlier in the book, Amir says, “I watch because of the look of acceptance in the animal’s eyes.” With Sohrab, however, the look seems less helpless. This time, he feels that he can help. While comparing Hassan and the sheep, Amir said that he felt that they knew that they were making sacrifices for a higher being. Hosseini is trying to tell readers that by humbling yourself and sacrificing, you are always freeing yourself of guilt and a false superior feeling.


Amir’s laughter when Assef beats him


“I don’t know at what point I started laughing, but I did. It hurt to laugh, hurt my jaws, my ribs, my throat. But I was laughing and laughing. The harder I laughed the harder he kicked me, punched me, and scratched me.” The reason for Amir’s laughing is that since the winter of 1975, this is the first time he has felt at piece. The difference between now and the past is that Amir is the one who is being attacked. In the past, he has always been either the attacker or the witness. The fact that, he himself is being attacked is cleansing to him. Amir says “… I saw that, in some hidden nook in a corner of my mind, I’d even been looking forward to this.” Also, Amir feels that being attacked physically helps him heal from the mental beating his conscious has given him. Assef’s abuse is cathartic to him.

Amir’s kite running for Sohrab

In the first instance of the story, Amir is focused on himself, and his hopes of winning. In chapter seven, Amir treated Hassan as well a kite runner rather than a friend. Hassan was okay with being a modest boy who lived to serve Amir. The purpose of ending the story with Amir running for Sohrab is a metaphor saying that Amir has agreed to live primarily to serve Sohrab by looking after him, and treating him as a son. This symbolizes the most important theme of the story: “Hassan and Amir were kids, who had learned to crawl together, and no history, ethnicity, society, or religion was ever going to change that.” Though history and religion are difficult to overcome, the ties that connect you to friends and family prove to be stronger than the rules that separate Pashtuns and Hazaras. We are unable to change the past, but the future is in our control.

Adapting to America

Analyze the scene in chapter 11 where Baba fights with the Nguyens in their store. What does this scene show about Baba’s character?
In this particular scene, Amir has heard glass break and enters the “Fast and Easy” to find his father is enraged because the Nguyens have simply asked to see his I.D. Baba is very defense because he feels as if he is being accused of stealing by the Nguyens. This section of the chapter withholds more meaning than is on the surface. Baba is also really upset because in Afghanistan, he was known and respected by all, and now in America he is constantly trying to prove himself. In a way, this feeling is good and humbling for Baba. However, this feeling can also be scaring and unhealthy for people. For example, Amir felt as if he had to prove himself constantly during his childhood. This did not prove to be helpful in his life. At the end of the scene, Amir apologizes for his father’s behavior and adds “My father is still adjusting to life in America.” Amir says it meaning Baba has not become accustomed to America’s traditions and ways of society. However, Baba is having trouble accepting his position in society.

Why does Baba come to America?
At the beginning of chapter eleven, Amir says,” Baba loved the idea of America. It was living there that gave him an ulcer.” Baba really enjoyed the idea that Amir, and he would have the chance to start a new life. Baba feels that this way, they will not have to live in fear everyday. Kabul was being invaded. Also I feel that it is difficult for them to be at home, and know that

Why does Amir have an easier time adapting to American culture than Baba does?
I feel that Amir has a much easier time adjusting to the American way of life than his father simply because he has grown up being more accepting of others. Baba has always felt that he is in power, and up until now, everyone has respected him. As an adolescent, Amir is also less set in his ways, and more vulnerable. This works to his advantage when it comes to adjusting to all the changes. Amir compares Baba to “the widower who never remarries but can’t let go of his wife.” Baba wanted change, but still wants what he had in Afghanistan. For Amir, “America was a place to bury memories. For Baba [It was] a place to mourn his.”

Does Soraya help Amir develop as a character? Why or why not?
Soraya helps Amir develop as a character, because she teaches him that telling your secret can mean setting yourself free from guilt. Soraya teaches Amir that it is okay to accept your past for whatever it may be.

Roles of Women in Afghanistan

The roles of women in Afghanistan can be compared to the roles of women in America before the 19th Amendment was established. They lack the respect that women should. The Qur'an has led to the belief that men are allowed the privilege of having or (owning rather) more than one wife. However, women are only allowed one husband whom they must worship even if they do not love him entirely. The Qur'an teaches that Polygamy is alright, but I feel that change must be made to stop this way of life. Women are not allowed to withhold jobs or positions of respect. However, having children can cause a climb in the social ladder for many women in Afghanistan. There are also very strict beliefs about the clothing that is to be worn by women of Afghanistan. They are to cover themselves except for their eyes if they are out in public. In a way, I feel that this is a little contradictory. Women are often treated like objects, but yet they are not allowed to be looked at including being looked upon with respect.

Question 6 from Kite Runner

As Amir remembers an Afghan celebration in which a sheep must be sacrificed, he talks about seeing the sheep's eyes moments before its death. "I don't know why I watch this yearly ritual in our backyard; my nightmares persist long after the bloodstains on the grass have faded. But I always watch. I watch because of the look of acceptance in the animal's eyes. Absurdly, I imagine the animal understands. I imagine the animal sees that its imminent demise is for a higher purpose." Why do you think Amir recalls this memory when he witnesses Hassan's tragedy in the alleyway? Discuss the image of the context of the novel.

I feel that Amir recalls the sacrificing of the lamb when he sees Hassan being raped because he is witnessing evil taking from the innocent. Hassan's inocence was taken from him just as the lamb's life was taken. Amir says, "I watch because of the look of acceptance in the animal's eyes." He watches because he is hopeful that the lamb (or Hassan) will accept what is happening. He feels that this will be cathartic for himself to see that they are at peace with their tragic events also. In a way, these events show that Amir is selfish, because he is watching for his own good rather than doing what is best for the good of others. However, he feels very sorrowful and guilty when watching. Everyone can relate to Amir's wanting to see "the look of acceptence." This quote withholds much importance in the theme of the story. Amir is searching for the "look of acceptance" from all around him especially "Baba." However, he will realize that the acceptance from Hassan can prove to be more important than those from the Pashtuns.

Chapters 6-7

In Chapter Six, Winter has just arrived. This is both Amir, and Hassan's favorite season. Amir said that he liked winter because "As the trees froze and ice sheathed the roads, the chill between Baba and me thawed a little." This was due to the children's favorite tradition, Kabul's big kite race also takes place in winter Amir desperately wants to win this to prove himself to his father, Baba. Amir says, "Baba and I lived in the same house, but in two different spheres of existence. Kites were the one paper-thin slice of intersection between those spheres."Amir feels that he must win the kite race and prove himself to his father. I feel that the card game at the end of chapter six could be significant. As it reads, Amir killed Hassan's king, and played him his final card." This could have been foreshadowing of Amir killing Hassan's spirit.
Chapter Seven begins with Hassan describing a dream to Amir. Hassan dreamt that He, Amir, Ali, Rahim Kahn and thousands of other people were at the lake, but no one was swimming because a monster was in the lake. Hassan and Amir decided to swim anyway, and discovered there was no monster. Then they change the name of the lakd to the Lake of Amir and aHassan, Sultans of Kabul. He asks Amir what he makes of it, and he says it's a "dumb dream." Hassan tells Amir that Ali told him that dreams always mean something. I ,myself, am unsure of whether I believe that or not. The day of the kite race has arrived and the rooftops are filled with spectators. Amir begins to get nervous, and hesitant about racing his kite. The number of kites steadily dwindles down until only a few are left. Before he realizes it, Everyone is yelling "you won" "you won". Amir feels like he's in a dream. Then Hassan runs the kite for Amir. After a while, Amir begins to worry and looks around for Amir. As readers we get the idea that Hassan is in a not so friendly area when Amir asks an old merchant about Hassan and he replies, "What is a boy like you doing here at this time of day looking for a Hazara?" He is told that Hassan has been spotted...with other boys chasing him. This is where Amir finds himself in the alley which we were introduced to in Chapter one. Amir sees that Wali, Kamal and Assef are the ones after Hassan. They end up harassing and eventually raping Hassan. All the while, Amir is watching, hiding, and taking no action to put an end to this. An overwelming feeling of guilt had overtaken Amir.

Chapter 8

Chapters six and seven were very difficult for me to read. In fact they were even difficult for me to understand completely. I did not realize until during chapter eight that Assef, Wali, and Kamal actually raped Hassan. As chapter eight begins Amir is being served breakfast, and Ali is telling him how all Hassan will do lately is sleep and seems depressed. Ali asks if Amir knows anything that may have happened to cause this. "How should I know?" replies Amir. At this point, I am very disappointed in Amir's character. I was very sad to read about how Amir snapped at both Ali, and Hassan. Then he spoke of Hassan's unwavering loyalty. Baba tells Amir he would like to take him on a trip, and also that he is dissappointed Hassan cannot go along on the trip. Baba brings along plenty of relatives on the trip. On the ride over, all Amir continues picturing things that occured in the alley on that grim day. Next, Amir t goes to Baba and asks for Ali and Hassan to be replaced. Baba becomes furious, and tells Amir that they are family and belong together. My understanding of Baba is metamorphasizing throughout these chapters. He is turning out to be much more personable that I would have ever thought. Then, towards the end of the chapter, Amir's birthday arrives. Much to his disappointment, Assef shows up at his party gifting him with a Biography of Hitler. Amir becomes sick with not only hate but guilt for what has happened. At the very end of the chapter, Rahim Kahn comes up to Amir and tells him that he almost married a Hazara woman, and once again reassures Amir that is welcome to come to Rahim Kahn whenever he needs to. It is as if Rahim Kahn just has a feeling that something may have happened. Chapter eight ends with a display of elaborate fireworks, and then complete darkness. This may be a very meaningful metaphor.

Chapters 4-5

Chapter four opens with the story of how Ali became Baba's childhood friend as well as his uncle. Amir describes how difficult it is to overcome history, and set aside differences in religion. I loved when Amir stated, "But we were kids who had learned to crawl together, and no hisory, ethnicity, society, or religion was going to change that either." Amir goes on to tell about how Hassan and he enjoyed watching John Wayne. Hassan also enjoyed when Amir read to him. I found the part when Amir tricked Hassan into thinking 'Imbecile' means intelligent. Amir(in this specific incident) is symbolic of so many people today who try to do or say awful things to others out of jealousy. Then Amir tells Baba that he has written a story. After a few short moments of being ignored, he is "rescued" by Rahim Khan. Amir reads Rahim Khan's note over and over. Rahim has wrote that he has talent and is not to waste it. Amir wishes that Rahim was his father. Amir then tells his story to Hassan. He is very offended when Hassan questions his writing. Amir also feels that the fact that Hassan is illiterate is something that he can hold over his head.

In the beginning of Chapter 5, Afghanistan is being invaded. Hassan, and Amir are overtaken with terror. Ali fibs and says, "They're shooting ducks." Soon, Baba arrives home, and wraps Amir and Hassan in his arms. Amir claims that he is "glad about whatever happened that night." The next morning, Hassan becomes very fearful that he and his father be taken away. Then we are introduced to Assef, a young boy who towers over the other children. It was not uncommon for Assef to harass Ali or the boys. Assef says that if and when Daoud Khan comes to his house for supper, he will tell him how Hitler was a great leader. He then looks at Hassan and says "Afghanistan is the land of Pashtuns. It always has and always will be." Assef asks how Amir can call Hassan his friend. Then the truth comes out as Amir thinks to himself: "He's not my friend. He's my servant." The day ends, and time lingers on until it is Hassan's birthday. Hassan is introduced to his birthday present, a plastic surgeon to fix his cleft palet. Hassan's lip heals well and it chaned from a grotesque wound to a jagged line. Then at the end of the winter it became a faint scare. He ends the first chapter by saying that it was ironic because that was the winter Hassan stopped smiling.