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The Kite Runner Guided Reading QuestionsDirections: The following guided reading questions will help to guide your basic understanding of the novel as you read it on your own outside of class. While we will take time in class to read certain passages from the novel, it will be expected of you to have already read the assigned pages and developed meaning from them. Credit will be given on a daily basis for participation in a discussion of the guided reading questions that deal with the previous night’s assigned reading. In addition, bolded questions will require writing reflection.ONE1. Let’s begin with a Speaker Box. Address the following: speaker, audience, topic, setting, attitude, tone, universal idea, theme.2. The speaker mentions a “day in the winter of 1975” (1) multiple times in the first chapter of the novel. What seems to be the speaker’s attitude toward this day? What evidence can you find to support your assertion?3. Find an example of a symbol in Chapter One. Does there exist a thing or a reference to something that provides meaning beyond what is being explained or described? Identify a symbol, and explain its significance or meaning.TWO1. The speaker spends a good deal of time in the second chapter describing the relationships in his life. Choose a character originally mentioned in the first chapter (Rahim Khan, Hassan, Baba, Ali) whose relationship with the speaker is addressed in the second chapter, and share your initial impressions of this relationship. Remember, utilize the concept of complexity (this but that) in your response if it is appropriate.2. On page five, the speaker describes a set of “family pictures” from his childhood home. Summarize the images in each of these pictures and infer what each image may reveal about the pictures’ subjects.3. How is the universal idea of parenting explored in Chapter 2? Can an author say more than one thing (“continue the conversation”) about a universal idea in a novel? A chapter? A page of writing?4. What information does the reader receive on page 9 concerning religion, society, and culture in Afghanistan?5. Who is the speaker of the opening chapters?6. Using embedded quotes to support your argument, in a well written paragraph, evaluate the final paragraph of Chapter 2. What statement(s) does Amir seem to be making about his and Hassan’s first words? Explain your answer.THREE1. What appears to be ironic about Baba’s desire to open an orphanage? What aspect of Baba’s character seems in opposition to his drive to seemingly singlehandedly open the orphanage?2. On page 15, Amir describes experiences he has had with Mullah Fatiullah Khan, the teacher who “taught [him] about Islam.” What is Baba’s reaction to Amir’s sharing of the Mullah’s religious ideologies? How does Baba feel about Islam?3. Summarize Baba’s moral lesson to Amir from page 18. Do you agree with Baba’s philosophy? Why or why not? 4. Chapter 3 attempts to distinguish major differences between Amir and his father. Using embedded quotes to support your argument, in a well written paragraph, identify examples of differences between Baba and Amir based on Amir’s narration and explain what frustrations each Afghan has with the other. 5. The beginning of the novel is a calculated series of Amir’s meaningful memories. What does Amir’s inclusion of the overheard conversation between Baba and Rahim Khan (pages 20-22) suggest about Amir’s narrating reliability?FOUR1. How have Baba and Ali come to know each other? How does Amir explain their (as well as Hassan and his own) relationship? What Afghan social factors contribute to the relationships? 2. In Chapter Four, Amir describes a day in the lives of himself and Hassan. For what purpose (potentially of Hosseini’s) does this story function? 3. To what revelation does Amir’s “abandon[ing] [of] the text” (30) prank on Hassan lead him? Does there exist an irony in Amir’s epiphany? 4. Amir takes us on a small journey with the story of his first short story. What universal ideas emerge from Amir’s first writing experiences?FIVE1. When describing the night of July 13, 1973, a night that Amir suggests marks the end of a “way of life” (36), to what narcissistic and “insane” (36) irony does he admit?2. Hassan asks Amir what a “republic” is while they listen to the radio. What is a republic? 3. To what new character are we introduced in Chapter 5? What literary devices does Hosseini employ to quickly establish this new character? An apt response may require a brief annotation of page 38.4. What gift does Baba give Hassan for his birthday? If we analyze Baba’s present beyond the concrete, how might the gift be a symbolic gesture?SIX1. What is Amir’s favorite season? What are the two dominating reasons for Amir’s love for this season? Does Amir’s description of the season remind you of something we have read together? 2. Identify a use of satire in Amir’s description of his favorite season. Does Amir make a social comment about his society?3. What sweeping generalization does Amir make about the Afghan people?4. Describe the processes of kite fighting and kite running.5. Amir’s recollection of a kite running adventure with Hassan seems impregnated with universal ideas and symbolism. Identify a universal idea or a symbol being used during Amir’s sharing of a memory. Why do you think this story exists in the novel? What purpose does it serve?6. What “mission” (57) does Amir have after sitting and talking with his father?SEVEN1. After describing his dream to Amir, Hassan suggests that “’dreams always mean something’” (60). What do you think Hassan’s dream means, or what might it represent? 2. How would you describe Amir’s feelings and mood leading up to the kite fighting tournament? How is he able to cope with these feelings?3. The kite fighting scene spans approximately six pages of the novel. What details or moments are memorable from the scene? What makes these moments memorable?4. As readers, we encounter the phrase “’For you a thousand times over’” for a second time on page 67. What does Hassan mean when he says this to Amir? Why do these words stand out at this point in the novel?5. What do Amir’s encounters with Omar (68) and the old merchant (69) reinforce in terms of Amir’s character, particularly as it pertains to Hassan?6. When initially cornered in the alley, what ideas does Assef force Hassan to face regarding his relationship with Amir? Why do you think Assef takes the time to discuss these ideas with Hassan?7. On pages 71 and 73, Amir suggests that he is unable to help Hassan because he feels “paralyzed.” Using embedded quotes to support your argument, in a well written paragraph, analyze Amir’s use of the word “paralyze” and identify what factor(s) keep Amir from coming to Hassan’s rescue. Consider the possibility that more than one factor may lead to Amir’s “paralysis” as you formulate your argument.8. The form of Khaled Hosseini’s novel takes on a new look on page 73. What do you make of the italicized memories and dream that Amir shares in the middle of the chapter during the riveting action that takes place?9. What connections does Amir make between “the sheep” (76) of the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah and his vision of Hassan in the alley?10. What decision does Amir ultimately make in Hassan’s moment of need? How do you feel about Amir’s decision, and how do you feel about Amir’s retelling this story years later?11. Dramatic Irony exists in literature when the audience is fully aware of information which a character or characters in the story are not. While dramatic irony is most effective in dramatic literature (meant to be performed and viewed by an audience), it can also exist in fictional prose. In the final paragraph of Chapter Seven, how does Khaled Hosseini employ dramatic irony to the concluding image of the chapter?EIGHT1. How would you characterize Amir’s reaction to Ali’s question regarding Hassan’s experience “’[a]fter that kite tournament’” (81) at the beginning of the chapter?2. What changes exist in Baba’s parenting approach towards Amir after the kite tournament victory? How does this make Amir feel? How does it make you feel as a reader? Does Baba’s approach change over the course of the chapter?3. After Amir becomes car sick on the way to Jalalabad, he closes his eyes and sees an image. What is this image, and what does it suggest about Amir’s mindset?4. What realization does Amir reach about the nature of his “new curse” (86) as he lies awake?5. Amir and Hassan take two trips “up the hill” (86) in Chapter 8. Describe their first trip and the universal ideas that are examined in the scene.6. Amir asks his father a question that enrages Baba while the two are planting flowers. What is Amir’s question, why does it anger Baba, and why do you think Amir asks it?7. How have Amir’s opinions of school changed in Chapter 8?8. Describe Amir and Hassan’s second trip “up the hill” (91) and the universal ideas that are examined in this scene.9. Who is the most noteworthy guest at Amir’s birthday celebration? What present does this guest give Amir?10. Outside of the party, Amir has a lengthy conversation with Rahim Khan during which he relates a story to Amir. Using embedded quotes to support your argument, in a well written paragraph, discuss Rahim Khan’s story and determine a potential moral or learning lesson that he incorporates into his tale. Why does Rahim Khan tell Amir this story at this time? What reason does he have for sharing an experience with Amir?11. Using embedded quotes to support your argument, in a well written paragraph, explain how the “fireworks” (100) are employed ironically at the end of the chapter? Look back at your IRONY notes to help you develop a proper argument.NINE1. What are Amir’s feelings towards the birthday presents he opens at the beginning of Chapter 9? Why does he feel the way he does towards the presents? What may this experience with the gifts represent about Amir?2. How does Amir further reflect upon the conversation that he and Rahim Khan during his birthday party? What lessons has Amir taken from Khan’s story about Homaira?3. What is significant about the gift that Ali presents his “Amir agha” (103) the day after the celebration?4. What elaborate plan does Amir act out during the middle of the chapter?5. After Hassan admits to stealing from Amir, at what realization does Amir arrive? What logic does he use to come to his conclusion?6. Using embedded quotes to support your argument, in a well written paragraph, characterize the complex feelings that Amir experiences as he witnesses Ali “protect” (106) Hassan.7. What new side of Baba does the reader observe in Chapter 9? Besides the reader, who else seems surprised by this new side of Baba’s personality?8. How does Khaled Hosseini use weather symbolism in the latter stages of Chapter 9? What may this weather symbolism symbolize?9. On page 108, Amir recalls that he “discovered [Hassan’s toys]… piled in a corner just like the birthday presents” in his own bedroom. Using embedded quotes to support your argument, in a well written paragraph, articulate what the boys’ piles of toys may represent or symbolize in regards to Amir and Hassan.10. What insightful point does Amir make regarding his own memory of Ali and Hassan’s departure and “Hindi movies”?11. How would you characterize thirteen year-old Amir’s feelings at the end of Chapter 9? As a reader, can any part of you understand or identify with his feelings?TEN1. Chapter 10 marks the beginning of a shift in the novel. What shift takes place, and what does this shift suggest about the events in Chapter 9?2. As a result of the shift, new exposition is necessary in Amir’s telling of his story. How does Amir (and, for that matter, Hosseini) approach exposition in the chapter? What information about characters and setting are relayed through the exposition?3. Refer back to your “History of Afghanistan” notes. What are Afghanistan’s people dealing with in their country during the early 1980s? In what ways does the novel accurately portray this historical period in Afghanistan in Chapter 10?4. When describing his and Baba’s departure from Kabul, Amir describes the possessions that they took with them. What is noteworthy about the items that are taken and what is the thinking behind taking these items?5. Where do Amir’s thoughts travel while immersed in the chaos described on page 113? How do these thoughts help us to understand Amir’s character post-novel shift?6. The story of Baba and the Russian soldier (pages 114-118) breathes intensity and anxiety into a chapter already rich with heightened emotions and feelings. For what purpose do you infer that this story suits the chapter and novel as a whole? Why is the story important?7. Let’s practice a skill we have learned in class. Once Amir and Baba arrive in the “one-story house” (117) in Jalalabad, complications to a plan create conflict. For Baba’s character, what is his GOAL, what is the MOTIVATION for his goal, what OBSTACLES stand in the way of his achieving his goal, and what TACTICS does he utilize to help him overcome his obstacles in pursuit of his goal? What does this thought process (Goal, Motivation, Obstacle, Tactic) reveal about character when applied to Baba? 8. What does Amir and Baba’s endurance of the harsh and nasty conditions in Jalalabad help the reader to understand about Amir and Baba’s current situation and place in life?9. On page 120, upon what information does Amir stumble regarding Kamal while in the basement? When you read this information, how does it make you feel?10. While in the “pitch black…fuel tank” (121), what two things (an item and a memory) bring Amir comfort?11. What meaning do you make of the two tragic events that take place on the last page of the chapter? Why do you think Kamal’s father makes the choice that he does? What point might Hosseini be making?ELEVEN1. Where is Fremont, California? What is your knowledge of the 1980s?2. Like many immigrants of the United States, Baba “love[s] the idea” but struggles “living in” America (125). How does Khaled Hosseini account for this difference of perception and reality over the course of Chapter 11?3. Amir’s account of the incident at the Nguyen family’s “little grocery store” (127) if packed with emotions and universal ideas. Identify a universal idea that emerges from the encounter.4. Amir’s narration employs a simile comparison to help the reader better understand Baba’s experience in America. What is this simile, and why does the simile stand out? Later, what contrasting point does Amir make about each of their approaches to America?5. During his high school graduation season, what is Baba’s reaction to Amir’s desire “to get a job” (131) and help his father out with money? How does this reaction change or shift Baba’s characterization? 6. In Chapter 11, where is Baba able to feel like himself again? What details help you to recognize this self-comfort in Baba?7. What moment makes Baba’s gift to Amir a bittersweet memory in Amir’s life? 8. Despite his father’s obvious disapproval, what motivating factor leads Amir to commit to his choice of a college major?9. On page 136, Amir labels both Kabul and America. What comparisons does he make, and how do these comparisons help the reader to understand Amir’s character in the 1980s?10. The remainder of the chapter takes place in a new setting. Identify this new setting, and share your initial impressions of the new setting and its effect on the characters. What moments stick out to you at the end of the chapter? What new characters pique you interest?TWELVE1. What romantic connection does Amir make to “yelda… the first night of winter, and the longest night of the year” (143) at the beginning of Chapter 12?2. Beginning on page 144, Amir recounts early impressions and memories of Soraya at the flea market. Using embedded quotes to support your argument, in a well written paragraph, characterize Amir’s memories of his “Swap Meet Princess” (142) and identify the overall tone of Amir’s narration during this portion of the chapter.3. What warning does Baba give Amir as he begins to interact with Soraya? Why does he give his son this warning?4. Amir recognizes a “double standard” in Afghan culture as he courts Soraya. Identify the double standard and offer your own opinions about it. Is Afghan culture similar to or different from American culture in terms of this double standard?5. What characterizations for Soraya’s parents, Jamila and General Taheri, are established in the chapter? 6. What profession does Soraya explain to Amir she wishes to pursue? What story accompanies her explanation, and how does Soraya’s story connect to Amir? 7. Using embedded quotes to support your argument, in multiple well written paragraphs, describe the difference in Baba and Amir’s approach to Baba’s illness. How does each man face Baba’s cancer? What does each man’s approach suggest about each man at this point in their lives?8. What decision does Amir make about his own life during the latter stages of Baba’s fight with cancer? Do you believe that Baba’s cancer has anything to do with the timing of Amir’s decision? Why or why not?9. The end of the Chapter 12 is highlighted by Amir and Soraya’s telephone conversation. What details or moments from the conversation stand out as being memorable to you and why?THIRTEEN1. Amir’s narration throughout the first half of the novel leaves little doubt that he feels neglected at times by his father, Baba. However, in Chapter 13, Amir shares details about Baba that lead the reader to believe that “Mr. Hurricane” (12) has come to terms with and has learned to love his son. Using embedded quotes to support your argument, in a well written paragraph, identify those moments in Amir’s narration that imply that Baba has found a way to accept his son and characterize Amir’s response to this acceptance.2. What moments on pages 166-171 (the engagement party at the Taheri’s home, Amir and Soraya’s wedding) spark interest in you? What meaning are you making of these pages?3. What brings Amir to tears on page 172?4. How is Baba characterized in his final moments? What is your personal reaction to his death? What does Amir mean when he states that Baba dies “on his own terms” (174)?5. After Baba’s passing, the focus of the narration shifts to Soraya’s family, the Taheris. What characteristics does Amir share with the reader, and for what purpose does he share this information? 6. What professional success does Amir experience over the end of the decade? On page 182, what incentive does Soraya tell Amir she is putting into place to motivate Amir to have his novel “accepted”? What is Amir’s reaction to this incentive, and why does he react in this manner? 7. As he remembers Rahim Khan’s support and Hassan’s prediction, what is Amir’s reaction to getting published on page 183?8. What GOAL do Soraya and Amir pursue once Amir’s professional life is established? What MOTIVATION do they have for this goal? What OBSTACLE stands in the way of their pursuing the goal? What TACTIC(s) do they take to overcome this goal? What is the result of this GOAL-MOTIVATION-OBSTACLE-TACTIC process?FOURTEEN1. What is Amir’s state at the beginning of Chapter 14? Why do you think he describes himself in this fashion at the beginning of the chapter?2. What meaning do you make of the descriptive narration at the bottom of page 191 and the top of page 192?3. In the years that have passed between Chapters 13 and 14, how have Amir and his family (Soraya, General Taheri, Jamila) changed or remained the same?4. What decision does Amir make during the course of the short chapter, and what ideas discussed at the end of the chapter help to characterize his decision?FIFTEEN1. What is noteworthy about Amir’s description of Pakistan on pages 195 and 196? What meaning do you make of the details Amir includes in his setting of the scene?2. Amir’s narration briefly digresses into an anecdote about a creative writing teacher in college and a lesson about clichés. What cliché is appropriately used in Amir’s narration describing the first moments of his visit with Rahim Khan?3. As you read, look up chapter concepts including a) the Taliban and b) the Northern Alliance so that you may better understand the social background of Chapter 15.4. On page 200, Rahim Khan shares the fate of Baba’s orphanage with Amir. Using embedded quotes to support your argument, in a well written paragraph, explain the symbolic meaning of the orphanage, particularly in connection to the state of Afghanistan that Rahim Khan describes in Chapter 15.5. If you are actively reading and looking up concepts with which you are unfamiliar, this question is easier to address. What kind of reception has the Taliban received since coming into Afghanistan? Why does Rahim Khan suggest this reception occurred?6. Briefly summarize Rahim Khan’s philosophies of life from page 201 as well as Amir’s philosophical reaction on page 202.7. In what can essentially be described as a bombshell, what news does Rahim Khan break to Amir at the end of the chapter? Additionally, Rahim Khan admits to Amir why he asked him to come to Pakistan? What is his admission?SIXTEEN1. Without warning, as readers, we experience yet another shift at the beginning of the chapter. Identify the shift, specifically the literary device at play, and evaluate the effectiveness of this shift on the chapter as a whole.2. What decision does Rahim Khan share that he made in 1986, and why does he suggest he made that decision?3. Be prepared to discuss the following moments and details from Rahim Khan’s recounting of nearly 12 years of his life:Rahim Khan’s search for HassanHassan’s appearance as an adultFarzana, Hassan’s wifeAli’s fateRahim Khan’s request of Hassan and Farzana, and their decisionHassan’s questions for Rahim KhanIhtiram and HassanHassan and Farzana’s first childThe “woman covered in a sky blue burqa” (209)Hassan and Farzana’s second childAfghanistan’s political climate during the 1990s4. Sanuabar briefly makes a return to Khaled Hosseini’s novel. Using embedded quotes to support your argument, in a well written paragraph, hypothesize the reasoning behind Sanuabar’s reemergence. Why do you believe Hosseini brings her character back to the story? What purpose does she suit? What significant meaning can be made of her homecoming?SEVENTEEN1. As Rahim Khan finishes his stories and the narration returns to Amir’s point of view, what concern does Amir have in reaction to Rahim Khan’s monologue? What item does Rahim Khan give to Amir to answer his question, respond to his concern?2. In what are essentially Hassan’s final words in the novel, the proud Hazara discusses multiple topics in his letter to Amir. Identify those topics and characterize the manner in which Hassan discusses them.3. Page 219 is a moment that most readers would rather not experience. How does the literary device of form accentuate an already memorable moment in the novel?4. Amir comes to the realization that all of the important people from his childhood—Baba, Hassan, Ali, Rahim Khan—are either dead or dying. To what do you attribute this circumstance? Why is Amir the last of his people?5. Be prepared to discuss the following “similied”-sentence:Hassan slumps to the asphalt, his life of unrequited loyaltydrifting from him like the windblown kites he used to chase. (219)6. After Rahim Khan breaks the news of Hassan and Farzana to Amir, both characters’ attentions turn to Sohrab. What GOAL does Rahim Khan hope to achieve? What MOTIVATION does he have for achieving this goal? What OBSTACLE stands in the way of his achieving the goal? What TACTIC(s) does he take to overcome his obstacles and achieve this goal? What is the result of this GOAL-MOTIVATION-OBSTACLE-TACTIC process?7. In what can essentially be described as a second “Rahim Khan bombshell,” what news does Rahim Khan break to Amir at the end of this chapter? How does Amir react? What is your reaction to this news?EIGHTEEN1. What simile does Amir use at the beginning of the chapter to explain his feelings and mindset after he storms out of Rahim Khan’s apartment?2. On page 225, Amir claims “that Baba had been a thief.” To what specific thefts does Amir allude, and do you agree with Amir that Baba acted against his moral code? What do you believe to be Baba’s legacy in the novel? 3. Determining the reasoning behind Rahim Khan’s request for him to visit him in Pakistan, Amir recognizes that he has been asked to “atone… for [his own] sins” as well as “Baba’s” (226). Using embedded quotes to support your argument, in a well written paragraph, contend whether or not you believe it is fair for Amir to have to account for the mistakes of his father? Must children answer for their parents’ choices? 4. “On the rickshaw” (227), what two factors seem to influence Amir’s decision to fulfill Rahim Khan’s request of him?NINETEEN1. Who is Farid, and how is he characterized by Amir at the beginning of the chapter?2. Amir recounts that “Rahim Khan had wanted [him] to stay with him a few more days, to plan thoroughly” for Amir’s journey (231). Why specifically does Amir acknowledge that he “ha[s] to leave as soon as possible” (231)?3. Upon entering Afghanistan, how does Amir remark that the country has changed? How do these changes affect Amir’s relationship with his country? What is Farid’s reaction to Amir’s affected relationship?4. What meaning do you make of the back-to-back-to-back references to trees on pages 233 and 234? Might these trees offer some symbolic value?5. How does Amir depict Farid’s family and their interaction throughout the course of the chapter? What do you make of Wahid, and how is he different from his brother?6. By what is Amir “suddenly… embarrassed” (235) during his visit with Farid’s family? From where do you believe this embarrassment stems?7. How are women portrayed in Chapter 19? What roles do they seem to fill?8. What self-satirizing comment does Amir make through his anecdotal sharing of the “digital wristwatch” story (238)?9. At what juncture in the chapter does Farid’s characterization as well as his opinion of Amir seem to shift? What might this shift suggest about Farid?10. Hassan’s claim that “dreams always mean something” forces the reader to make meaning of Amir’s dream in the chapter. What does Amir’s dream suggest about his thought processes since visiting with Rahim Khan?11. Before heading “westward” (241) towards Kabul, Amir commits a repetitious act. What is that act, and what might his act suggest about the coming chapters? TWENTY1. What words, phrases, and anecdotes does Amir employ in his narration to characterize the dramatic transformation of Afghanistan throughout the chapter?2. As Amir encounters beggars on the streets of Kabul, what does Amir notice is missing from the scene on page 245?3. What does Farid’s explanation that “[t]he police headquarters is still there… But you won’t find kites or kite shops… Those days are over” (246) suggest about Afghanistan and its social dynamics?4. Be prepared to describe Amir’s “first time [seeing] the Taliban” (247). What details of the encounter suggest that Amir is not familiar with the organization?5. What meaning do you make of Khaled Hosseini’s inclusion of “the old beggar” and his short scene on pages 248-251?6. What does Amir and Farid’s initial encounter with Zaman, the orphanage director, expose concerning Afghan life in the early 2000s?7. Characterize the living conditions of the orphanage that Amir and Farid visit.8. To what places does Amir’s mind wander after Zaman explains that finding Sohrab “may be very dangerous” (255)? What do these thoughts say about Amir’s character and personality?9. Why do you believe that Farid becomes as angry as he does with Farid towards the end of the chapter? Is he right to feel this angry? What dynamics complicate Zaman’s situation?10. What symbolic meaning do you make of the final image of the chapter with Zaman, the children, the doorway of the orphanage, and his broken glasses?TWENTY-ONE1. What is noteworthy about the “dead body” (259) that Amir sees hanging near Khyber Restaurant? What does this dynamic suggest or symbolize about Kabul?2. Similarly, what does the scene between the two men “[h]aggling over the leg” (259) as well as Farid’s reaction suggest about the current state of Afghanistan?3. What literary device does Khaled Hosseini employ on page 261 as he has Amir recount a memory from his childhood before he narrates the condition of his childhood home? What benefit does the use of this literary device offer?4. What “one more thing” (263) does Amir need “ten minutes” to experience? In your opinion, what reason does Amir have for pursuing this experience?5. In what condition is Amir and Farid’s hotel room near Pashtunistan Square, and how does Amir feel about paying $75 for the room?6. What three topics do Amir and Farid discuss as they fall asleep on pages 266 and 267?7. What is surprising about the “sexy pictures” (268) that the “scrawny boy” is attempting to sell to Amir? What does this dynamic suggest about Afghanistan?8. How does the use of the pronouns “they” and “them” at the beginning of the final paragraph on page 268 effect the mood of you, the reader?9. Why do Amir and Farid “have to stay” (269) for the halftime festivities at the soccer game? What details of Amir’s narration stick with you after reading about the events that transpire on “the pitch” (268) at Ghazi Stadium?10. What “personal business” (272) do Amir and Farid conduct while at the soccer game?TWENTY-TWO1. Identify details from the beginning of Chapter 22 that establish the overarching tone of the scene.2. What understanding and self-reflective insight does Amir share on page 275 as he sits and anticipates a meeting with the Talib?3. Later on page 275, Amir’s narration provides a foreshadowing detail that speaks to his time in the mansion. Identify this use of foreshadowing narration.4. Once in the same room as Amir, how is the Talib’s characterization revealed to the reader? What details and moments (there are lots) help to shape quickly the Talib’s character for the audience?5. How does Amir react the first time he sees Sohrab? How is his first encounter with the boy ruined? 6. What “question hit[s] [Amir] like a hammer between the eyes” (281)? What does this question reveal about the circumstances of the scene?7. What moment in his life does Assef attribute to an epiphany? To where does this epiphany lead him in life?8. What tone does Amir take with Assef? Does the tone that he takes surprise you in any way? Does it surprise Assef? Amir?9. Assef agrees to let Amir take Sohrab, but only if Amir is able to “earn him” (286). What conditions or rules for a game does Assef establish for his servants, Amir, and Sohrab?10. What does the flash-forward at the bottom of page 287 suggest about the outcome of Assef’s game? Why might Khaled Hosseini have decided to include this flash-forward? What does it accomplish for him as the author?11. Despite injuries to his teeth, jaw, belly and ribs, face, and nose as well as Sohrab’s constant screaming, what surprising reaction does Amir have to his fight with Assef? How does Amir explain this reaction in his narration?12. What character conclusions can we draw from each participant in the fight based on their actions during the quarrel?TWENTY-THREE1. Using context clues, determine where Amir seems to be at the beginning of the chapter. What details help you to infer his location?2. In what condition does Amir appear to be throughout the chapter? How does Amir’s narration help to establish his condition? Look closely at diction choices and writing techniques.3. Amir imparts a dream to the reader on page 295. What does this dream represent or symbolize? What seems to be different about this dream compared to the others in the novel? How might we account for this difference?4. What injuries has Amir sustained? Which injury appears to be most noteworthy?5. What seemingly ironic statement does Amir make towards Sohrab during his first conversation with the boy on page 298? 6. What meaning do you make of Sohrab “still sitting next [Amir]” (300) when he wakes up in the hospital room? Why is this information worth relaying to the reader?7. Rahim Khan’s letter to Amir is jam-packed with fascinating explanations and revelations. Each paragraph seems to discuss a different and enormous topic. What topics does Rahim Khan discuss in the letter, and what reactions do you have regarding Rahim Khan’s revelations?8. Reflecting upon the letter, what distinction does Amir draw between his father and himself? How do you think Amir can become more like his father?9. What concern does Farid have for Amir and his safety? How does Amir confirm that Farid’s concerns are valid?10. Why does Amir break down into tears on page 305? What might these tears suggest about Amir and his road towards redemption? How might Amir’s dream on page 307 further reinforce this suggestion?11. What unforeseen obstacle do Amir and Farid encounter that wrecks “the plan” (308) they have formulated? Is this surprise truly an obstacle in Amir’s life?12. What does Amir’s “hodge-podge of images” (309) seem to mean? Consider the very last “visual memory” when formulating your answer.TWENTY-FOUR1. In what way(s) does Amir describe the differences between Kabul and Islamabad at the beginning of the chapter? What details assist in setting the scene of Chapter 24?2. How would you describe Farid’s departure from Amir and Sohrab and, effectively, the novel? What might the nature of Farid’s departure symbolize?3. After Amir wakes from his “two… pain pills” slumber (313), his “heart [gives] a sick lurch” (313). To what is Amir’s heart reacting, and what does this reaction suggest about Amir?4. What does Amir’s conversation with Mr. Fayyaz, the hotel manager, represent in terms of Amir’s character?5. After finding Sohrab and having a conversation with him about his parents, Amir is able to give Sohrab a comforting gift. What is the gift, and as Sohrab admires it, what “line” that Amir “read somewhere, or maybe… heard someone say” (318) creeps into his mind? What does this observation mean? 6. What concern about his future does Sohrab share with Amir? With what ultimate words of wisdom does Amir use in an attempt to comfort Sohrab?7. What seemingly inevitable question does Amir ask Sohrab on page 320? What is Sohrab’s immediate answer to the question, and why do you think Sohrab reacts to Amir’s question in the fashion that he does?8. What three promises does Amir make to Sohrab on page 324? What does Amir’s making these promises to Sohrab suggest about Amir and his experience in his new role as caretaker and guardian?9. What details are noteworthy about Amir’s telephone call with Soraya on pages 325 and 326?10. Who is Raymond Andrews? How would you describe his character? Is his character one-dimensional, or is there a depth to his existence in the novel? If it exists, what accounts for the depth?11. What goal does Amir pursue in the second half of the chapter, and what “significant obstacles” (330) does Amir face in achieving this goal?12. Having read the entire chapter, what use of foreshadowing does Khaled Hosseini employ to make the dramatic tension effective in Chapter 24?13. Who is Omar Faisal? How would you characterize his description when the reader is first introduced to him on pages 334 and 335? Why is Omar Faisal’s presence in the chapter so crucial for the action?14. Be prepared to identify a specific place that a tone shift takes place in the conversation between Amir and Sohrab on pages 340-342.15. Describe the irony that is established by the combination of Omar Faisal’s visit, Amir and Sohrab’s conversation, and Soraya’s phone call that comes on the final pages of the chapter.TWENTY-FIVE1. Chapter 25 concludes the novel and begins with a shift from Chapter 24. What shift takes place, and how does this shift affect the reader’s response to the narration at the outset of the chapter?2. In what ways do Amir’s present situation in Chapter 25 and his memory of “riding with Baba in the tank of the fuel truck” (345) mirror each other? What does Amir’s current situation force him to do? Why is this choice significant?3. Despite Amir’s hope that “everything [he] saw in the hotel bathroom was part of a dream” (347), with what reality is Amir confronted in terms of Sohrab?4. What does Amir’s dream on page 349 with Raymond Andrews symbolize? What shift in the narration takes place immediately following the dream? Is there a connection between his dream and the shift?5. Sohrab says very little in the final chapter of the novel, a fact that plagues Amir (and later Soraya) and establishes a tension in the novel’s last moments. What words does Sohrab speak while at the hospital? 6. How does Sohrab finally make it to America, and how does Amir sense that Sohrab feels about this move?7. On pages 356 and 357, Amir’s narration directly acknowledges his role as storyteller. How is this acknowledgment made, and what message does Amir offer regarding storytelling?8. With pages to go in the novel, Amir alludes to “last Sunday’s little miracle” (357) that ultimately is revealed and becomes part of the final moment in the story. However, before this moment occurs, lots of denouement (falling action) moments take place. Be prepared to discuss the importance of or symbolic meaning behindAmir and Soraya’s reunitingSohrab’s bedroom and his relationship with SorayaAmir’s sleeping patterns and his coming to terms with the pain that Baba’s relationship brings to himGeneral Taheri’s reaction to Sohrab as well as the General’s exit from the novelSohrab’s demeanor in AmericaAmir and America’s reaction to 9-11-20019. The final scenes of the novel are set “on a cool rainy day in March 2002… at Lake Elizabeth Park in Fremont” (363) where Amir, Soraya, Sohrab, and Khala Jamila plan to celebrate the Afghan New Year. What details planted into the scene establish an Afghan culture that readers have read and learned about while reading the novel?10. A second kite-fighting scene finds its way into the novel. When introduced, Amir describes “[a] half-dozen kites… flying high, speckles of bright yellow, red, and green against the gray sky” (366). What symbolic meaning can be extracted from the image Amir describes?11. What tactic does Amir use in an attempt to connect with Sohrab during the kite-fighting scene? Is he successful?12. Does Sohrab’s demeanor change during the kite-fighting scene? If so, what might this change suggest about Sohrab, and what might that suggest about the symbolic nature of kite-fighting in the scene and the entire novel?13. How would you describe Amir’s tone towards Sohrab and the slight change in his demeanor on pages 370 and 371? What metaphors does he employ in his narration to communicate this tone?14. How is Amir to be remembered? What notions of him do you take away from the final page of the novel? What character traits does he possess at the end of the story? ................
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