The Kite Runner is a novel by Khaled Hosseini. 26. We do not know anything about this event except that it still haunts him and that it involves something he did to Hassan, whom he calls "the harelipped kite runner." [9] Originally published in English, The Kite Runner was later translated into 42 languages for publication in 38 countries. Some of our cousins died. Related is the difference in the health of the rich and the poor, who cannot afford proper medicine. He follows this recollection by telling us about a call he received last summer from a friend in Pakistan named Rahim Khan. Contact us He took Hassan up to the hill and pelted him with pomegranates. The kite runner is generally an assistant of the kite fighter by going after the kite after it's fallen. Sohrab revealed that he was afraid God would punish him for what he did to Assef. Hassans parents were Hazara as well. Its an old-fashioned kind of novel that really sweeps you away. San Francisco Chronicle Books by Khaled Hosseini As a child, he enjoys storytelling and is encouraged by Rahim Khan to become a well-known writer. 30. [34] Hangama Anwari, the child rights commissioner for the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, commented, "They should not play around with the lives and security of people. Ace your assignments with our guide to The Kite Runner! (one code per order). The first night, Amir woke up to find Sohrab gone. She felt that Hosseini was too focused on fully redeeming the protagonist in Part III and in doing so created too many unrealistic coincidences that allowed Amir the opportunity to undo his past wrongs. Subscribe now. Rahim Khan further reveals that Ali was sterile and was not Hassan's biological father. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. Khaled Hosseinis main audience for the book is not Afghan, and he familiarizes his readers with life in Afghanistan by explaining some basic facts. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. More importantly, Ali and Hassans physical differences symbolize how both men suffer marginalized existences through no fault of their own. It was voted the Reading Group Book of the Year for 2006 and 2007 and headed a list of 60 titles submitted by entrants to the Penguin/Orange Reading Group prize (UK). Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Where does Amir find Hassan and what is the conflict? All three of these are important thematic topics in The Kite Runner, and their impact on Amir are made clear in the subsequent chapters. Flying kites was a way to escape the horrific reality the two boys were living in. Amir recalls an event that happened twenty-six years before, when he was still a boy in Afghanistan, and says that that made him who he is. However, after finding the kite, Hassan encounters Assef in an alleyway. Fifteen years after his wedding, Amir receives a call from Rahim Khan. Riverhead Books published The Kite Runner, ordering an initial printing of 50,000 copies in hardback. creating and saving your own notes as you read. [20] Despite this, some critics questioned whether the protagonist had fully redeemed himself.[21]. Amir also treats Hassan badly because he resents and is jealous of Babas affection for Hassan; Baba doesnt express much affection for Amir, and his feeling of rejection brings out the worst in him. He had broken his ribs and a bone in his face and he had a punctured lung, among other injuries. They were called "kite runners." WebThe Kite Runner offers a moving portrait of modern Afghanistan, from its pre-Russian-invasion glory days through the terrible reign of the Taliban. Entertainment Weekly (Grade: A) A marvelous first novel an incredible story of the culture. on 50-99 accounts. Amir was too ashamed of what he had done to face Hassan and avoided him at all costs. After thinking things over at a caf, he returned and said he would bring Sohrab to Peshawar. Renews May 8, 2023 You can view our. For a long time, Rahim Khan had lived in Baba's house alone, but he became weak and lonely. Before the event, he lives in a nice home in Kabul, Afghanistan, with Baba, his father. After his adoption, Sohrab refuses to interact with Amir or Soraya until Amir reminisces about Hassan and kites and shows off some of Hassan's tricks one day. Hassan did not want to come to Wazir Akbar Khan until Rahim Khan told him about Baba's death. Baba also has his own strong moral sense. After the Russians invade Afghanistan and executions become commonplace, Amir and Baba flee the turmoil and danger destroying their home country. "[2][11] Regardless, he maintains that the plot is fictional. Farid brought a letter and a key from Rahim Khan. Ali was a devout reader of the Koran, the bottom half of his face was paralyzed, and polio destroyed the muscle in his right leg, giving him a severe limp. Amir (named Amir Qadiri in 2007 film adaptation, surname is not given in book) is the protagonist and narrator of the novel. Please wait while we process your payment. After Rahim Khan left to seek medical treatment in Pakistan, the Taliban showed up at Baba's house. Every other sin is a variation of theft. WebClear rating. Amir, who is thus far a nameless protagonist, tells us that an event in the winter of 1975 changed his life forever. Children and mothers begged on every street corner, and there were few men to be seen because so many had died fighting. At the American Embassy, an official named Raymond Andrews told Amir that it would be near impossible to get Sohrab a visa. It was initially scheduled to premiere in November 2007, but the release date was pushed back six weeks to evacuate the Afghan child stars from the country after they received death threats. Amir has a vision of Baba fighting a bear in Baluchistan, a story that is supposedly true. That same night, July 17, 1973, there was a coup d'etat in Afghanistan, changing it from a monarchy to a republic. When Amir told Sohrab about the orphanage, the boy was devastated. Why does Amir sometimes treat Hassan badly in childhood? [8][9] According to Hosseini, the narrative became "much darker" than he originally intended. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. Lastly, theres Hassan, who is a loyal and courageous friend. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! He and Farid spent the night in a run-down hotel. The latter half of the book centers on Amir's attempts to atone for this transgression by rescuing Hassan's son two decades later. 2. Sohrab is traumatized by his sexual abuse, and so cannot let himself be touched by an adult yet. The Kite Runner [37] Two years later, David Ira Goldstein, artistic director of Arizona Theater Company, organized for it to be performed at San Jose Repertory Theatre. This guilt, in fact, informs the entire narrative. WebThomas and Betty Caldwell An American couple who Rahim Khan says could take care of Sohrab in Peshawar, but who might not actually exist. [34] Directed by Marc Forster and with a screenplay by David Benioff, the movie won numerous awards and was nominated for an Academy Award, the BAFTA Film Award, and the Critics Choice Award in 2008. Amir wants Hassan to hit him with pomegranates to punish himself for not intervening and helping Hassan in the alley. Sohrab was made to watch as Assef beat Amir nearly to death. Instant PDF downloads. The repetition of "clean down the middle" followed by the fragment "like a harelip" seems to indicate that readers will not or cannot make the connection on their own. At the end of Rahim Khan gave him the only present he could bear to use, which was a blank notebook for his stories. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. Once, while looking through history books, Amir discovered information on the Hazara. His best friend is Hassan, and he goes back and forth between acting as a loyal friend and attacking Hassan out of jealousy whenever Hassan receives Amirs fathers affection. Amir tells Sohrab that he may have to go back to an orphanage for a little while as they have encountered a problem in the adoption process, and Sohrab, terrified about returning to an orphanage, attempts suicide via cutting his wrists. One triumphant day, Amir wins the local kite-fighting tournament and finally earns Baba's praise. A lot of my childhood friends had a very hard time. Teachers and parents! Historical Context Essay: The Kite Runner and The Taliban, Literary Context Essay: Coming-of-Age Stories, Khaled Hosseini and The Kite Runner Background. Why does Amir ask Baba if he has seen Amirs new watch? He has his own vulnerabilities, however, particularly regarding his mother. WebThe first half of The Kite Runner focuses on Amir 's relationships with Baba and Hassan. The devastation in Kabul took Amir's breath away. Baba, who works at a gas station now, has had difficulty adjusting to life in the U.S. One day, in a convenience store he often shops at, he overturns a magazine rack because the manager asks for ID when Baba tries to pay with a check. Sorayas father and a friend of Baba. He felt ashamed that he could not bring himself to tell her his secret in return. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. In the wake of what happened, Amir found it strange to hear people on the news and on the street talking about the cities of his childhood. Every Sunday, Baba and Amir make extra money selling used goods at a flea market in San Jose. What is a kite runner? Amir loves parts of his father and resents other parts. The next day, Amir plants the watch and some of his gift money under Hassans mattress. [2] Themes of guilt and redemption feature prominently in the novel,[3] with a pivotal scene depicting an act of sexual assault inflicted upon Amir's friend Hassan, which Amir fails to prevent, and which ends their friendship. Removing #book# He loves Hassan deeply, though he rarely expresses his emotions outwardly. Hassan takes the blame because he loves Amir, and this unconditional love and willingness to sacrifice himself for those he loves are part of Hassans true nature. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. Discount, Discount Code For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more! The Kite Runner As children, Amir and Hassan would climb trees and use mirrors to reflect sunlight into a neighbors window, or they would shoot walnuts at the neighbors dog with a slingshot. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. The Kite Runner PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. The relationships between fathers and sons, and between the older generation and the new one, are a major theme of the story. When necessary, he is even willing to risk his life for what he believes in. She died when he was four. He also promised Sohrab that he would never have to go to another orphanage. Rahim Khan tells Amir that Alis first wife was never able to conceive a child with Ali, but became pregnant multiple times once she remarried. Occasionally he chooses a boy, recently Sohrab. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. According to one story, he even wrestled a bear once. [9], As with Hosseini's subsequent novels, The Kite Runner covers a multigenerational period and focuses on the relationship between parents and their children. Hassans and Sohrabs rapist and the novels antagonist. \"Your friends, this John and Betty Caldwell, they aren't in Peshawar,\" Farid said. "[9] Having left the country around the time of the Soviet invasion, he felt a certain amount of survivor's guilt: "Whenever I read stories about Afghanistan my reaction was always tinged with guilt. Why does Amir ask Baba if he has seen Amirs new watch? You'll be billed after your free trial ends. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. The way the content is organized. What is the significance of Alis first wife? Kite Runner Why did Baba lie about Hassan being his son? Not affiliated with Harvard College. Why did Baba lie about Hassan being his son? He and Sohrab stayed at a hotel in Islamabad. Why does Amir want Hassan to leave Babas household? How does Amir and Hassans relationship change after the kite tournament? He is described as a "sociopath" by Amir. Wed love to have you back! Baba says Amir is not like other boys, and he worries that if Amir cant stand up for himself as a child, he will not be able to do so as an adult. He hid his wristwatch and money under Hassan and Ali's mattress. Farid drove Amir to Baba's house, which had become decrepit and was occupied by the Taliban. Continue to start your free trial. Why does Amir ask Baba if he has seen Amirs new watch? Appropriately, he opens the novel in the present then quickly jumps back in time. WebThe Kite Runner is the story of Amir, a Sunni Muslim, who struggles to find his place in the world because of the aftereffects and fallout from a series of traumatic childhood events. Amir accepts Soraya even after she tells him of her past because he, too, has done something seriously wrong and doesnt feel he can judge others. Rahim Khan's letter is also a statement about faith, God, and forgiveness. But things are never so convenient in the world of, Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. Rahim Khan asked Amir to go to Kabul and bring Sohrab back to Peshawar. Amir was proud of his literacy and lorded it over the unsuspecting, illiterate Hassan. What has Rahim Khan really done by telling Amir that the Caldwells will take Sohrab when he knows that no such family exists? Hassan is a successful "kite runner" for Amir; he knows where the kite will land without watching it. Kite Runner He said that Ali and Hassan were their family. | He said he hoped Amir would return to Afghanistan and that they would reunite. For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more! He even told Amir that he had never been a real Afghan because he grew up with so many privileges. He was motivated to write a 25-page short story about two boys who fly kites in Kabul. Hassan and Farzana insisted on staying in the servants' hut and doing housework. How did Ali become a part of baba's family? The Kite Runner [8] Later, when writing his second novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns (then titled Dreaming in Titanic City), Hosseini remarked that he was happy that the main characters were women as it "should put the end to the autobiographical question once and for all."[9]. Soraya was very supportive and promised to call her cousin Sharif, who worked for the INS. He also never lets anyones lack of belief in him stop him from accomplishing his goals. Then he explained that Sohrab was his illegitimate half-nephew. Amir's closest friend, the harelipped Hassan, was also his servant and a Hazara. Amir used Hassan's favorite "lift-and-dive" move to cut the kite. Chapters 1415. Farid suggests moving to Islamabad in order to buy some time and remain hidden from the Taliban. It isn't until the end of Baba's life that he appreciates Amir's talents for education and writing. Erika Milvy from Salon praised it as "beautifully written, startling and heart wrenching". He was seriously ill and was living in Peshawar. "[34], Hosseini was surprised by the extent of the controversy caused by the rape scene and said that Afghan actors would not have been cast had studios known that their lives would be threatened. Asnes, Tania. One day, Sanaubar collapsed at the gate of the house. Farid drove him there, but Amir went in alone. ", "The Kite Runner: the Afghan tragedy goes unexplained", "Do I really have to read 'The Kite Runner'? One day, he prepares to attack Amir with brass knuckles, but Hassan defends Amir, threatening to shoot out Assef's eye with his slingshot. Teachers and parents! By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. Sohrab is being kept at Assef's house as a dancing boy. You'll also receive an email with the link. Amir eventually manages to take him back to the United States with the help of Soraya. when guilt leads to good." No matter how much he begged, Hassan would not hit him back. Though nobody thought he would marry well because he wasnt from a prominent family, he married Amirs mother, Sofia Akrami, a beautiful, intelligent woman who came from a royal bloodline. Find more similar flip PDFs like The Kite Runner. Kite Runner Amir meets the Taliban leader, who reveals himself as Assef. Sohrab Baba, meanwhile, is gruff, hardworking, a little distant from Amir, and very much an independent thinker. Amir finds a kinder fatherly figure in Rahim Khan, Baba's closest friend, who understands him and supports his interest in writing, whereas Baba considers that interest to be worthy only of females. Hassan understands that if he denies taking the watch, Baba would know of Amirs devious plot to frame Hassan. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! He does not say what happened, but he says the event made him who he is. The Kite Runner Where does Sohrab go when he runs away from the hotel? He gives him all the money Rahim left, a little over $2,000. Zaman The director of the makeshift orphanage in Kabul, who occasionally sells a child to Assef because he has no other choice and because the money he makes from the sales helps him to feed the other children. Kite Runner Their relationship plays a central role in the book, and it figures in another theme that is introduced in this section: standing up for what is right. He begged God to let Sohrab live because he did not want his blood on his hands. He dreamed about Baba fighting the bear, and realized that he was Baba. The Kite Runner Although Rahim Khan loved the woman and it was his father that sent her away, he explains to Amir that such a decision was for the best because the woman would have suffered due to their different social classes. When Sharif first appears, he is just a minor figure at Sorayas and Amirs wedding. Amir also treats Hassan badly because he resents and is jealous of Babas affection for Hassan; Baba doesnt express much affection for Amir, and his feeling of Baba wishes Amir were braver and stronger and that he could openly express his love for Hassan. Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. Amir, a well-to-do Pashtun boy, and Hassan, a Hazara boy who is the son of Ali, Amir's father's servant, spend their days kite fighting in the hitherto peaceful city of Kabul. Hassan made sure that Sohrab was loved, literate, and great with a slingshot. The last king of Afghanistan, who rules for 40 years. Instead, Khaled Hosseini introduces us to the personalities of the characters. Baba believes first and foremost in doing what is right and thinking for oneself, and he tries to impart these qualities to Amir. Why did Baba lie about Hassan being his son? Poor and an ethnic Hazara, he suffers from partial paralysis of his face and walks with a limp caused by polio. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. The soldier refers to Hassan as a Hazara, which we learn is a persecuted ethnic group in Afghanistan. Check Pages 251-300 of The Kite Runner in the flip PDF version. for a customized plan. Amir tried to resolve his guilt by teaching Hassan not to be so loyal to him. He stands up for Sohrab by confronting Assefsomething he didnt do for Hassan years agoeven though it leads to his brutal beating. The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. "a husband and wife named Thomas and Betty Caldwell". Amir is freed of the daily reminder of his cowardice and betrayal, but he still lives in their shadow. However, his acceptance of Soraya shows he is mature and tolerant and has learned from his past. Friend of Baba and Amir. Read more about Afghanistan as a setting of the novel. Amir flew to Peshawar to see Rahim Khan, who told him that he was dying. Sanaubar and Ali were an unlikely match. Why does Hassan lie about stealing Amirs watch? Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! He says this because he sees Hassan standing up for Amir in fights while Amir appears to back down. 20% The cleft lip was a sign of Hassans lower social status, but also his purity of heart, as he was Babas other half and inherited his courage and goodness. Complete your free account to request a guide. WebThe reader first meets Assef as a violent, racist child who draws his social power from his economic and ethnic identity, and wants to rid his country of all Hazaras. [29] Fabio Celoni provided the illustrations for the project and regularly updated Hosseini on his progress before its release in September of that year. Yet when Amir wrote his first short story and read it to Hassan, it was the latter who found the plot hole in the story. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. [28] Afghanistan's Ministry of Culture banned the film from distribution in cinemas or DVD stores, citing the possibility that the movie's ethnically charged rape scene could incite racial violence within Afghanistan. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Explain kite running. In the letter, Hassan described the terror of living under the Taliban. May 1, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 In many ways, Sohrab acts as a substitute for Hassan in the novel, and he is a central focus of the plot in the later sections of the book. The Kite Runner Chapter 24