...In the novel The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, the main character, Amir, is in a constant struggle between morality and immorality. The relationship between Amir and Hassan shows dominance on Amir’s part, which is obvious when Amir constantly puts blame on Hassan, when he left his friend to be abused by other men, and when he delivers the harshest blow by attempting to frame both Hassan and his father for stealing in order to get rid of Hassan. This obvious mistreatment towards his friend indicates both his lack of ethics and his selfishness, therefore causing ill feelings towards him. Whereas characters with similar personalities as Amir would become instantly disliked by all, his intense desire to win his father’s affection and approval evoke a sense of both sympathy and understanding. Furthermore, later in the novel, Amir’s apparent guilt and attempts at atonement make up, to a certain extent, for all of the wrongs he did in the past. The novel opens with the introduction of the relationship between Amir and Hassan. Right from the very beginning, Amir’s establishes the class distinction between them by stating that both Hassan and his father are the servants of Baba, Amir’s father; thus, Hassan is automatically ranked “below” Amir. Further showing his believed superiority, Amir refers to Hassan as a “Hazara,” though he doesn’t mean in a derogatory way until later in the novel. However, Amir does not really use that against him, as he seems his as more of a brother or friend...
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...Wieckowska February 19, 2009 Period 6 Fiction Analysis of The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Setting: A. Time period – 1970s to early 2000s B. Place – Kabul, Afghanistan and San Francisco, California C. Time Sequence – The story Is told in order. Around 30 years passes. However, the story is told as one giant flashback. D. Standards of Behavior – Hazaras are considered lower than Pashtuns; one should be loyal to friends and family; one is expected to bring honor to one’s family; men are above women; one should put guests’ needs before one’s own Characters: Amir – The story’s narrator and protagonist. He is an Afghan man who had a privileged childhood in the Wazir Akbar Khan neighborhood of Kabul. The defining event in his life is his betrayal of his closest friend, Hassan. Amir lives in San Francisco from the age of eighteen. He returns to Afghanistan at the age of thirty-eight and finds out from Rahim Khan that Hassan is his half-brother. Unfortunately, Hassan and his wife are shot by the Taliban a couple months back. They leave behind their only son, Sohrab. Amir, in an attempt to be good again after his betrayal of Hassan, ends up adopting Hassan’s orphaned son. Hassan – Amir’s most loyal and devoted servant, who is born with a cleft lip. He and Amir were nursed by the same woman and, thus, share a bond unlike any other. Hassan is illiterate but smart and stands up for others. He is also the best kite runner in Kabul. He dies at the hands of the Taliban...
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...The Kite Runner: Literary Analysis In a perfect world, friendship and true friendship would be synonymous. Unfortunately, this is not the case. For children, friendship can be simplified to enjoying eachother’s company and playing with one another, whereas true friendship may be taking the blame so the other can avoid the cruel and unusual punishment of timeout. No matter the age, true friendship exists where selflessness thrives, meaning one must seek out another’s highest good before even considering their own. In The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini, Amir’s childhood friendship with Hassan is one plagued with underlying jealousy and manipulation, but Amir’s transformation from selfish child to selfless adult helps him to overcome his own self-loathing and become the true friend that Hassan deserved all along. From the beginning of the novel all the way through his death, Hassan maintains an unchanging good-heartedness that shines through him and his actions. His loyalty, selflessness, and forgiving nature are just what make him a true friend to Amir. Hassan’s loyalty to Amir is made known early in the novel in one of Amir’s flashbacks. The two sit up in a tree, causing mischief, when Ali comes to reprimand them. Amir recalls “[Hassan] never told on me. Never told that the mirror, like shooting walnuts at the neighbor’s dog, was always my idea” (4). This flashback tells us a lot about the boys’ relationship. First and foremost, we see that Hassan’s...
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...Hugo Varlamos Greve Period 2 January 16th, 2016 The Kite Runner Lit Analysis Outline Amir is a Pashtun and Hassan is a Hazara. Two common people with different places in society. Mainly both of them go through struggles in Afghanistan facing their families, neighbors and the outside world, but certainly Hassan and his son Sohrab undergo a variety of beatings and annihilation to his physical and mental being. The constant torture that occurs in the novel eventually ends up with a sign of giving up for many of the characters. In The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini uses the eyes of the lamb to demonstrate vulnerability, sacrifice and resignation of the characters in dire situations. To start things off, when Hassan is marooned in an alleyway by Assef and his goons and is about to get raped, he stops struggling and fighting for himself. Amir looks into Hassan’s eyes and sees a similar look of the eyes of a lamb about to be slaughtered, “I saw the resignation in it. It was a look i had seen before. It was the look of the lamb,” (Hosseini 76). Adding onto this context, Hosseini is indicating that Assef is the dominant male in this situation. He is simply forcing Hassan as the inferior one by showing his dominance and raping him. This sign of dominance simply shows that there is no hope for...
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...Truthful and Resilient-Speech ‘I don’t want us to start with secrets.’-Hosseini 164 ‘We have to think he’s wrong.’- Hosseini 333 Soraya, unlike Amir, came forward and confessed about her sinful past to Amir and says to Amir, ‘I’d rather you hear it from me’(Hosseini 164). Soraya is well aware that at some point Amir will ask about her rumored past in their marriage, but yet she managed to muster up enough courage to tell him. Unlike Amir, her “secret was out”(Hosseini 165) and it took her a shorter amount of time to confess compared to Amir. Moreover, Soraya was more optimistic and resilient than Amir when they had difficulty getting Sohrab into the United States. Not only did she inform Amir to preserve, but “she was still looking”(Hosseini 333) for an adoption agency that would have made the adoption of Sohrab, an Afghan orphan, possible. Grateful-Thoughts “but maybe that little boy will be good for us too”- Hosseini 333 “I’m grateful he came for me that day. I really believe he saved me”- Hosseini 164 Soraya focuses on how Sohrab is a remedy to Amir and her pain caused by her unexplained infertility, rather than concentrating about how his struggles will make it harder to nurture him. Soraya has been hit pretty badly emotionally because of her natural infertility and is in desperate need of a remedy. Soraya is also a grateful person, because she eventually appreciated her father’s efforts to save her life before it was too late for action. Soraya was a...
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...Both Khaled Hosseini's novel ‘The Kite Runner’ and the short stories "Are You Different?" by Mia Francis and "Chinese Lessons" by Ivy Tseng in the anthology "Growing Up Asian In Australia" by various authors discuss the notion of being displaced. In the texts, the role of being an outsider extends from being excluded in one's own family to a large-scale elimination of the ethnic minorities. In both ‘The Kite Runner’ and ‘Growing Up Asian in Australia’, it is inferred that the idea of being the outsider causes individuals to experience pain, because the way that they perceive themselves and by the people around them as different leads them to feel voiceless, discriminated, and conflicted in a place where they should feel like they belong....
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...“It may be unfair, but what happens in a few days, sometimes even a single day, can change the course of a whole lifetime...” (Hosseini 142). Though out of context, this quote greatly seems to be a recurring theme throughout the story. Amir encounters many dilemmas in his life that influence his actions based on what environment he is in. Based on Amir’s experiences, it can be concluded that society has a large influence on your way of life. Hassan, Amir’s servant, and childhood companion was often mistreated, not only by society but by Amir himself. Amir often mocked, and lashed out at him, refusing to refer to Hassan as a friend, despite his constant loyalty. This made me curious as to why? They spent a lot of time together, they had the same interests, and they were even born on the same property. Was he embarrassed by Hassan? Was Amir afraid as to what everyone would say if he was friends with a Hazara? I felt vicariously offended for Hassan as he would literally do anything for Amir, hence, “For you, a thousand times over” (Hosseini 67). Of course, if Amir hadn’t felt like he owed Hassan after the way he treated him, maybe he wouldn’t feel obligated to take in Sohrab. After Ali and Hassan leave, both Baba and Amir flee to America because of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the circumstances that followed. For me, this was one of the saddest parts of the novel, most likely from personal experience with leaving without...
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...Hailey Wagner Summer 2014 AP United States Government & Politics Budris 2014 Summer Assignment Part B- Military thwarted president seeking choice in Afghanistan Essay In his article entitled Military thwarted president seeking choice in Afghanistan, Bob Woodward depicts the decision making process President Obama endured when it came to military actions regarding the movement of additional troops into Afghanistan in 2009. Through his account of the events which occurred, the reader is offered great insight as to what the most important factors were to Obama as he made his decision concerning foreign policy in Afghanistan, his management style while dealing with this military matter, and the powers of the Commander in Chief which he employed while making deliberating on this decision. After reading the article, it becomes quite apparent to the reader that the political risks of authorizing the deployment of a higher number of additional troops to Afghanistan constituted the majority of the key factors in Obama’s decision making process. For instance, when Obama was explained the option of the “Alternate Mission in Afghanistan” tactic, which included a 40,000 troop deployment, and its projected outcome, he denied it based on the anticipated number of troops that would be left in Afghanistan at the end of his possible second term. The 68,000 troops that would be remaining at the potential end of his presidency posed a great stressor to Obama and his administration...
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...friend and vow from that day on to forever be friends regardless of what happens. To keep their masculinity intent boys do not necessarily give each other flowers or necklaces, but in The Kite Runner best friends Amir and Hassan marked this notorious moment by carving ``Amir and Hassan: The Sultans of Kabul`` (Hossini,92). The friendship between both boys is truly weak because Amir alternates Hassan from best friend to his servant within seconds. At the age of twelve Amir is fully aware of the difference between right and wrong and he chooses to do wrong multiple times. Assef; Hassans fellow peer had a strong hate towards him and he did not fear to express himself ‘’Afghanistan is the land of the...
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...John Carlo B. Cortina May 8, 2014 ------------------------------------------------- Sociology of Education Kite Runner Review Paper The movie “The Kite Runner” was based on one of the best novels written by an Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini. The movie tells the story about the freindship Amir, the son of a wealthy afghan businessman, and Hassan, the son of his father’s servant. When the Afghan Monarchy fell through the Russians until the rise of the Talibans, Amir and his father Baba went to California to avoid the conflict in their motherland. It was hard for them to migrate to a country they are not much familiar with. Leaving their wealth was another challenge for them. It took them years to adapt to another kind of lifestyle they are not used to. After years staying in California, Amir decided to go back to his homeland in Afghanistan despite the threat to his life in saving the son of his friend Hassan. Many sad events occurred in the movie. The director of the movie is brilliant. If it weren’t for the information I got from the movie, I would never know that the movie was actually filmed in China. In short, the story of the movie is good and so the actors. The movie tells us so much about the history of the people in Afghanistan....
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...This book has a certain power that can impact a young reader to be a better person. There are many gains to this book, and all readers can possibly see how unfortunate it would be if this text was no longer available. The Kite Runner teaches history, culture, respect, loyalty, to be humble and most importantly, it teaches to speak out about rape. The Kite Runner hit the top of the New York Times best-seller list (O'Rourke). Many Americans have accepted this unique novel about the two boys living in Afghanistan, and then there are the ones who still don’t want the story to be available for their sons and daughters. When a young adult gets to high school they are at least fourteen years old, this book has...
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...Holiday Homework Over the summer break you will be expected to complete the following tasks: • Become familiar with the Year 11 English course outline • Read The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and answer the activities attached • Find the key words in your text and begin a glossary Your English teacher will collect this homework in Week One of Term One, 2014. All the best!! Failure to complete the required reading and activities will mean that you will be unprepared to begin the year and giving up time to complete the work afterschool. YEAR 11 ENGLISH UNIT 1 & 2 OUTLINE 2014 UNIT 1 Reading & Responding – Outcome 1 The Kite Runner - Text response essay (800 – 1000 words). Creating & Presenting – Outcome 2 Visual Text ‘Redfern Now’ - One written piece in an imaginative, persuasive or expository style (600 - 800 words) related to the context of Identity and Belonging + 2 hurdle tasks exploring imaginative, persuasive or expository styles. Language Analysis – Outcome 3 You will focus on the use of persuasive language techniques written articles and visual images. You will then produce a language and visual analysis essay. (600 – 800 words) Exam: Reading and Responding and Language Analysis - 2hrs 15mins • A reading and responding essay for The Kite Runner • A language and visual analysis essay on the issue studied in class UNIT 2 Reading & Responding – Outcome 1 The Crucible - Text response essay (800 – 1000 words) Creating & Presenting...
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...The Kite Runner Final Essay AG Novel A literary work conveys a compelling story specific to its time and place. Additionally, a memorable one explores issues and themes (universal truths) that are important, and timeless, for all readers. Keep this in mind as you think about each essay prompt. A convincing essay will include direct citations from the novel, commentary and use of scholarly analysis. Visit the Gale Digital Library, accessible from the Venture website (password: venture) to search for support. Additionally, use MLA format for your essay and utilize correct citations. Questions taken, in part, from the Khaled Hosseini Foundation curriculum. 1. Writer and human rights activist Isabel Allende writes of The Kite Runner: “This is one of those unforgettable stories that stays with you for years. All the great themes of literature and of life are the fabric of this extraordinary novel: love, honor, guilt, fear, redemption.” Which of these major themes resonates the most with you? Choose one to focus on and show how author Khaled Hosseini communicates this universal truth through characters, plot development and use of symbols. 2. In great literature, no scene of violence exists for its own sake. In a wellorganized essay, explain how a violent scene in The Kite Runner contributes to the meaning of the complete work. Apply the concept of an extended metaphor to discuss the political and social portrait of Afghanistan. 3. Leo Tolstoy once wrote...
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...The Kite Runner Psychoanalytic criticism was first founded and developed by Sigmund Freud. Freud’s theories were mainly sexual deriving from the libido which is a colloquial term for the sex drive. Freud has many theories which are based on sexuality. One of his many theories includes the theory subconscious mind. This theory states that the ego is divided into three sections, the id, the ego and the superego. The id is the mind’s more primitive and impulsive part of the ego, where are the super ego is where all of our morals and values are placed. The ego is the part of the subconscious mind which mediates between the two. When making decisions we make them based on these two parts of our subconscious mind. Freud believed that the subconscious sexual drives were the bases for all human behavior, and that dreams were an important indicator for understanding human behavior. The kite runner is a novel written by Khaled Hosseini, which first takes place in the city of Kabul located in Afghanistan. It’s a story about a man who is named Amir who reflects on his past as a child in Afghanistan. Amir lived with his father, and his servants, ali and Hassan During that time period was a caste system in Afghanistan which was in place. Amir and his father were Pashtu, which is considered “pure” afghan. They were placed much higher than their servants Ali and Hassan who were Hazara. After a kite flying competition that Amir and Hassan attended together, Amir saw Hassan getting...
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...Summer Reading The Kite Runner response Due Friday, August 21, beginning of class Three pages, double-spaced Hand in paper copy, submit a copy to Blackboard Below are three prompts from past AP Literature and Composition tests. Choose one of them and apply it to The Kite Runner in a three-page, double-spaced essay. Use evidence from the text to support your ideas (this can come in the form of quotations or references to scenes in the book.) Do not rely upon summative sources such as Spark Notes. Grading Criteria: There is a grading rubric in the Summer Reading folder for you to consult describing the grading standards for this paper. A word on how to avoid the most common mistake for this type of paper: This is a textual analysis, not a summary. Do not simply summarize the story again—write about the important aspects of the story that the prompt requests. There is a sample outline at the end of this document to illustrate how you can structure your paper so you stick with the prompt. Prompt #1 Critic Roland Barthes has said, “Literature is the question minus the answer.” Considering Barthes’ observation, write an essay in which you analyze a central question The Kite Runner raises and the extent to which it offers answers. Explain how the author’s treatment of this question affects your understanding of the work as a whole. Prompt #2 Describe how a minor character in your novel serves as a foil, or opposite, to the main character. Then describe...
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