1)Baba loved The "idea" of America, yet was unable to adapt to the American cultural differences for example the use of idea in the shop.
Where as Amir revelled in the differences, as it formed a fresh new start in which he could escape his past.
"for me America was a place to bury my memories
for Baba it was a place to mourn his"
2) Hassan cannot escape from Hassan's memory. Whenever Baba mentions Hassan's name Amir still has the same powerful reaction. "A pair of steel hands closed around my windpipe at the sound of his name"
3)Baba's greatest fear is that an afghan would see him buying food with "charity money.
4)
Saturday 20 September 2014
Sunday 14 September 2014
CHAPTER TEN QUESTIONS
1) Five years have passed since Amir's thirteenth birthday.
2)
3)For the most part I think Baba's actions were incredibly heroic, however I also thing that in some ways his morality can be questioned when he gets agitated by his scared son and exclaims,"have I not taught you anything?".
4)Amir was glad for the darkness because he's scared of Baba's volatile temper and didn't want to see the murderous look on his face. Amir has begun to be more and more grateful for darkness since Hassan's rape. I think since Amir didn't confess to leaving Hassan with Assef, he's became progressively ashamed and feels over exposed when in front of Hassan, Ali or Baba.
5)The words "one disappointing son and two suitcases" make me feel less sorry for him and more adversed to him, as he should be grateful that his son is alive, rather than being disappointed.
2)
3)For the most part I think Baba's actions were incredibly heroic, however I also thing that in some ways his morality can be questioned when he gets agitated by his scared son and exclaims,"have I not taught you anything?".
4)Amir was glad for the darkness because he's scared of Baba's volatile temper and didn't want to see the murderous look on his face. Amir has begun to be more and more grateful for darkness since Hassan's rape. I think since Amir didn't confess to leaving Hassan with Assef, he's became progressively ashamed and feels over exposed when in front of Hassan, Ali or Baba.
5)The words "one disappointing son and two suitcases" make me feel less sorry for him and more adversed to him, as he should be grateful that his son is alive, rather than being disappointed.
Sunday 7 September 2014
CHAPTER NINE QUESTIONS
1)Amir dismisses his birthday gifts as he believes that they have been payed for with blood money. He believes that people wouldn't have been as extravagant if he hadn't have won the kite fighting tournament. As Hassan got raped from refusing to give up Assef's blue kite, he cant stand them. When he received his present off Ali and Hassan he felt unworthy to receive it and even had to hide it at the bottom of the pile.
2)Amir decides to frame Hassan for the theft of his birthday presents including money, and his new watch that Baba got him.
3) The consequence of this decision is that Hassan informs Ali that Amir witnessed the rape and didn't do or say anything in his defence. As a result of this they both decide to leave, Baba takes this badly, pleading with them to stay, but they both leave regarless.
4)Baba's reaction to Ali and Hassan's decision is startling, because earlier in the novel, Baba deemed stealing as completely unacceptable and inexcusable.Therefor him being so willing to forgive Hassan's supposed "stealing" is very shocking.
5)The final lines of the chapter are poetic as they reflect the sadness that occurs within the chapter itself.
2)Amir decides to frame Hassan for the theft of his birthday presents including money, and his new watch that Baba got him.
3) The consequence of this decision is that Hassan informs Ali that Amir witnessed the rape and didn't do or say anything in his defence. As a result of this they both decide to leave, Baba takes this badly, pleading with them to stay, but they both leave regarless.
4)Baba's reaction to Ali and Hassan's decision is startling, because earlier in the novel, Baba deemed stealing as completely unacceptable and inexcusable.Therefor him being so willing to forgive Hassan's supposed "stealing" is very shocking.
5)The final lines of the chapter are poetic as they reflect the sadness that occurs within the chapter itself.
CHAPTER EIGHT QUESTIONS
1)The relationship between Amir and Hassan has transformed from a brotherly friendship to tense awkward strangers. Hassan feels violated and remains on his own in bed for as long as possible, and Amir feels an overwhelming feeling of guilt whenever he looks at Hassan.
2) A chasm develops between Hassan, Amir and Baba.
3)As Rahim Kahn and Amir usually have a close friendship, where Rahim even reads Amir's stories, we would have expected Rahim to be more proud and enthusiastic about Amir's victory. However Rahim was silent and reserved, and even gave Amir an "odd look".
4) Amir asks his father if he's ever "thought about getting new servants". This interrogative reveals Amir's selfish streak, and implies that he'd rather sacrifice a close friendship to quell his guilt. Baba's declarative "you give me shame" shows that he feels outrages at the very suggestion of replacing them, thus showing is loyalty towards Hassan and Ali.
5)An insomniac is someone who finds it immensely difficult to sleep. Amir becoming an insomniac is very relevant as it suggests that Amir's decision to not intervene in the rape is still permanently on his mind.
6)Rahim tells Amir the story, to try and comfort and reassure Amir that sometimes it's okay if you feel like as a Pashton, you can't always maintain a close frienship/relationship with a Hazara. Due to the fact that society, or family can sometimes influence and destroy it.
7)The quotation "then mercifully darkness", implies that Amir finds it easier when he can't see Hassan being abused, and complies with the idiom"out of sight, out of mind".
2) A chasm develops between Hassan, Amir and Baba.
3)As Rahim Kahn and Amir usually have a close friendship, where Rahim even reads Amir's stories, we would have expected Rahim to be more proud and enthusiastic about Amir's victory. However Rahim was silent and reserved, and even gave Amir an "odd look".
4) Amir asks his father if he's ever "thought about getting new servants". This interrogative reveals Amir's selfish streak, and implies that he'd rather sacrifice a close friendship to quell his guilt. Baba's declarative "you give me shame" shows that he feels outrages at the very suggestion of replacing them, thus showing is loyalty towards Hassan and Ali.
5)An insomniac is someone who finds it immensely difficult to sleep. Amir becoming an insomniac is very relevant as it suggests that Amir's decision to not intervene in the rape is still permanently on his mind.
6)Rahim tells Amir the story, to try and comfort and reassure Amir that sometimes it's okay if you feel like as a Pashton, you can't always maintain a close frienship/relationship with a Hazara. Due to the fact that society, or family can sometimes influence and destroy it.
7)The quotation "then mercifully darkness", implies that Amir finds it easier when he can't see Hassan being abused, and complies with the idiom"out of sight, out of mind".
Saturday 6 September 2014
CHAPTER SEVEN QUESTIONS
1) The way in which the sky is described as a"blameless blue" could suggest Amir views himself as blameless for not intervening in Hassan's assault.
2)Amir replies to Hassan by saying "We won" which is surprising as Amir usually detests sharing Baba's, or anyone's attention else's attention with Hassan.
3)The narrator interrupts the chapter with a dream and memory as both were particularly traumatic for Amir, and symbolise that Amir was paralysed with fear and wasn't thinking rationally about what was happening in the present.
4) Wali and Kamal both seem unsure, and share mixed emotions ranging from fear to excitement. Wali seems particularly scared, as his father viewed it as "sinful".the way in which Wali reacts is extremely significant as it shows that his fear of Assef outshines is loyalty to his father, as he doesn't abide by his fathers rules.
5)The Eid sacrifice is symbolic of how innocent and defenceless Hassan was. I also think that the way in which Amir said the lamb excepted it's fate and stopped moving, suggests that Hassan didn't attempt to defend himself"
5)The Eid sacrifice is symbolic of how innocent and defenceless Hassan was. I also think that the way in which Amir said the lamb excepted it's fate and stopped moving, suggests that Hassan didn't attempt to defend himself"
Thursday 4 September 2014
CHAPTER SIX QUESTIONS
1)I think the first sentence is only a word long as it summarises the contents of the next two pages. Also it the lack of detail in the sentence could suggest that Amir feels excitable about winter events.
2)Amir adores the winter months as it means school is cancelled, there is less tension between him and Baba, he gets to spend quality time with Hassan and most of all he can run kites and participate in the kite running tournament.
3)kite fighting is exceptionally important to Amir as Baba used to do it as child and it is one of the few things that Baba and Amir share a common interest. It is also the only sport in which Amir is talented in.
4)Afghans cherish custom but abhor rules.
5)The talent that Hassan has that built up our anticipation about what is to come, is his skills at kite running. Amir states that he is the "best kite runner that he has ever seen" as Hassan knows where the kite will land before it lands.
6) We now understand that the novel centres around the sport kite running, and know that what happens at the tournament will affect the novels progression.
7)Amir is cruel to Hassan in this chapter, but it is driven solely by his jealousy regarding the attention that Baba shows to Hassan. It is also clear that he is jealous or Hassan's relationship with Ali. Amir's desire for a more loving father, makes us feel empathetic for him as a character. his desire for Baba's approval and acceptance regarding his mothers death makes us also feel sympathetic towards him, as he has to deal with adult issues such as grief and guilt at such a young age.
8)"He was so goddamn pure, you always felt like a phoney around him"
2)Amir adores the winter months as it means school is cancelled, there is less tension between him and Baba, he gets to spend quality time with Hassan and most of all he can run kites and participate in the kite running tournament.
3)kite fighting is exceptionally important to Amir as Baba used to do it as child and it is one of the few things that Baba and Amir share a common interest. It is also the only sport in which Amir is talented in.
4)Afghans cherish custom but abhor rules.
5)The talent that Hassan has that built up our anticipation about what is to come, is his skills at kite running. Amir states that he is the "best kite runner that he has ever seen" as Hassan knows where the kite will land before it lands.
6) We now understand that the novel centres around the sport kite running, and know that what happens at the tournament will affect the novels progression.
7)Amir is cruel to Hassan in this chapter, but it is driven solely by his jealousy regarding the attention that Baba shows to Hassan. It is also clear that he is jealous or Hassan's relationship with Ali. Amir's desire for a more loving father, makes us feel empathetic for him as a character. his desire for Baba's approval and acceptance regarding his mothers death makes us also feel sympathetic towards him, as he has to deal with adult issues such as grief and guilt at such a young age.
8)"He was so goddamn pure, you always felt like a phoney around him"
CHAPTER FIVE QUESTIONS
1) Afghanistan "changed forever" when the kings cousin Daoud Khan ended the king's forty year reign with a "bloodless coup" and transformed Afghanistan into a republic. This was the beginning of a more violent segregated Afghanni culture " bringing the death" of the Afghanistan that Amir and Hassan grew up in.
2)Baba instinctively calls out to both Hassan and Amir upon entering the house. I think this is extremely significant as it perhaps reveals that Baba loves and cares for Hassan as much as he does for his own son.
3)Amir was slightly grateful for the coup as it meant that he received an embrace which gave him the attention that he always craves from his father.
4) The way in which Hassan questioned Amir about his short story almost cautiously, suggests that he is very respectful around him and he tries to be careful not to offend him. It also shows us that Hassan is very logical and doesn't look past the obvious.
5)Three quotations to describe Assef:
"Assef the ear eater"
"sociopath"
"a savage sort of smile crossed his lips"
These quotations not only reveal that Assef is a bully but also hint at his warped and ruthless personality. They also imply that Assef isn't fully emotionally stable/sane.
6)Assef views a true Afghan as a pure Pashtun and he thinks that the land only belongs to the Pashtuns. this idea is similar to Hitlers opinions regarding his desire for a "pure Germany". The irony surrounding Assef's speech revolves around the fact that Assef isn't a "true Afghan" as his mother is German.
7)Amirs thought "He's not my friend he's my servant" reveals that a small part of Amir could be embarrassed that he's friends wit Hassan. It also reveals that he is very cowardly, and considers saying cruel things about his loyal friend just to save himself.
8)I think Ali is quite reserved about Baba's present for Hassan, as his hairlip was what brought them together originally. I also believe that Ali loves Hassan for who he is and views the operation as un-necessary. I think he doesn't was to offend Baba by rejecting the offer and he also wanted Hassan to decide for himself as Ali wants him to be happy.
9)We are left with a sense of foreboding as the final quotation "that winter Hassan stops smiling' foreshadows something bad happening to Hassan.
2)Baba instinctively calls out to both Hassan and Amir upon entering the house. I think this is extremely significant as it perhaps reveals that Baba loves and cares for Hassan as much as he does for his own son.
3)Amir was slightly grateful for the coup as it meant that he received an embrace which gave him the attention that he always craves from his father.
4) The way in which Hassan questioned Amir about his short story almost cautiously, suggests that he is very respectful around him and he tries to be careful not to offend him. It also shows us that Hassan is very logical and doesn't look past the obvious.
5)Three quotations to describe Assef:
"Assef the ear eater"
"sociopath"
"a savage sort of smile crossed his lips"
These quotations not only reveal that Assef is a bully but also hint at his warped and ruthless personality. They also imply that Assef isn't fully emotionally stable/sane.
6)Assef views a true Afghan as a pure Pashtun and he thinks that the land only belongs to the Pashtuns. this idea is similar to Hitlers opinions regarding his desire for a "pure Germany". The irony surrounding Assef's speech revolves around the fact that Assef isn't a "true Afghan" as his mother is German.
7)Amirs thought "He's not my friend he's my servant" reveals that a small part of Amir could be embarrassed that he's friends wit Hassan. It also reveals that he is very cowardly, and considers saying cruel things about his loyal friend just to save himself.
8)I think Ali is quite reserved about Baba's present for Hassan, as his hairlip was what brought them together originally. I also believe that Ali loves Hassan for who he is and views the operation as un-necessary. I think he doesn't was to offend Baba by rejecting the offer and he also wanted Hassan to decide for himself as Ali wants him to be happy.
9)We are left with a sense of foreboding as the final quotation "that winter Hassan stops smiling' foreshadows something bad happening to Hassan.
Friday 11 July 2014
CONTEXT SUMMARY
CONTEXT
Hosseini shares several similarities with the narrator/ protagonist with in the novel. Bothe were raised in "pre-revolutionary" Afghanistan, not yet damaged by the violence to which the soviet invasion and Taliban. This explains the believability and the pain that was made apparent in the devastating detailed description which Amir gives upon his return to his home country. Hosseini hoped to return to Afghanistan again in 1980 but their plan was foiled as the soviet invasion meant that it wasn't possible.
Hosseini was raised he was raised in a neighbourhood reasonably similar to the one Amir grew up in. Afghanistan was a cultural, cosmopolitan country at the time which combined western cultured films and literature with Afghan traditions. he also lived in a seemingly upper-class neighbourhood, giving way to lavish parties and a comfortable lifestyle, much like Baba delivered to Amir.
Hosseini also had a relationship with a Hazara man, who worked as a cook to read and even write. By this time Hosseini also began to engage in literature and poetry, a passion in which Amir and him share.
Although the novel was largely fictional, Hosseini confesses that his childhood in Afghanistan served as inspiration for the novel. The aspect of the book which mostly resembled Hosseini's own experiences was the section in which Amir and Baba are labelled as immigrants in the US, as the Hosseini's were forced to survive on welfare whilst they became accustomed to the changes that a life in the US proposed.
Whilst the film was being produced (after the large success of the novel and over *million copies being printed)some actors within the film had to be moved out of the country , as some Afghans found the prospect of repeat the hands of the Taliban, incredibly insulting. After a trip as an envoy he was in spired to create the Khanled Hosseini foundation, founding projects which support venerable woman and children in Afghanistan.
Hosseini shares several similarities with the narrator/ protagonist with in the novel. Bothe were raised in "pre-revolutionary" Afghanistan, not yet damaged by the violence to which the soviet invasion and Taliban. This explains the believability and the pain that was made apparent in the devastating detailed description which Amir gives upon his return to his home country. Hosseini hoped to return to Afghanistan again in 1980 but their plan was foiled as the soviet invasion meant that it wasn't possible.
Hosseini was raised he was raised in a neighbourhood reasonably similar to the one Amir grew up in. Afghanistan was a cultural, cosmopolitan country at the time which combined western cultured films and literature with Afghan traditions. he also lived in a seemingly upper-class neighbourhood, giving way to lavish parties and a comfortable lifestyle, much like Baba delivered to Amir.
Hosseini also had a relationship with a Hazara man, who worked as a cook to read and even write. By this time Hosseini also began to engage in literature and poetry, a passion in which Amir and him share.
Although the novel was largely fictional, Hosseini confesses that his childhood in Afghanistan served as inspiration for the novel. The aspect of the book which mostly resembled Hosseini's own experiences was the section in which Amir and Baba are labelled as immigrants in the US, as the Hosseini's were forced to survive on welfare whilst they became accustomed to the changes that a life in the US proposed.
Whilst the film was being produced (after the large success of the novel and over *million copies being printed)some actors within the film had to be moved out of the country , as some Afghans found the prospect of repeat the hands of the Taliban, incredibly insulting. After a trip as an envoy he was in spired to create the Khanled Hosseini foundation, founding projects which support venerable woman and children in Afghanistan.
Thursday 3 July 2014
CHAPTER FOUR QUESTIONS
The death of Ali's parent reveals some of the true Afganistan as it reveals the hate rid and segregation apparent between the sunni muslims ad the shi'a's. The persecution of the Hazara's is shocking and reveals that the persecutors feel no guilt for bullying and victimising a child.
Ali And Baba's relationship adopts a servant and master p, like most people from a society as segregated as Afghanistan. On the other hand i think Ali still sees Baba as a friend, as he is very loyal.
Hassan and Amir's relationship falls into exactly the same pattern as both relationships include a sunni and a shi'a. However i think due to the jealous streak in Amir with regards to Hassan receiving affection, the friendship isn't quite as strong as the earlier "friendship"
The way in whim amir states " i have never thought of me and Hassan as friends" shows that even though Hassan would do anything for Amir,the favour wouldn't be returned for Hassan and anything isn't enough for Hassan anyway. however it also suggests that Amir may be embarrassed of Hassan's Hazara roots, and doesn't was to be too associated with him for fear of getting persecuted himself.
Amir is a sunni muslim whereas Hassan is a shi'a muslim.
we find out that Amir is somewhat vindictive and taunting as he torments Hassan about school and tries to make him feel inferior to himself. The way in which he gives the wrong definition of the word to pointlessly mock Hassan and to make him look stupid cold either suggest that Amir has such a low self of steam that he has to knock other people down to make himself feel better, or he's sly, and simply gets pleasure out of telling Hassan the wrong information. Either way the way in which Amir has to lie to himself by saying "i would tell myself" informs the reader that his reasons weren't justifiable.
i think the use of the word "best" was truthful, as For all Hassan is a good person who would want to make his friend happy, he is also incredibly honest.
The quote that makes it clear that although Amir idolises his father and his father's achievements, resentment is still growing inside him due to lack of attention is: "most days i worshipped Baba with an intensity approaching religious. But right then i wised i could open my veins and drain his cursed blood rom my body." This reveals that even though Amir sometimes thinks of his father as a godlike figure, sometimes he is ashamed that he is his father.
CHAPTER THREE QUESTIONS
A quote to describe Baba is "Baba saw the world in black and white"
Amir's father isn't a religious man and even describes Mullah as a "bearded idiot". However a lot of the beliefs he has are similar to the five pillars of islam, with regards to his beliefs about stealing, murder and adultery. Although he isn't religious in the way that drinks alcohol and eats pork, he does mention god, so he believes in certain aspects of the islamic faith.There is a difference between morals and religion: although morals are generally covered with religious laws , you don't have to follow a religion regimentally.
Hosseini presents Baba as very stubborn and closed minded. By stating "id never believe he's my son" Hosseini shows the reader that as there are few similarities between Baba and his son, and by using the adverb "never" he suggests that he won't be able to relate to his son in the future either. Also by stating "Baba saw the world in black and white"they suggest that he has a very stubborn nature, which would make reasonably strict with his son.
Rahim sees Amir as someone who isn't "violent" and doesn't have a "mean streak" and looks at him as an individual rather than something that should live up to Baba's shadow.
Baba thinks he is strange, and cowardly as he waits for Hassan to defend him from torment, yet he lies about it afterwards to Baba. Baba also thinks that his future prospects are bleak, as "a man who can't stand up for himself, won't be able to stand up for anything. At this stage I agree with Baba as not only does he let Hassan fight his battles of him, he also doesn't give Hassan any credit for it, as he lies about where his bruises are.
CHAPTER TWO QUESTIONS
The narrator introduces Hassan by reminiscing about previous memories that they had shared, suggesting that he enjoyed Hassans company. However the way in which Hassan "never wanted to"shoot stones at the dog, or play with the mirrors, yet would do if amir "really asked him to". This shows how manipulative Amir can be, but also shows that he is only concerned with what he wants rather than what his best friend wants to do. This perhaps reveals a selfish streak within Amir.
with regards to Baba and Amirs relationship it seems somewhat strained. the quotation "Baba was holding me tired and grim" is ironic, as it shows that even after birth Baba wasn't the stereotypical besotted father. Another telling quote is "its Rahim Kahns pinky my fingers are curled around. This reveals that even as a small child, Amir had a stronger connection with Rahim than his father.
With regards to Hassan and Alis relationship it contrasts heavily as their close relationship and love for each other is made much more apparent. "He had found his joy, his antidote". This quote summarises their entire relationship. Hassan not only brings Ali happiness, he is also his salvation.
A similarity that both friends share is their absence of a mother, however both situations are very different. Hassan's mother abandoned both Ali and Hassan, making Hassan and Ali become even closer as they shared the same situation, and comforted each other. On the other hand Baba's wife died whilst giving birth to Amir, making Baba see Amir as the cause for his wife's death. This creates a loose relationship that lacks affection. This also causes Amir to be jealous of Hassan, making Amir act selfishly towards him.
I think another theme that the writer wants us to notice is racism. It is made apparent by the shocking revelation on the segregation in Afghanistan within a close proximity.
The effect of only finding out the narrators names at the end of chapter two is that it causes the reader to be suspicious, as they end up questioning why he didn't reveal it earlier. Personally it made me think that Amir is uncomfortable with his own identity and so is embarrassed to reveal his name.
CHAPTER ONE QUESTIONS
the significance of the past for the narrator is the way in which he seems to feel guilty and ashamed, meaning that his actions were perhaps immoral. This is shown by the quotation "it was my past of unatoned sins" and the quote at the beginning and the end of the chapter "became/made me what i am today". This suggests that he has a low opinion of himself due to his previous actions. The way in which it is at the start and end of the chapter, means it follows a cyclic patter.
The physical feature that marks out Hassan is his harelip.
Rahim khan is mentioned three times and baba is only mentioned once. This suggests that Amir has a closer relationship to Rahim than his father.
The opening and closing of the chapter include a very similar quote, making the chapter follow a cyclic pattern. The also mention the year 1975, which implies that the date is a very important plot point within the novel. Also the way in which Amir is able to describe the day in great detail implies that it is a memory that is always on his mind that he feels is very difficult to forget.
Thursday 26 June 2014
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