The Kite Runner
Theme
Goal
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To begin to think about the themes in the Kite
Runner
To determine some of the main messages
the novel has provided us with
Topic

A general idea that a piece of literature
addresses.
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Topics are usually universal and allow the
reader to relate to.
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Topics can be one word
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A novel may address several topics.
Topics in the Kite Runner
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Friendship
Brotherhood
Loyalty
Fathers and sons
Lies and Secrets
Guilt and Redemption
Courage
Atonement
Choices
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Faith
Human Nature
Class differences
The roles of women
Good Vs Evil
Inhumanity
Value and morals
The role of a Mother
Honour
Theme

A message or moral the literature provides
the reader

Usually relates to the topics presented

Must look at the piece of literature as a whole
to determine the theme

Cannot be one word
Theme

Theme must be a concept that is fully
developed

Themes are often universal

Themes allow the reader to have greater
understanding of the text
Step to determining Theme
1. To determine theme look at the literature in
it’s entirety
2. Ask questions about the specific topics
3. Find evidence that supports the idea
4. Phrase the theme in a sentence or series of
sentence that specifically states the moral or
message
Determining Theme
Topic
Question(s)
Evidence
Theme
Example
1.
Topic: Lies
2.
Question: How do lies impact the lives of
the characters?
Example
3. Evidence: Amir does not know Hassan is his
brother because Baba never told him,
Amir treats him badly throughout his youth. He
does not admit he is his friend, teaches him the
wrong meaning for words such as “imbecile”,
he is jealous of him, frames him, etc.
Example
He greatly regrets this and is guilty over his
treatment of Hassan. This guilt shapes his life–
For example his return to Afghanistan, taking in
Sohrab, his inability to tell Soraya about his
past, etc.
“There is away to be good again” is his
motivation.
Example
Theme
Lies told by others will shape a person’s
actions and decisions for a lifetime.
Theme
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Remember when determining theme ask
yourself questions about the topic
Dig deep
Theme should demonstrate depth,
understanding and express a complex idea!
Modeled Example
Topic: Friendship
What makes a true friend?
*We will discuss this example together to
determine theme
Determining Theme Activity
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You will now be divided into groups to use the questions
provided to determine theme
Start by discussing the questions, then look for examples in the
text, then determine the theme. Finally record your thoughts
and prepare to share
As a group, you will share with the class the theme you found
and the evidence you found.
Your chart paper should state:
– Topic: ________________________
– Evidence:______________________________
– Theme: _______________________________
Questions to Consider (determining
theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic: Guilt
 What impact does guilt have on the
characters?
Questions to Consider (determining
theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic: Choices
 Can one choice shape a person’s life path?
(Consider Amir, Baba, Soraya)
Questions to Consider (determining
theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic: Father and Son Relationships
 What impact does a Father figure have on
the development of a boy? Consider: Baba,
Ali and Rahim Khan
Questions to Consider (determining
theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic: Honour
 What makes a man honourable? Also
consider why honour is important.
Questions to Consider (determining
theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic : Inhumanity
 Compare Amir and Assef in terms of their
inhumane acts and their reactions– what can
you conclude?
Questions to Consider (determining
theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic: Secrets
 Many characters keep secrets in the novel.
Think about why (intent) they keep these
secrets and what the result of keeping
secrets is.
 How do we judge the character- on the intent
or the result?
Questions to Consider (determining theme
in the Kite Runner)
Topic: Loyalty
 Many characters demonstrate loyalty in the
novel. Consider Hassan, Baba, Amir,
Sohrab and Rahim Khan.
 What are the benefits and disadvantages of
loyalty?