The Kite Runner Essay
Sophomore English
Mrs. Winkler
Name __________________________
Period ____
The key to writing a good essay is to keep your thesis in mind constantly
as you make claims, give context, cite evidence, and offer commentary.
I. Directions: Complete all steps by the due dates listed below. Before you begin Step 1, you
should read pages 1, 2, 5 and 6 in your English Department Handbook. All stages of writing must be
word-processed.
 Thesis: Choose one of the topics below. Write 3 versions of your thesis statement. This is
due in class on Friday, May 4th.
 Pre-Write: Choose one of the topics below on which to write a full introduction (good
leading sentence/hook, author/title, background) and thesis statement. You must also
provide 6 – 8 supporting quotations with page numbers. This is due in class on Friday, May
4th.
 1st Draft: using your pre-write as a guide, type a 2 – 3 page draft of your essay. This is due
on Monday, May 7th.
 Final Draft: Once you have received peer/teacher feedback on your 1st draft, you will revise,
edit, and submit a final draft of your essay. The Pre-Write, 1st Draft, and Final Draft must be
stapled together with the Final Draft on top. This is due on Monday, May 14th.
II. Essay Topics (choose one):
1. Discuss Amir’s character development on his journey of redemption. What are the most
important aspects of his quest to restore faith in himself and others as his journey comes full
circle?
2. What is the relationship between individual morality and the health of the greater society, as
Hosseini seems to be suggesting in this novel? What must a society do “to be good again”?
3. Irony plays a big role in The Kite Runner. Discuss how Hosseini uses irony to reveal the very
different moral codes of the characters.
4. There are many symbol elements in The Kite Runner, from the pomegranate tree to the
slaughter of the sheep to kite flying. Which symbols, taken together, best represent the
psychological conflict that Amir must resolve “to be good again”?
5. Argue whether or not The Kite Runner is a tragedy. Recall that the concept of tragedy in a work of
literature is one in which the main character suffers extreme sorrow, especially as a consequence
of a tragic flaw, moral weakness, or inability to cope with unfavorable circumstances.