The Kite Runner
Khaled Hosseini
Author Context
• Born in Kabul, Afghanistan – 4th March 1965, oldest of 5 children
• Kabul – cosmopolitan city – Western culture mixed with Afghan traditions
• Father = diplomat with Foreign Ministry
• Mother = Teacher of Farsi & History
• Moved to Iran – Hosseini taught Hazara cook how to read & write
• Returned to Kabul in 1973 – year of coup d’etat – relocated to Paris in 1976
• Hoped to return in 1980 but couldn’t due to Soviet Union invasion – moved to
California
• 1996 – Became fully-fledged doctor
• Deeply influenced by recollections of homeland – began writing ‘The Kite Runner’ in
March 2001 – published 2 years later
The Novel’s Success
• Novel largely fictional but Afghanistan of Hosseini’s childhood inspired it
• International bestseller – more than 8 million copies in print, numerous book awards
• Made into a feature film in 2007 – problems for children
• May 2007 – published second novel ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’
• ‘The Kite Runner’ was first novel of its type, written by an Afghan, about
Afghanistan but in English and aimed at Western readers/achieve prominence
and to impact so greatly on Western readers
• After 27 years, returned to Afghanistan to see what had become of his country &
people
• 2006 – Humanitarian Award from UN Refugee Agency for bringing attention to plight
of refugees
• 2007 trip – set up non-profit group Khaled Hosseini Foundation
• 1963(Amir born)-1983 (Ch2-10)
• 1983-June 2001 (Ch10-14)
• Returns, via Pakistan: June-Aug
2001 (Ch15-25)
• Returns with Sohrab:
Aug 2001-March 2002 (Ch25)
Political and Historical
Context
Afghanistan’s History – 19th Century to
present
•
19th Century – Largely British influence –
‘Great Game’ Russian & British Empires
contended for control – Anglo-Afghan wars
•
1919 – 3rd Anglo-Afghan war – King
Amanullah Khan’s move to self-government
•
1921 – Full independence
•
Jan 1929 – Reforms too radical, forced to
abdicate – Habibullah Kalakani
•
9 months later – defeated & killed by King’s
cousin, Mohammed Nadir Khan (Amir’s
district named after)
•
1933 – assassinated & succeeded by
Mohammed Zahir Shah: Extended period
of peace – until 1973 (Ch4)
THE
RULE
OF
KINGS
Afghanistan’s History – 19th Century to
present
•
17th July 1973 – Military Coup – Former
PM, cousin & brother-in-law of King,
Mohammad Sardar Daoud (Ch5)
•
1978 – Republic 5 years – PDPA overthrew
on 27th April
•
1979 – Series of uprisings & heavy
reprisals PDPA call on Russian Troops –
Soviet Army military missions against
US supported Islamic rebels for 9 years
(Ch 10)
•
Feb 1989 – Soviet Army withdraw troops,
continued to lend aid until collapse in 1990s
THE
REPUBLIC,
UNREST &
CIVIL WAR
Afghanistan’s History – 19th Century to
present
•
18th April 1992 – Democratic Republic
overthrown, replaced with Islamic State –
civil war (Northern Alliance in Kabul 199296 Ch15)
• 2000 – Taliban group of highly religious
scholars & fighters from Kandahar emerge –
control majority of country
•
2001 – Afghan Northern Alliance only
opposition (recognised by UN as
legitimate Govt) – USA & coalition attack
(Ch25)
•
2004 – Removal of Taliban, interim
authority formed by Hamid Karzai – 9th Oct
1st democratic election
THE
ISLAMIC
STATE
Novel covers period of Amir’s life: 1963-2002 (some references to earlier
periods in Baba’s life).
3 Sections
1. Afghanistan (Amir’s childhood):
Chapters 2-10 (pg3-108)
2. USA, California (Amir growing up & marrying):
Chapters 11-14 (pg109-169)
Return with Sohrab:
End of Chapter 25 (pg312-324)
3. Afghanistan & Pakistan (Amir’s journey to redemption
- finding Sohrab):
Chapters 15-25 (pg170-312)
Studying a Novel
Narrative
Perspective/Stance
Setting
Symbolism
Structure
Author’s Purpose
– Theme(s) and
Message
Style and Tone
Key Plot Events
Characterisation –
Major/Minor, Key
Relationships, Conflicts
Themes and Purpose
3. The Search for
Redemption/Atonement
1. The Intersection of
Political Events and
Private Lives
4. Relationships - The Love
and Tension Between
Fathers and Sons
7. Religion & Ethnicity Prejudice
5. Power & Violence
8. Betrayal & Trust
2. Guilt and the
Persistence of the Past
6. Storytelling
Discuss your allocated theme and define, as clearly as possible, what
Hosseini’s message in relation to the theme is.
Go on to discuss where or how this theme/message is most evident in the
novel i.e. a plot event, through a character, through a symbol or image
1. Discuss the
associations the
title may have
prior to reading
the novel
2. Discuss the
title’s significance
within the novel
The Kite Runner
Discuss whether
there is anything
unusual or
unexpected about
the title
Close Textual Analysis of Chapter 1
1. Identify the narrative perspective of the novel at this point. What issues might
there be with this narrative?
2. How is juxtaposition used in this chapter? What is the purpose/effect of this?
3. What is the significance of the characters named in this chapter? Is it significant
that Rahim Khan is mentioned three times before Baba is mentioned, only once?
4. What is the significance of kites being mentioned?
5. Look at the language used to describe the past and explain what effect it has.
Refer closely to the text in your answer.
6. How are references to the weather used in this chapter?
7. Identify an example of foreshadowing in this chapter and explain what effect it
has.
8. Compare the opening and closing lines of the chapter.
9. How is the theme of redemption introduced in the opening chapter?
ONE—December 2001
I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a frigid overcast day in the winter of
1975. I remember the precise moment, crouching behind a crumbling mud wall, peeking
into the alley near the frozen creek. That was a long time ago, but it’s wrong what they
say about the past, I’ve learned, about how you can bury it. Because the past claws its
way out. Looking back now, I realize I have been peeking into that deserted alley for the
last twenty-six years.
One day last summer, my friend Rahim Khan called from Pakistan. He asked
me to come see him. Standing in the kitchen with the receiver to my ear, I knew it
wasn’t just Rahim Khan on the line. It was my past of unatoned sins. After I hung up, I
went for a walk along Spreckels Lake on the northern edge of Golden Gate Park. The
early-afternoon sun sparkled on the water where dozens of miniature boats sailed,
propelled by a crisp breeze. Then I glanced up and saw a pair of kites, red with long
blue tails, soaring in the sky. They danced high above the trees on the west end of the
park, over the windmills, floating side by side like a pair of eyes looking down on San
Fransisco, the city I now call home. And suddenly Hassan’s voice whispered in my
head: For you, a thousand times over. Hassan the harelipped kite runner.
I sat on a park bench near a willow tree. I thought about something Rahim
Khan said just before he hung up, almost as an afterthought. There is a way to be good
again. I looked up at those twin kites. I thought about Hassan. Thought about Baba.
Ali. Kabul. I thought of the life I had lived until the winter of 1975 came along and
changed everything. And made me what I am today.
Chapters 2-5: Questions
1. How is Hassan introduced/described and what is significant about this? What do
we learn about Amir & Hassan’s relationship in these early chapters?
2. What do we learn about Amir and Hassan’s parents? Compare and contrast the
boy’s relationships with their fathers and how these characters are presented.
3. How is Baba almost made to resemble a mythological figure through Amir’s
descriptions? Why might this be a worrying aspect of Amir’s perceptions of his
father?
4. How is Kabul and Afghan society presented to us in these early chapters? How is
Amir’s upbringing different to some of the others in the novel?
5. What is significant about the reading and writing of stories at this stage? What do
they reveal about Amir and Hassan’s relationship?
6. What changes do we see in chapter 5 and what significance do these have in terms
of the rest of the novel?
Chapters 2-5
• Poetic imagery used to describe Hassan – reinforces expression of love he still feels for Hassan
– lyrical language associated with significant characters & key places (Kabul of childhood –
comparison with later)
• Kinship between A & H – shared same wet nurse. First words. H taking blame for A –
unquestioning loyalty, A more unsure – sets mould for events to come
• Lack of mothers and wives make relationships stronger – role of women characterised by
absence
• Baba introduced as powerful man – sets pattern: quest for approval & view of intellectual
abilities as sign of weakness. Wrestling bear anecdote & building of orphanage = futility of
Amir’s desire
• Roles of ethnicity & history – teasing & taunting of Hazaras, book of persecution, belonged to
mother & dismissed by teacher – difference in way Amir is brought up
• Reading of stories (cemetery & pomegranate tree)– friendly & compassionate but A retains
power – 1st story masters irony, sad & disturbing but Hassan spots plot hole
• Noises of coup – change in narrative, relationship with Hassan & in traditional Afghanistan.
Assef’s role – foreshadowing sexual threat & A’s lack of self-confidence. Correction of cleft lip
– love & jealousy, foreshadowing
Close Textual Analysis of Chapter 3
‘In the late 1960s […] hating him a little’ pg.12-14
1. How would you describe Amir’s narrative voice in this section and what impact does
this have? Quote examples to exemplify.
2. What aspects of Baba’s character are accentuated in this passage and how is this
done?
3. Quote a phrase which suggests what Amir feels is at the heart of the strained
relationship between he and his father. Why would this cause difficulties?
4. How does Amir behave during the picnic at Lake Gharga? Give evidence. What is the
significance of this location?
5. Why is Hassan’s absence so significant and how does it foreshadow later events?
6. On the day of the orphanage opening, how can we tell that Baba’s charisma & abilities
are real rather than just Amir’s larger-than-life portrayal
7. What is the symbolic significance of Baba’s hat blowing off and Amir being asked to
hold it?
8. How to the people who congratulate Baba treat Amir and what id the significance of
this?
Chapters 6-9: Questions
1. What positives are associated with the kite fighting tournament and how are these
positive feelings reinforced?
2. What does the ‘eating dirt’ incident reveal about Amir and Hassan’s relationship? How is
this connected to the rape itself and the return to the pomegranate tree later?
3. What is the significance of Hassan’s dream before the tournament and then later when it
is mentioned in chapter 8?
4. How is the rape scene portrayed to us through Amir’s eyes? How is juxtaposition used
and why?
5. How does Amir try to relieve and escape his guilt? In what ways does his guilt manifest
itself in the aftermath of the rape?
6. Chapters 8 & 9 deal with Amir’s 13th birthday. Which details about his birthday party and
presents are important and why?
7. What mood/atmosphere is created in chapter 9 as Ali and Hassan leave? How is this
created? What is important about Baba and Ali’s reactions? What does Amir compare
their leaving to and why?
Chapters 6-9
• Both A & H enjoy/excel – draws closer. Baba approves. Symbol of freedom &
independence – one against many. Amir is usually unwilling to get hurt but will risk for
something he truly believes in.
• Descriptions of wintertime in Kabul – reinforces freedom through poetic imagery –
remembered with love, beauty of season.
• ‘Eating dirt’ evidence of rift A feels – uneasiness at placing in superior position. H’s
response shows clearer understanding of balance of power (allows A to win at cards)
• Pomegranate tree no longer refuge – brings feelings of guilt. Attack suggests breaking of
bond as pomegranates are symbol of bond. Hits self – acceptance A saw on his face at
rape – refuse to allow A to assuage guilt by fighting back.
• H’s dream – presented as heroes – seems like a positive omen, H’s allegiance & love for
A. However, lurking monster – H conscious of cruelty hiding beneath & wishes A to
banish it as he does to monster
• Later realisation he was monster – self-pitying & melodramatic tone. Views guilt &
illness as deserved punishment just as he believed poor relationship with father was
punishment for ‘killing’ mother
Chapters 6-9 (cont.)
• Rape scene – event story hangs on (foreshadowed & referred back to). Narrative interrupted by
memories – suggests difficulty in dealing with reality – mind, as a boy, tried to distance. Few
details given increase our horror at scene
• Juxtaposition of tournament & attack – winning contrasted with losing (latter outweighs) as
witness must choose between friend & father. Describes H’s expression – same as ‘eating dirt’ =
direct comparison to bully. Alley = dark, rarely used, illicit & secret – viewing like sexual voyeurism
– possible to dismiss as not in mainstream life
• Clear winter’s day – sun & clear blue sky described as ‘blameless’. Winning = glorious event makes
rape all the more disturbing – has dirtied clean snow white day
• Aftermath = pretends not occurred – anger at H being missing, denies & avoids – trips & trying to
get rid of servants = distancing. Car sickness & insomnia signs of weakness, guilt physical
• Assef at party = shadow/spectre of Hitler. Symbolic link between Assef’s bullying & Amir’s. Final
vision = Assef bullying & A failing to stop it. Presents – guilt overshadows joy (profits of sin) 2
significant: notebook reward for writing, storybook – reminds of what lost, provokes guilt
• Framing H – attempt to remove, not relieve, guilt. Realises should have been honest – likens to
film but too late. Ali knows, similar to son – protects but refuses to relieve guilt. Baba cries =
affection and forgiveness unexpected. Pathetic fallacy of rainstorm – rare in summer – Amir’s
Close Textual Analysis of Chapter 7
‘I stopped watching […] And that was good’ pg.67-69
1. The passage starts with Amir looking away. How is this movement mirrored in the
way the passage is written and what effect does this create?
2. How does Hosseini draw attention to the pivotal nature of this moment and how
does it relate to what happens in the rest of the novel?
3. How are the alleyway and bazaar settings used symbolically by Hosseini?
4. In what ways does Amir try to rationalise his decision to turn away?
5. Why might this not necessarily be a true account of Amir’s thoughts at the time of
the rape?
6. How does Amir treat Hassan after he emerges from the alleyway – give evidence?
Why is this?
7. What mood does Hosseini create in the final section and how is this done? What
is the significance of ending this crucial chapter in this way?
Chapters 10-14: Questions
1. What contrasts do we see in chapter 10? Give details of each and what effects
they have.
2. What differences are there between how Baba takes to life in America compared
with Amir?
3. What attracts Amir to Soraya and in what ways is Amir’s love for her shown?
4. Why are the traditional elements of Amir & Soraya’s courting/marriage important?
What is significant about Baba’s death coming so soon after the wedding?
5. What revelation does Rahim Khan’s phone call bring for Amir and what does it offer
Amir?
6. What is significant about the timing of Amir’s success in publishing his first two
novels?
7. In what way is the mysterious infertility that the couple face significant?
Chapters 10-14
• Baba & Amir contrasted – A’s car sickness = weakness against B’s bravery/strength – contrasts
with actions in alley.
• Leap forward in time – contrast earlier positive Kabul with emigration from dangerous country.
Russian sings Afghan wedding song – sign of presence but also lack of respect
• Husband of woman B protects kneels & kisses hand = respect which is absent in driver.
Traditional Afghanistan contrasted with new.
• Vivid description of basement (claustrophobic) contrasts with house = change in status. Pg105
change to present tense = immediacy of oil tanker & final leg. Death of Kamal = symbolic of
chance for A to escape without ‘baggage’ of past.
• Chap 11 echoes events of Chap 3 = Baba’s reputation & events demonstrating stature but
attributes different in American context
• A fits in better – placates grocery clerk & graduates. B not adapted so well – illness = reaction
to not being in Afghanistan – pining as he wastes away but visitors = high regard
• B’s natural abilities in evidence - best friends of customers during celebration of A’s graduation.
Market = success against odds in new context. Continuation of spirit – A’s narrative shows
same regard – holding onto heritage
Chapters 10-14 (cont.)
• Meets Soraya – beautiful & makes instant impression. Her past (pg123-4) – sentiment A can
relate to. Descriptive language recalls poetic lang. used to introduce H & describe Kabul in
winter. S taught servant to read – contrasts A’s refusal to teach H. Echoes of mother &
reflection of person he wishes he could have been
• Amir doesn’t go to ask for hand in marriage = respect for father but also continued timidity.
Wedding traditional – final attempt to make B proud. Wedding song = safety of USA, A growing
into heritage but past not escaped – looking in mirror = intimate moment is thinking of Hassan
• B’s death – relinquish hold on life – son has become man. Reading stories – putting to rest A’s
constant need to make proud. Funeral realises how large a figure & gap left to fill.
• RK knew secret – powerful influence. Offered way to ‘be good again’ pg168
• Publishing of novels = like rape – trading one success (fatherhood) for another. Success
contrasts with change in fate of Afghanistan – civil war & infighting
• Childlessness – dreams of H = juxtaposed. Suggests cannot have children until debt paid –
memories of friendship & loyalty, repetition of ‘For you, a thousand times over’ pg169 =
poignancy to ‘futility’ of act of lovemaking with wife. Mysterious infertility also sign of Afghans
failing to thrive away from homeland – like migraines & hypochondria of Soraya’s parents – A
does not hold in high regard – in contrast A & S happy & healthy
Chapters 15-21: Questions
1. These chapters deal with Amir’s physical return to his homeland and his metaphorical
journey to redemption and growth into a strong adult. How does Hosseini highlight
Amir’s stunted growth as an Afghan citizen and the difficulties he has in recognising &
reconnecting with the place of his childhood?
2. What functions are performed by the two new first person narrative voices in chapters 16
&17?
3. Death is a predominant feature in these middle chapters (Baba, Hassan & the imminent
death of Rahim Khan). How do these impact on Amir and what evidence is there of this?
4. What do we learn about Hassan’s children and why are these details important? There
are many references to orphans and orphanages – why are these significant?
5. What impact does the revelation about Hassan’s true parentage have at this point in the
novel?
6. How is the state of modern day Afghanistan presented to us? What is the symbolic
significance of the state of the country and there any signs that the traditional
Afghanistan still remains at some level?
Chapters 15-21
• Farid’s comment about him always having been a ‘tourist’ in his own country. Sees
Taliban in flesh for first time – stares – as though on T.V., cannot connect with reality of
situation.
• Spectacle of stoning – juxtaposed with football match so seen in same light. Afghan
people used to violence – A only one with strong emotion/reaction – naïve/childlike
hiding face – not desensitized to violence. A’s chance to finally grow up & difficulty doing
so
• RK & H’s letter – other voices verify points made by Amir – bring us up-to-date with state
of Kabul. H stayed behind & grown/changed with country, A in suspended animation –
Afghanistan more damaged than he imagined
• RK’s voice more considered & thoughtful – different tone & sentence construction.
Brought up-to-date with story of H. Return of H as character rather than symbol of guilt
• Deaths precipitate changes in A – RK’s imminent death more significant as he was clearer
guide & knew secret – offers means to overcome it. A changes from scared boy to strong
man
Chapters 15-21 (cont.)
• Destruction of orphanage = symbolic 2nd death of Baba (strength & compassion) –
personal tragedy for childless man. Children’s vulnerability = recurring motif represent
breakdown of culture & family
• Death of H affects profoundly – structure of language breaks down as at other moments
of stress = never seek forgiveness from H
• Male-centred narrative continues – H’s daughter stillborn but Sohrab survives. Name
taken from childhood storybook – importance of storytelling & happier times. Sohrab
avid reader, talented kite runner & slingshot shooter – like son of both
• Request to rescue S – make penance – orphanage link = something B would’ve done,
become man B wished him to be. S in converted warehouse – unsuitable. Afghanistan
left as vulnerable & fatherless as orphans. Taliban’s crimes & own compromised morals
related by director = extension of this
• Web of responsibility revealed – H = B’s illegitimate son – harks back to importance of
bloodlines discussed in Chap 13. Realises he & B not that different BUT A denied his
responsibility while B did best to make amends. A has new understanding
Chapters 15-21 (cont.)
• A shocked & saddened by state of Afghanistan (rich description of Peshawar reminiscent
of earlier Kabul but contrasts with stark city that follows). Country he abandoned
connected to feelings over relationships. State = internal landscape ravaged by years of
guilt
• Car sickness on drive to Jalalabad – only when driving through Afghanistan = sickness
caused by country itself – continued sign of weakness & detachment .
• Banning of Kite fighting – symbolic destruction of happier times. H rebuilds ‘Wall of
Ailing Corn’ – symbolic of rebuilding what used to have & boundary between haven of
house & war outside. Massacre of Hazaras – prejudice engrained at higher level
• Wahid’s welcome contrasted with Farid (product of new Afghanistan = cynical like truck
driver) representative of traditional hospitality. Welcome leaves no food so difficulty in
maintaining values. Beggar sign of old – symbol of Taliban’s disregard & tragedy of
modern Afghanistan BUT still persists despite terrible conditions
• Return to pomegranate tree – out of breath so older person. Tree dead = symbol of
death of physical relationship but inscription remains so friendship can exist beyond
barrier of death
Close Textual Analysis of Chapter 19
‘We had crossed the border[…] alongside the road’ pg.203-204
1. What two functions does this passage perform?
2. As Amir looks out the car window, what impression do we get of what he sees and
how is this created? Quote and analyse specific language and techniques used.
3. What is significant about the group of men, the tank and the woman mentioned?
What does each represent?
4. How does Hosseini draw attention to Amir’s alienation from his own country?
Give evidence.
5. How is Farid depicted in this section and what might this represent?
6. What provokes Amir’s car sickness and what is significant about this in terms of
Amir’s character and his journey?
Chapters 22-25: Questions
1. Assef reappears as the high-ranking Talib Amir must speak to. What does Assef
represent in relation to Afghanistan and Amir? Consider details of his clothing as well.
2. How is Sohrab described by Amir and what is the significance of this?
3. The beating Amir takes from Assef is a highly significant moment. What is symbolic
about the story Assef tells about his kidney stone? Why does Hosseini choose to have
Sohrab rescue Amir and how is this different from earlier episodes?
4. What evidence is there after the fight that Amir has matured into the type of man Baba
always wanted him to be?
5. What happens to the narrative after Sohrab’s suicide attempt and what effect does this
have? How does this action separate Sohrab from Hassan and what is Amir’s response?
6. Hassan’s phrase ‘For you a thousand times over’ is repeated twice in these closing
chapters, once by Farid and then finally by Amir himself. Why do you think Hosseini
chooses to do this?
7. There is a re-emergence of the storybook and kite flying motifs in the final chapter.
What effects do these have?
Chapters 22-25
• Assef represents manifestation of A’s childhood fears = bully – Badly frightened but finally
stands up & emulates B & H’s acts of bravery – confronting fears = journey of self discovery
• Appropriate rise to authority – representative of social norms being broken down – those
in power behave as sociopaths – fulfilling role suited to him & emulating Hitler
• Blood on white clothes alters symbolism – purity & peace becomes butcher’s apron. Blood
on white sheets = loss of virginity. A engaging in fight – losing last of naivety & innocence
• A comments on how much Sohrab looks like H – reminder of attack on H & spurs A on.
Repeats descriptive language 1st used to describe H (p244) – but contextual language
harder & less poetic reflecting harsh circumstance.
• Fighting Assef = fight to save H & repay debt – lay demons to rest. Assef laughs as beating
helps him pass particularly painful kidney stone – A laughs as beating finally banishes pain
& guilt (tried to provoke from H by throwing pomegranates
• Rescued by boy with slingshot again – but deserved & no reason for shame – Sohrab
performs action father threatened – ends battle started in chap 5 – circular nature of
narrative
Chapters 22-25 (cont.)
• A dreams of self wrestling bear – finally achieved stature of father – standing up way to
become man father wanted him to be. Split lip = resembles Hassan physical sign of
repaying debts. RK’s letter = sign of ultimate death – fitting that final part of childhood cut
off
• Journey back no car sickness – cured weakness. Panic at Sohrab missing – new chapter
beginning = responsibility. Decision to take to USA ready to be father. News of rape – pulls
close rather than ignoring. Sins repented & forgiven = reward of son but path not
straightforward – Soraya provides simple solution
• Switch to present tense = immediacy & panic/worry. During recovery, Sohrab becomes
separate from H – accepted as kin & responsibility. Starts to pray – important to Sohrab &
reawakening of A’s faith & reconnection with heritage. Survival = prayers answered
• Farid echoes H’s phrase (p266) demonstrates loyalty F now feels – earned through actions
like Baba. A runs kite (switching roles) utters H’s phrase (p323) Return to lyrical prose used
to describe most significant things – loyalty & devotion to boy
• Return to motif of stories – way to connect with Sohrab & apologise = reconnection with
H. Kite flying – weather clearing to produce sunny skies – reflects emotional tone of
scene. Sohrab withdrawn but activity H shared with A & S brings closer together
Characters
1. Amir
2. Hassan
3. Baba
4. Ali
5. Rahim Khan
6. Assef
7. Sohrab
8. Soraya
Analyse the significance of these characters and
how Hosseini uses them to enhance the thematic
concerns of the novel by considering the following:
•
•
•
•
•
Background knowledge of character
Personality/characteristics
Main actions/involvement in novel
Impact on Amir (central character/narrator)
Significance to wider novel & thematic concerns
(How Hosseini uses them as tool in novel)
• Find quotations – significant things they say or
that is said about them and analyse why they are
significant (use as evidence or link to previous
aspects
You will be presenting your thoughts and typing up
notes for the class to use as revision.
Structure and Style
Exposition
Development
Turning Point(s)
Climax
Falling
Action/Resolution
Key Symbols & Motifs
8. Kites
7. The Lamb
6. Pomegranate Tree
5. The Cleft Lip
4. Rape
3. Irony
2. Dreams
1. Regressing in time &
storytelling
Notes on Key Symbols & Motifs
• Identify how and when they appear within the novel
• Explain what they represent or suggest
• Analyse how the contribute to characterisation, plot
development, theme & purpose
• Exemplify through quotations and page references to
key moments in which they appear
Group Areas of Responsibility
• Notes on a key aspect of characterisation
• Notes on Key Symbols
• Notes on Study of theme
Throughout the study of the novel, your home groups have taken the
responsibility for one area in each of the above sections.
After each section is completed, one member of the group must take
responsibility for typing up and sending in the group’s notes so that I can
collate them and make them available to the whole class – this way the
workload is shared.
Other Minor Symbols
• The Slingshot
• Brass Knuckles
• Ford Car
• John Lennon-style sunglasses
• White & Red
Language & Style
• Amir – viewpoint of adult. Personal narration – informal,
conversational
• Development in vocab & sentence construction – move from adult to
childhood years
• Childlike language: lead up to attack ‘He never told on me’ p4 &
‘They clapped for a long time. Afterward, people shook his hand’
p13
• Style reaches maturity as narrative reaches rape – Trauma of
moment accompanied by dropping away of childlike tone ‘I was
weeping’ p67 & ‘I actually aspired to cowardice’ p68
• End of chapter – held & hugged by Baba – tone reflects security,
simple childish voice
• Not long – Next chapter more sophisticated with complex sentences
• Times of stress & extreme anxiety – changes to voice: hesitant,
broken sentence structure – reflects fragmentation of mind
• Switch to present tense: In truck & Sohrab’s suicide = immediacy &
urgency
• Poetic language & imagery used to describe significant things –
Hassan, Soraya, Sohrab, Kabul of childhood
Language & Style
• Rahim Khan – more graceful & less straightforward – reflects
age & temperament
• Talking of Kabul after A & B left – page 178 = repetitive
structure, poetic – typical of speech & letter
• Hassan – contrast – more foreign cadence (A’s later voice
reflective of time in USA & RK intellectual man, study of
literature)
• Writing & reading – late in life & associated with religion –
more studied & less fluent style – p189 ‘I am hopeful[…]grace
our eyes’
• Responsible for one of key motifs ‘For you a thousand times
over’ – more formal style & reflects unquestioned loyalty
• A’s use of phrase at end – transformation of character –
acceptance of power & grace of older, more spiritual form of
language
Narrative & Structure
• Single story told from end – coloured by pre-knowledge
• Adult understanding & rationalising – 2 perspectives (child &
reworked/misremembered adult)
• Details granted more importance – carrying guilt: stories told
paint in negative light
• Foreshadowing – told from chronological end point
• Undercuts current events – will not last ‘That was the winter
that Hassan stopped smiling’ ch5
• Builds tension – revealing small bit of info to come e.g. end of
chaps 1,2 & 4
• Continues after rape but not as frequently & not chap ends –
instead memories of earlier times inserted
Narrative & Structure
• Moment of rape = central moment – earlier chaps look forward,
later look back
• Structure & style change – prior to revelation = straightforward,
chronological
• Attack = fractures & never fully resumes linear structure
• Witnessing = veers to other stories – desire of A’s mind to avoid
dealing with what he sees
• Style of story changes – previously ‘unembellished’
• Points of fracture adult voice takes over = events largely ‘shown’,
out of order, gaps – reader interpret events & juxtaposition
• Fable-like – constantly reinforcing ‘good’ and ‘bad’ through guilt &
need to atone
• Allegory – journey of redemption accompanies trials of Afghan
people – search for reconciliation = search for peace
Narrative & Structure
• Sub-plots
• Stories of mothers, Rahim Khan, Assef
• Soraya = complement to Amir’s story – burden of guilt & pain
from past
• Role = possible to recover from such a shame & provide hope
• Inclusion of dreams – lend depth to narrative
• Used to foreshadow events to come (prophetic)
• Add level of symbolism – provide hidden knowledge characters
unable to see themselves
• Hassan’s dream of tournament, Amir’s memory of dream during
attack (symbolic of feelings of being lost & guilt at being safe),
Amir’s dream after beating – wrestling bear (revelation to him &
us that he has finally reconciled with father)
Essay Writing
Critical Essay = Discursive Essay
So what does this mean?
• Present an argument – clear line of
argument throughout
• Make a number of points to support
argument
• Support points with evidence
LINE OF ARGUMENT
• Construct your argument around the task
• Don’t just argue WHAT the writer does, argue WHY the
writer does this & evaluate HOW WELL
• Link argument to overall purpose of text – what is the
writer trying to teach us/make us aware of?
• Line of Argument should be CLEARLY stated in
introduction
• Topic Sentences & transition points in essay should link
back to the argument – show progression &
development (using transitional markers)
• Argument should be CLEARLY summed up in conclusion
2008, Question 5
Choose a novel which
explores the cruelty of human
nature.
Show how the writer explores
this theme and discuss how
its exploration enhances your
appreciation of the novel as a
whole.
First part only allows
you to choose a
suitable task which
matches your task
This is the bit you need to
‘answer/address’. It tells
you what your essay
must do
YOU MUST DEAL WITH…
• enhances your appreciation of the novel as a whole.
• its importance to your understanding of the novel as
a whole
• illuminates a central concern of the text.
• enhances your understanding of the text as a whole.
• made an important contribution to your enjoyment
of the text as a whole.
• it gives you a deeper understanding of the text as a
whole.
• used to create and maintain your interest in the
central ideas of the texts
What This Means
• All these are asking you to do is to show your
understanding of the themes and writer’s
overall purpose/message.
• Your argument should be based around this –
i.e. prove HOW the area/techniques are used
by the writer to reveal this AND evaluate how
effectively this is done
Planning Questions
1. Where do we see the cruelty of human
nature?
2. How does Hosseini present/reveal the cruelty
of each aspect (techniques)?
3. What significance does this cruelty play in the
wider text – what does Hosseini use it to show
us?
Planning: Para 2 (Characterisation of
Amir – Early treatment of Hassan)
Points of analysis
• Early cruelty stems from
jealousy & uncertainty over
relationship with Baba
• Amir looks for opportunities to
impress Baba at the expense of
Hassan – unaware of B’s own
betrayal & reason for his
behaviour towards H
• H taking blame for A’s actions –
unfaltering loyalty (first words)
• Not teaching H to read –
changing details in story
• Eating dirt incident
• Denying friendship in ‘public’
situations – excludes from trips
Evidence
• First words
• B & RK’s ‘mean
streak’ discussion
‘a boy who can’t
stand…’
Wider significance
• Hosseini sets up these
details about Amir to set
mould for events to come –
foreshadowing potential for
Cruelty in Amir’s character
• Retrospective narrative –
Amir foregrounding negatives
in childhood due to privileged
perspective – Hosseini
highlights burden of Amir’s
guilt & need to atone
• Shows all humanity has
potential for cruelty – how
emotions like jealousy can
provoke cruelty
Planning: Para 3 (Characterisation of
Amir – Hassan’s Rape)
Points of analysis
• Hosseini juxtaposes jubilant
atmosphere of tournament with
dark cruelty of rape – theme of
betrayal: Amir betrays H in order
to keep his success & gain Baba’s
admiration
• Turning away, choosing to run &
sacrifice H, way he speaks to H
after
• Mind turns to memories, details
of rape made more appalling
• Highlights cruelty through use of
weather, alleyway setting, H’s
dream, white snow/red blood
contrast
Evidence
aspiring to
cowardice
quotation
Hassan as
sacrificial lamb
quotation
reference to
Hassan’s dream of
monster in lake
Wider
significance
• Provides turning point of
novel & moment for which
Amir must atone
• Pivotal nature of moment
reflected in narrative –
moment foreshadowed &
alluded to in 1st half and
referred back to after
• Change in language
reflecting adult perspective
• Hosseini showing how
cruelty can stem from
inaction & selfishness but
can lead to the heavy
burden of guilt
Planning: Para 4 (Characterisation of
Amir – Treatment of Hassan after rape)
Points of analysis
• Distancing self from Hassan to try
and ignore guilt
• Pomegranate attack – symbolic
nature of pomegranates &
significance of this moment – Amir
tries to provoke Hassan in order to
absolve his guilt but H does not allow
this
• Birthday party – again fails to help
Hassan. Gift from Assef almost
makes him complicit in attack
• Framing Hassan – again A & H don’t
allow him to assuage guilt – pathetic
fallacy in weather – Amir also hurts
Baba
Evidence
“The color fell from his
face. Next to him, the
stapled pages of the
story I’d promised to
read him fluttered in
the breeze. I hurled
the pomegranate at
him. It struck him in
the chest, exploded in a
spray of red pulp.
Hassan’s cry was
pregnant with surprise
and pain.”
“For me, America was
the place to bury my
memories”
Wider
significance
•Moving to America –
running away, trying to
escape guilt/past –
betraying country itself
• Other treatment tries
to distance from guilt
through cruelty
• Leads to Amir needing
to seek redemption
Planning: Para 5 (Setting of
Afghanistan – Civil War & the Taliban)
Points of analysis
Evidence
Wider significance
• Destruction of Taliban –
contrast between earlier
memories and Amir’s return
• Russian soldier &
exploitative driver
• Farid’s cynicism
• Banning of Kite-fighting
• The stoning
• The beggar, destruction of
orphanage
“Huddled together in the
dining room and waiting
for the sun to rise, none of
us had any notion that a
way of life had ended.”
• Amir’s guilt free, pleasant
childhood contrasted with later
life
• Destruction of Afghanistan
parallels his journey
• Betrayal of country too
• Relics of ‘good’ Afghanistan
remain suggesting glimmer of
hope for future despite cruelty
of the Taliban – can be
overcome
“There are a lot of
children in Afghanistan,
but little childhood.”
Planning: Para 6 (Characterisation of
Assef – Figure of evil)
Points of analysis
Evidence
• Amir’s childhood bully
• Associations with Hitler
• Symbolic nature of brass
knuckles
• Reflects the underlying
prejudice in Afghanistan
against Hazaras
• Perpetrator of rape –
associations of dark alleyway,
cornering Hassan when
vulnerable
• Later exploitation of orphans
• Person doing the stoning –
white clothes covered in
blood like butcher’s apron
“My body was broken—
just how badly I wouldn’t
find out until later—but I
felt healed. Healed at last.
I laughed.”
Wider significance
• Assef is a hypocritical figure –
exploits Taliban rule in order to
gain power for personal
pleasure
• Figure which embodies the
cruelty & guilt Amir must face
to seek redemption & atone
“Public justice is the
greatest kind of show, my for sins
brother.Drama.Suspense. • Must suffer the cruel beating
And , best of all, education in order to be cleansed
en masse”
• Assef blinded by slingshot –
reflects violence & cruelty
Sohrab has grown up with
Example Introduction
Khaled Hosseini’s thought-provoking novel, ‘The Kite
Runner’ clearly explores the cruelty of human nature and
illustrates how it can impact on individuals and wider
society. Through Amir’s first-person narrative, Hosseini
juxtaposes the protagonist’s personal journey to
redemption with Afghanistan’s historical struggle after the
Russian occupation and subsequent deterioration at the
hands of the Taliban. Hosseini’s skilful depiction of the
deterioration of Amir and Hassan’s relationship, Assef’s
character and the historical setting of Afghanistan
between the 1970s and early twenty-first century
effectively portrays different manifestations of humanity’s
cruelty and suggests ways in which this can be
overcome, offering hope for the future.
Topic Sentences: A Structural Device –
Signposts and shows development of line of
argument
• Focus on Task
• Introduce Focus of Paragraph
(Technique/Aspect to be Analysed)
• Analytical NOT Storytelling (use writer’s name)
• Contain Evaluative Language
• Indicate Transitions – Progression of Argument
(Transitional Markers)
• Vary expression
The cruelty of human nature is first indicated by
Hosseini through the early childhood recollections of
the protagonist, Amir. These initial signs of cruelty
are cleverly evoked in order to suggest the potential
for cruelty lies within us all.
The pivotal turning point within the novel is also
effectively used by Hosseini to reveal how cruelty can
grow out of selfishness and inaction.
Main Paragraphs – Points of your
argument
• Points of analysis clearly made – focus on what Hosseini is doing
(how cruelty is evoked through techniques)
• Exemplified through quotation/textual reference
• Quotations need to be introduced and integrated effectively
• Quotations should be followed by analytical comment (what
quotation highlights and how it does this)
• Demonstrate understanding of novel and Hosseini’s purpose (in
relation to cruelty and wider significance of novel as a whole)
WITHOUT STORYTELLING
• Evaluation built in throughout (how effective techniques are in
revealing cruelty
• Sub-conclusion which links paragraph/analysis clearly back to
task (cruelty of human nature and what Hosseini wants us to
understand about it.
Hosseini skilfully uses a retrospective narrative to
emphasise Amir’s regrets for his past. Everything in the
novel spans from the crucial event of the rape: Amir
constantly leading up or referring back to the harrowing
incident. The narrative immediately highlights this as the
crucial turning point that changed the course of Amir’s life
forever. As the novel progresses, we see that even as an
adult, Amir still carries his remorse and is yet to repent for
his prior actions. The character’s deep self-loathing gives
us the sense that Amir may be telling his story with a
harsher light, now more aware of how his actions affected
his and others’ lives. This hindsight heightens Amir’s need
for redemption. After years of running from his mistakes, he
realises that ‘the past claws it’s way back out,’ and he won’t
ever escape his guilt if he doesn’t accept what he did and
make amends for his actions.
Conclusion – Finalising the Argument
•
•
•
•
•
Restate Writer’s name in full
Mention Type of Text
Restate Title
Refer back to the original task
Present your line of argument – overall
purpose/what we understand/appreciate as a result
of exploration of cruelty through various techniques
• Refer to techniques analysed (avoid simply listing)
• Contain Evaluative Language
• Should be conclusive – rounding off – summing up
By the end of ‘The Kite Runner’ Khaled Hosseini
has clearly explored the different ways in which
the cruelty of human nature can manifest itself. By
setting this novel in Afghanistan, and dealing with
actual historical events, he cleverly forces the
reader to see the collective impact of cruelty on
individuals and wider society. Through Amir’s
journey to redemption, Hosseini effectively
suggests that we cannot escape our pasts and that
the cruelty of human nature can only be overcome
if we confront it.
2010, Q8
Choose a novel in which a character seeks to
escape from the constraints of his or her
environment or situation.
Explain why the character feels the need to
escape and show how his of her response to
the situation illuminates a central concern of
the text.
Planning Questions
1. What constraints does Amir want to escape
from and why?
2. How does Hosseini present/reveal Amir’s need
to escape the constraints of his situation?
3. How does Hosseini present Amir’s response to
the situation?
4. What central concern does Amir’s response
illuminate and how does it do this?