Name ____________________________ Period ________
Kite Runner Essay Topics
The following are a list of possible essay topics for your Kite Runner Essay. You will narrow the list down to 3,
each of which you will write a thesis statement. The teacher will choose your topic based on your preferences.
Maximum of 4 students per topic.
1. Could the story of the novel exist without the class difference between Amir and Hassan? Make a case,
using specific plot points and historical facts to ground your argument.
2. Examine the concept of circularity in the novel. What important cycles exist in the characters' lives and
histories? How is circularity connected to redemption?
3. Explore the way in which courage is portrayed in the novel. What constitutes true bravery? What are the
key moments when characters are brave and who is the bravest character, if any? Use specific examples
from the text to support your argument.
4. Each character in the novel is shaped not only by his particular circumstances, but by the historical and
political events that occur during his life. Consider Sohrab, the only character of his generation; how is he
different from the other characters and how are these differences a function of what he has experienced?
5. Consider the idea of a homeland or "watan." How do you think the novel defines a homeland? Make sure
to consider the opinions of Farid and Assef. Also, consider this question in terms of Amir and Sohrab, two
characters who leave Afghanistan when they are still growing up.
6. Even though countless events occur in the novel, the title refers to kite fighting and kite running. What do
these activities represent in the novel and why are they so important? To whom or what does the title,
"The Kite Runner," refer?
7. Examine what it means to be American in the novel. How do different characters see America and is there
one perspective that comes across most definitively? Some characters you may want to consider: Amir,
Baba, General Taheri, Omar Faisal, Farid.
8. Think about the fathers in the novel. According to the novel, what does it mean to be a father? How can
one measure one's success at fathering? Some characters to consider: Baba, Ali, Amir, Hassan, General
Taheri, Farid, Wahid, Raymond Andrews.
9. "Like father, like son." "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." "Monkey see, monkey do." Use one of
these cliches as a starting point to consider the way characters in the story behave. Characters to consider:
Amir, Hassan, Assef, Baba, Sohrab, Rahim Khan.
10. Make a list of instances in the novel where someone is forgiven. What constitutes true forgiveness? Why
is forgiveness so important? You may want to consider moments between Hassan and Amir, Baba and
Hassan, Hassan and Sanaubar, Amir and Sohrab, General Taheri and Soraya, and Amir and himself.
11. Think about acts of violence in the novel individually and as a whole. Why is violence so essential to the
story? Could the story occur without so much violence? Using your answer from the previous question,
explain what you think Hosseini is using violence to say. You may want to consider: Hassan's rape,
Sohrab's rape, the stonings at Ghazi Stadium, Assef and Amir's fight, Sohrab's suicide attempt, the story of
Kamal and his father, Hassan and Farzana's murders, Sanaubar's appearance at the house, and the activity
of kite fighting.
12. America acts as a place for Amir to rehash his memories and as a place for Baba to mourn his. In America,
there are "homes that made Baba's house in Wazir Akbar Khan look like a servant's hut." (page 135) What
is ironic about this statement? What is the function of irony in this novel?
13. Baba and Amir know that they are very different people. Often it disappoints both of them that Amir is not
the son that Baba has hoped for. When Amir finds out that Baba has lied to him about Hassan, he realizes
that "as it turned out, Baba and I were more alike than I'd ever known." (page 226) How does this make
Amir feel about his father? How is this both a negative and positive realization?
14. When Amir and Baba move to the States their relationship changes, and Amir begins to view his father as
a more complex man. Discuss the changes in their relationship. Do you see the changes in Baba as tragic
or positive?
Name ____________________________ Period ________
Kite Runner Essay Topic Preferences
Below, please identify your top three topic choices for this project. Write a thesis statement for each topic that
includes 3 areas of investigation. Keep in mind that a maximum of 4 students will be allowed per topic; as such,
your thesis should
1. Restate any needed information such as author’s names, titles of works, locations, studies, laws, entities
that are associated with the topic.
2. Use key phrases from the prompt in your thesis. This will focus your essay, signal on-topic writing, and
aid you in your efforts to narrow your topic to a manageable scope.
3. Limit your thesis to one sentence.
4. Write in active voice, with strong verbs, specific concrete nouns, and well-placed adjectives and adverbs
that appropriately clarify or further define the topic at hand.
5. DO NOT
a. Use pronouns or indefinite identifiers in your thesis. Avoid words and phrases like “this,” “that
law,” “the author,” “he,” “they,” “this problem,” etc.
b. Include quotations or any other non-essential details in your thesis.
c. Use a question as your thesis.
Examples:
1. In The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald uses (1) well-developed characters, (2) vivid imagery, and
(3) archetypal symbolism to explore the human tendency to take one's current position for granted
and live so far in the future that it becomes impossible to be happy in the present.
2. By (1) withholding crucial exposition, (2)using a complex and highly developed conflict, and (3)
vividly illustrating the intricate nuances of Native American culture, Tom Whitecloud accurately
portrays a young Indian's internal struggle to find his place within contemporary American society.
Topic # _____ Description of topic in own words ____________________________________________________________________
Thesis
Topic # _____ Description of topic in own words ____________________________________________________________________
Thesis
Topic # _____ Description of topic in own words ____________________________________________________________________
Thesis
5: Thoroughly completed 4: Strong completion 3: Adequate completion 2: Limited Development 1: Little completed, incomplete