Multicultural Literature
Spring 2015 – The Kite Runner
For the essay over The Kite Runner, please select one of the following essay prompts to fully and completely respond to, based on your reading and understanding of the novel.
In your response, remember to be as specific and detailed as possible, citing actual and specific examples from the text to support your claims.
Your essay should be fully developed with an introduction that concludes with a thesis statement, at least two body paragraphs supporting all claims with evidence from the novel, and a conclusion.
You will also complete an outline and a rough draft. Please keep everything in MLA format. For help with this, you can visit the Purdue Owl Online Writing Lab.
Prompts:
1.
The concept of betrayal – or choosing not to betray someone – has many implications for the lives of the character in the novel. It also turns out to have many motivations. Consider three characters in the novel, at least one of whom engages in betrayal and at least one of whom chooses not to engage in betrayal. Analyze the motivations for and the ramifications or consequences of each character’s decision to betray or not to betray. Be specific, citing actual and specific examples from the novel in your response.
2.
The strong underlying force of this novel is the relationship between Amir and Hassan.
Discuss the varying definitions of friendship as seen in the novel. Questions to consider:
Why is Amir afraid to be Hassan’s true friend? Why does Amir constantly test Hassan’s loyalty? Why does he resent Hassan? After the kite runner tournament, why does Amir no longer want to be Hassan’s friend? Be specific, citing actual and specific examples from the novel in your response.
3.
The novel begins, “I became what I am today at the age of twelve” (Hosseini 1). To what is
Amir referring? In his assertion entirely true? What other factors have helped him to form his character that we see at the end of the book? Be specific, citing actual and specific examples from the novel in your response.
4.
Our character is often shaped and influenced by our relationship with others. Which character is the most responsible for determining the personality of Amir? How? Be specific, citing actual and specific examples from the novel in your response.
Important dates:
Outline due: _____________________________
Rough draft due:
Final draft due:
_____________________________
_____________________________

Multicultural Literature
Spring 2015 – The Kite Runner
Outline
I.
Introduction a.
Broad, universal statement (hook): b.
Introduce novel/author/characters/situation: c.
Thesis statement (one sentence):
II.
Body Paragraph One: a.
Support #1 for this topic: i.
Evidence (quote): ii.
Explanation of evidence: b.
Support #2 for this topic: i.
Evidence (quote): ii.
Explanation of evidence: c.
Closing/transition to body paragraph two
III.
Body Paragraph Two: a.
Support #1 for this topic: i.
Evidence (quote): ii.
Explanation of evidence: b.
Support #2 for this topic: i.
Evidence (quote):

Multicultural Literature
Spring 2015 – The Kite Runner ii.
Explanation of evidence: c.
Closing/transition to body paragraph three
IV.
Body Paragraph Three: a.
Support #1 for this topic: i.
Evidence (quote): ii.
Explanation of evidence: b.
Support #2 for this topic: i.
Evidence (quote): ii.
Explanation of evidence:
V.
c.
Closing/transition to body paragraph two
Conclusion a.
Restate thesis b.
SO WHAT? Tie it all together to make a comment about it’s significance.