Analysis
Why does Hassan lie about stealing Amir’s watch?
Hassan knew Amir was setting him up so he played along with Amir’s plan by acting as if he really stole the watch. This was Hassan’s last sacrifice for Amir.
“For you, a thousand times over” (67). What theme does this quote represent? Explain.
Friendship: Hassan and Amir grew up together and for Hassan, he would sacrifice anything to satisfy Amir.
“Do you have to always be the hero? I thought, my heart fluttering. Can’t you just let it go for once? But I know he couldn’t—it wasn’t his nature” (115). What does this show about Baba’s character?
Baba is brave and has the courage to stand up for what is right.
What can we infer from the quote, “I had one last chance to make a decision. One final opportunity to decide who I was going to be. I could step into that alley to stand up for Hassan … Or I could run” (77)?
Amir reflects on his important moment of choice. This reveals Amir’s internal struggle and decision he will make, which leads to his lifelong guilt and regret.
What effect does Amir's guilt have on his actions toward Hassan after the alley incident?
Amir began to distant himself and acted mean towards Hassan.
After the kite tournament, how did the relationship between Amir and Baba change?
After Amir had been trying to gain Baba’s approval his whole life, Amir finally got his father’s attention after winning the kite tournament. Baba became proud of Amir, making their relationship better.
Explain the contrast between Amir and Baba’s characters.
while baba’s character is portrayed as manly and able to fight, Amir is more of a coward, wanting to back off from a situation
What can we infer from Baba’s reaction to Hassan and Ali's departure?
Baba's sorrow and frustration reflect his emotional connection to Hassan and Ali. His reaction indicates a deep relationship and affection for them, influenced by the fact that he had grown up with Ali and treated Hassan like a son.
“America was different. America was a river, roaring along, unmindful of the past. I could wade into this river, let my sins drown to the bottom, let the waters carry me someplace far. Someplace with no ghosts, no memories, and no sins (136)”. What does Amir think of America?
Amir thinks of America as where he can forget about his past and start his new life.
How is the theme of friendship portrayed through the actions of Hassan and Amir ? Explain and give examples?
In spite of Amir's betrayal, Hassan remains loyal.
What does Soraya’s confession reveal about her character?
Her confession illustrates her courage and honesty towards Amir.
Why didn't Amir throw Rahim Khan's gift in the corner like he did with other gifts?
Amir didn't throw Rahim Khan's gift in the corner because Rahim Khan's gift, a notebook for his writing, showed understanding and support for Amir's passion for writing. This made the gift more meaningful and valuable to Amir, unlike the other gifts that felt superficial and disconnected from his true interests.
What does the pomegranate tree symbolize? How did Amir’s feelings about the pomegranate tree changed after he witnessed Hassan being raped in the alley?
The pomegranate tree symbolizes their friendship. Before the incident, Amir and Hassan carved their names on the tree as a sign of their bond. However, Amir couldn’t stand to look at it now as he felt ashamed by ruining their relationship.
How does the theme of guilt affect Amir’s action and decision on chapter 9? Explain and give examples?
Amir ultimately believes that it is best for him that Hassan is gone so that he does not feel guilty and can receive all of Baba's love.
What do Assef’s actions and beliefs reveal about his character? Explain and give examples.
Assef is a ruthless and sadistic character who holds extremist, prejudiced views.
“Some hero I had been, fretting about the kite. Sometimes, I too wondered if I was really Baba’s son” (116). What can we infer from this quote?
Baba valued the act of standing for what is right but Amir never had enough courage to stand up for anyone or even for himself. Due to their differences, it made Amir question if he was really Baba’s son.
What does the lamb symbolize?
The lamb symbolizes Hassan’s innocence and helplessness. When Amir sees Hassan’s face, he compares the look he sees on Hassan’s eyes during his assault to that of the sacrificial lamb.
“It was the look of a lamb” (76).
“A loyal Hazara. Loyal as a dog” (72). What theme does this quote represent? What can we infer about how society perceived Hazaras?
This quote illustrates the theme of discrimination against the Hazaras in Afghanistan society. Most Pashtuns thought of themselves as superior and treated Hazaras as animals rather than treating them as a human being.
Why does Ali decide to leave, and what does this decision reveal about his character?
Ali decides to leave because he cannot tolerate the dishonor and pain caused by Amir's false accusations against Hassan. This decision reveals his dignity, self-respect, and deep love for his son, showing that he values their honor over the security and comfort of staying with Baba.
“For me, America was a place to bury my memories. For Baba, a place to mourn his” (129). What can we infer from this quote?
For Amir, America is a place for him to forget about what he had done wrong in the past and start over again. Meanwhile, America turned out to be less than what Baba expected. Baba longed for his old life of wealth, power, and his old friend, Ali.