Amir & Baba
Why was Amir disappointed with his trip to Jalalabad?
Baba made it a huge family gathering instead of spending time with Amir.
How does Hassan interact with Assef in Chapter 8?
How is Amir calling Hassan a coward for not hitting him back with pomegranates ironic?
Amir was the coward when he did not help Hassan while he was getting raped. It is like the pot calling the kettle black.
How did Amir being carsick make Baba feel?
It made him embarrassed and reinforced the idea that Amir was a coward/weak.
How does Hassan respond to his rape?
He becomes extremely introverted and withdrawn. He would do his chores and then sleep/hide for the rest of the day
What is the symbolism behind the Hitler biography that Assef gives Amir?
It represents the personal cruelty of Assef as well as the threat of what Assef can do. Assef idolizes Hitler, who is well regarded as evil, and Assef giving Amir the Hitler book is representative of how he is evil too. It also represents the possibility of Assef's cruelty in the future as well.
What is Baba's response to Amir asking for new servants?
Baba was physically enraged at the fact that Amir would even have an inkling of a thought that they should change their servants. He considered Ali and Hassan family and to disregard family would have been against what Baba stood for.
What does Hassan do when Baba accused him of stealing?
He covers for Amir and 'admits' to stealing even though he did not in order to protect Amir's reputation
How is the imagery of Baba planting in a garden somewhat ironic?
The imagery of this huge, robust, emphatic man doing something as tame and mundane as gardening paints a funny image in the minds of readers. People would not expect the "Hurricane Man" to be doing something such as planting tulips.
Explain the dichotomy between Baba's response to the soldier attempting to rape the woman and Amir's response to Hassan's rape.
Shows the differences between Baba and Amir. Baba was willing to stand up for some random woman that he had never met, stepping in front of a gun and physically putting his life on the line, because it was the right thing to do. Amir couldn't help his best friend, even if he didn't call Hassan his friend, from a neighborhood bully. This demonstrates Baba's strict, black and white morals and Amir's innate cowardice.
How is it implied that Hassan knows Amir saw him get raped?
Ali gives Amir a knowing glare and Hassan sticks his neck out to protect Amir because he knew Amir admitting he saw Hassan get raped would paint him as a coward.
Describe Baba after he gets to America and how that description reflects character change.
One good quote that represents this is: "Baba's beard was graying, his hair thinning at the temples, and hadn't he been taller in Kabul?" (110 in the PDF). The description of Baba getting physically smaller helps enforce the idea that Baba was mellowing out when Baba had been previously likened to a Hurricane.
Another interesting element was that Amir said Baba only had one suit, something starkly different from the wealthy businessman of Kabul. It shows that he has had to let go of his materialism, at least to a degree.
How did Amir and Baba's relationship improve from chapter 8 to chapter 11. Give an example from the relationship before and after.
Amir and Baba grew closer out of necessity. Once they got to America, they were all they had and grew much closer as they helped each other and adapted to a new environment.
Possible examples:
1. Baba getting mad at Amir for asking for new servants
2. Baba making Jalalabad a big trip
3. Baba and Amir celebrating Amir's graduation together
4. Baba and Amir at the Flea Market
How does Hassan's response to Amir throwing pomegranates at him demonstrate the unique relationship they have?
It shows the importance of social classes in the relationship, with Hassan being loyal and not fighting back due to his social class.
How does the description of Assef in chapter 8 accurately reflect his cruelty?
Assef was described as towering over his parents, symbolizing the power he had over them. Hitler is the man that Assef is aspiring to be more like. Assef's parents' demeanors around Assef make him feel evil/repulsive etc.