Religion
Was Amir connected to his religion in the early stages of the book?
No
What is the significance of the festival of Nawruz in the novel, and how does it reflect Afghan culture?
Nawruz symbolizes renewal and hope, reflecting Afghan cultural values. In the novel, it serves as a backdrop for important events and emphasizes the resilience of Afghan traditions even in the face of political upheaval
What happened to Hassan's mother?
She ran away after Hassan was born.
Were women expected to be dutiful towards men?
Yes
"I see now that Baba was wrong, there is a God there has always been. I see Him here, in the eyes of the people in this corridor of desperation.” Page 301
What figurtive language is "corridor of depseration"?
Metaphor or imagery
What role does the sport of kite fighting play in Afghan culture, and how does it influence the story?
Kite fighting is a traditional Afghan pastime that holds great cultural significance. In the novel, it becomes a metaphor for competition, friendship, betrayal, and redemption, serving as a pivotal element in the characters' lives
"Sometimes I asked Baba if I could go sit with them, but Baba would stand in the doorway. "Go on now," he'd say. "This is grown-ups' time" (Page 4).
Why do you think Baba treated Amir like this?
He felt that Amir could not stand up for himself like Hassan did, and he felt guilt that he could never own up to being his father, so he took it out on Amir in a sense.
How does Amir not fit gender expectations as a child?
Amir was not as strong as other kids, he was most commonly compared to Hassan. He did not defend himself physically against bullies, instead Hassan would have to stand up for him.
How do Ali and Hassan not fit into religious expectations of Kabul, Afghanistan?
Ali and Hassan practice Shia' Islam, but the majority of Kabul practices Sunni Islam (including Baba and Amir). Much of the community looked down on them and would bully them. However, they were proud of thier religion and identity. They were happy living with Baba and Amir because they treated them well.
How does Baba's adherence to traditional Afghan values shape his relationship with Amir?
Baba's adherence to traditional Afghan values creates tension in his relationship with Amir, as Amir struggles to meet his father's expectations. This cultural dynamic influences Amir's actions and decisions throughout the narrative.
How is the literary device of symbolism used through Hassan's cleft lip.
Hassan's cleft lip symbolizes his social status and poverty which differentiated him and Amir. He could not afford to get it fixed. However since Baba was wealthy he was able to pay a surgeon to fix Hassan's lip.
“Every woman needs a husband. Even if he did silence a song in her”
What kind of figurative language is displayed in this quote?
Metaphor
“I bow to the west. Then I remember I haven’t prayed in over fifteen years. I had long forgotten the words. But it doesn’t matter, I will utter those few words I still remember[...] I see now that Baba was wrong, there is a God there has always been. I see Him here, in the eyes of the people in this corridor of desperation.” (page 301)
What is the significance of Amir praying in the hospital?
Amir shunned religion for many years due to the belifs of his father. Because of this he did not fit religious or social expectations of where he lived in Afghanistan. But Sohrab's life was enough for Amir to break down his life long belifs and turn to religion and God for help. He again did not fit social expectations by only turning to religion when it semmed extremely necessary.
“The next morning, the waiting room down the hall was jammed with Afghans. The butcher from Newark. An engineer who’d worked with Baba on his orphanage. They filed in and paid Baba their respects in hushed tones. Wished him a swift recovery.” Page 139
How does Baba and Amir's culture show even though they are in the United States?
Baba and Amir are surrounded by Afghan individuals who are also in the United States. These peope feel that is it their duty and a part of their religion to visit the sick, which is Baba in this case.
"Sometimes I asked Baba if I could go sit with them, but Baba would stand in the doorway. "Go on now," he'd say. "This is grown-ups' time" (Page 4).
Why does Baba's "grown-up time" negatively affect Amir?
He wanted to be in Baba's presence and would often ask, but he was too busy smoking and discussing business, politics, and soccer which made him feel like his own father didn't have time for him.
"Soraya dedicated herself to taking care of my father"
How does this quote show the role of women in Afghan society?
Even though Soraya had pursued a career in teaching, she still took on roles that were traditional for women.