Plot and Setting
Where is Amir living when the novel begins, and what prompts his reflections on the past?
Amir lives in San Francisco; a call from Rahim Khan brings back memories
How is Hassan portrayed in terms of loyalty and character?
Hassan is loyal, brave, and selfless
What role does guilt play in Amir's narration?
Guilt haunts Amir's life
What happens during the kite-fighting tournament?
Amir wins the kite tournament
What is the significance of the quote, "For you, a thousand times over"?
shows Hassan's deep loyalty
How does the story transition from 2001 to Amir's childhood in Kabul?
Flashback to Amir's childhood in 1975 Kabul
What do we learn about Baba's values and his views on Amir?
Baba values strength; he's disappointed in Amir's softness
How does the novel explore the theme of betrayal in the first 8 chapters?
Amir betrays Hassan multiple times
How does Hassan retrieve the last kite, and what happens afterward?
Hassan catches the kite but is raped
How does Hosseini use foreshadowing in Chapter 1?
Foreshadows a major event in 1975
What is the significance of the kite tournament in chapter 6?
It's Amir's chance to earn Baba's approval
How does Amir feel about his father's attention toward Hassan?
Amir feels jealous of Baba's affection for Hassan
What do kites symbolize in the context of the story?
Kites symbolize joy and betrayal
How does Amir react to witnessing Hassan's assault?
Amir hides and says nothing
Identify and explain a metaphor used to describe Amir's feelings of guilt?
Guilt as a "wild animal' metaphor
how does the novel describe the relationship between Baba and Amir in the early Chapters?
Strained-Amir wants Baba's love but feels distant
What role does Ali play in the household and in Hassan's life?
Ali is Hassan's kind and humble father
What do kites symbolize in the context of the story?
Pashtuns dominate; Hazaras are oppressed
What steps does Amir take after the adult to distance himself from Hassan?
He frames Hassan for theft
How is irony used in Amir's interactions with Hassan post-assault?
Amir avoids Hassan, how stays loyal
What event marks a major turning point in Amir's relationship with Hassan?
Hassan is assaulted; Amir does nothing
How is Assef introduced, and what does he symbolize in the story?
Assef is cruel, racist, and violent
How is social class (Pashtun vs. Hazara) portrayed?
Baba is generous but emotionally distant
How does the story show the beginning of Amir's internal conflict?
Amir feels intense guilt
What literary technique is used to contrast Amir's and Hassan's personalities?
Juxtaposition shows Amir vs. Hassan clearly