Plot
Why does Amir sometimes treat Hassan poorly in childhood?
He has implicit bias due to their ethnic difference. He is jealous of Baba's attention to Hassan. He feels guilty about not helping Hassan and tries to push him away.
Pashtun, born in Afghanistan and leaves to America. Has a character arc of redemption
Amir
Pashtun. Wife is deceased. Tries to redeem a past action through charitable acts.
Baba
Give an example of the motif of redemption
Probably something to do with Amir or Baba... answers will vary
What do kites represent?
Childhood joy, Hassan, brotherhood, friendship, etc.
What was Baba's view of America compared to Amir?
Baba = mourn the past
Amir = forget the past
Hazara. A childhood friend/servant/half-brother of Amir
Hassan
Ran away with a man against her family's wishes when she was younger. Marries Amir.
Soraya
Give an example of the motif of self-determination
Something to do with fate or the control/lack of control of our destinies.
What does the pomegranate tree represent?
Amir and Hassan's friendship, guilt, a lasting bond between those who "fed from the same breast," deterioration of Afghanistan, etc.
Why does Amir accept Soraya even after she tells him about her past?
He has a past of his own.
Bully, rapist, and eventual Taliban leader
Assef
Hassan's son.
Sohrab
Give an example of the motif of friendship
Answers will vary
What do facial/mouth scars represent?
Similarity between Hassan and Amir, Baba being torn between two halves, redemption, the ability/lack of ability to speak up for what is right
What is the phrase that Hassan would say to Amir that Amir then says to Sohrab at the end of the book?
"For you, a thousand times over!"
A father figure to Amir. Gentle and interested in Amir's affairs. Eventually helps Amir redeem himself.
Rahim Khan
Hazara. Abandons her child as soon as he is born. Returns after many years to help raise her grandson.
Sanaubar
Give an example of the motif of power
Answers will vary
What does the bear fight represent?
Bravery vs cowardice, challenges that we overcome, Amir's redemption, etc.
Identify which sect of Islam Hazaras are and which Pashtuns are.
Hazara = Shi'a
Pashtun = Sunni
Is an old-school Afghani man. Wears a silver suit, but does not work in America and instead secretly collects welfare.
General Taheri
The names of the people Rahim Khan say will adopt Hassan's son.
Give an example of the motif of the immigrant experience
Answers will vary.
Sacrifice, social hierarchy, Hassan, Hassan being a "Christ figure"