The Kite Runner

Unit Guide, Spring 2016

“It's wrong what they say about the past, I've learned, about how you can bury it.

Because the past claws its way out.”

I. Dialectical Journals

For this novel, you will select 10 chapters for which to complete a dialectical journal. Your journals will consist of a summary and an argumentative rhetorical précis, whereby you dissect the author’s intentions and display a solid analysis of the chapter in four concise sentences.

Note: You must select 5 chapters from Chs. 1-11 and 5 chapters from Chs. 12-25.

Chapters 1-11 DUE 2/29Chapters 12-25 DUE 3/29

II. Analytical Extended Response Prompts

You will select two essays from the attached essay prompts. One of your selections will be used to compose a well-constructed 3-5-page essay, while the second will be used for the in-class essay on your Unit Exam in March. Choose wisely, as you want to ensure that the prompt is appropriate for the occasion and task.Your 3-5-page essay may be completed with a partner.

  1. In great literature, no scene of violence exists for its own sake. In a well-organized essay, explain how a violent scene in The Kite Runner contributes to the meaning of the complete work.
  1. Leo Tolstoy once wrote, “All happy families are like one another; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” Write an essay in which you explain the source of the unhappiness in one of the families in The Kite Runner, and the uniqueness of its misery. Then, interpret and analyze how the family dynamics function in the work as a whole.
  1. In many works of literature, authors include characters who make mistakes. Sometimes these characters learn a lesson from their mistakes, and other times they do not. Write an essay in which you analyze the extent to which a character learns, or does not learn, from his/her mistake, and dissect the outcome of this experience as it impacts the work of the novel as a whole.

III. Additional Vocabulary

You will be tested on vocabulary studied throughout The Kite Runner unit. Not only will you have weekly quizzes, your exam will also include a portion of the terms. Utilize these terms in your writing assignments to ensure they are built into your lexicon as permanently as possible. Quizzes may ask for definition, synonym, and antonym (just like your Beloved final). You must also know how to use the words in a sentence.

Vocabulary List #1 (Quiz – 2/18)

AloofAppendAtrophyDisdainGarrulous

ShardInfidelJostledMartyrOscillating

QuellImpishScrupulousVeracity

Vocabulary List #2 (Quiz – 2/25)

AustereBellowBuoyantContriteFeint

ImmanentImpeccableMoroseNuanceSubtle

SummonTautTrepidationVehementViable

Vocabulary List #3 (Quiz – 3/3)

AmiableBludgeoningBurlyChasmFurrow

FurtiveHarriedInterminableRuePeripheral

PortlyPrecipitousPungentQueryReticent

Vocabulary List #4 (Quiz – 3/10)

AffableAllusionAmbivalentAversionDaunt

ExudeLineageMelancholyMeticulousNonchalance

PragmaticRotundPresumptuousTranquilWary

Vocabulary List #5 (Quiz – 3/17)

ArduousAridBenevolenceCursoryDestitution

EmaciatedEmpathyProtrusionRuminateStupefy

SurlyUndulant

Vocabulary List #6 (Final Exam)

AscertainEpiphanyForebodingImpugnObligatory

ProfusePrudentRemorselessRepleteRivulet

SerpentineSurrealTactTerse

VI: Annotations

4:For each chapter, you may determine a system of annotating that works for you, as you have proven your ability to think critically, read effectively, and keep up with annotations. You must have at least 3-4 annotations per page, and your annotations should focus on ANALYSIS. Annotations involving summary do not count. Create a key at the start of your novel for easy grading.

  1. Diction (identify and describe important word choice)
  2. Imagery (identify and describe important images)
  3. Characterization (describe characters or changes in characters)
  4. Symbols (identify and describe important symbols)
  5. Themes (identify and describe where the following themes appear)

3:For each chapter, you must annotate for the following items. Create a color key in the front cover of your novel. You must have at least 2-3 annotations per page in order to receive credit:

  1. Diction (identify and describe important word choice)
  2. Imagery (identify and describe important images)
  3. Characterization (describe characters or changes in characters)
  4. Symbols (identify and describe important symbols)
  5. Themes (identify and describe where the following themes appear)

2:In order to better grasp the story and to improve reading comprehension, your annotations will focus on characterization, theme, and imagery, only. You will also answer guiding questions as your progress throughout the novel (see attached). You must have at least 1 annotation per page, plus the guiding questions answered on a separate piece of paper to receive credit.

THEMES

  • Parent-Child Relationships
  • Betrayal and Redemption
  • Ambiguity of Love

Reading Guide Notes for The Kite Runner by KhaledHosseini

Developed by Dr. Michael McKale

Professor of Religious Studies, Saint Francis University

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND TO THE KITE RUNNER: AFGHANISTAN, ISLAM, AND THE TALIBAN

The story of The Kite Runner unfolds in the historical context of two young boys and their families caught up in the world shaking events which took place in Afghanistan between 1975 and 2005. Afghanistan stands at the crossroads of contemporary history. All the great empires of history have tried to control it: Russia, China, India, Iran-Persia, Great Britain & the Soviet Union. Due to its geographical location between the Persian Gulf, Central Asia, and the vast Indian subcontinent it has always been at the center of the "Great Game" for political control of the Asian heartland. Afghanistan along with the countries that surround it especially Pakistan, Iran, and the new Central Asian republics born out of the old Soviet Union have all been at the heart of the "Islamic Resurgence" of the last thirty years. At the same time Afghanistan is very important as an access route to the oil and natural gas fields of Central Asia. It is also the primary source of the world's heroin supply. The enormous destruction from 30 years of wars has created a devastated economy and country.

Afghanistan has a history of extraordinarily diverse ethnic, linguistic, tribal, and religious cleavages that have frequently divided the country. Afghanistan's population is composed of four major ethnic groups; the Pushtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, and Uzbeks as well as numerous smaller ethnic groupings. The historic tribal cultures and social structures of the country, the religious conflicts between the ancient religious beliefs rooted in Sufi Islam and the recent emergence of Taliban style Islamic Fundamentalism, and the long and devastating conflicts that began with the invasion by the Soviet Union in 1979 and continues today in the conflicts between U.N. & U.S. coalition forces and the remnants of the Taliban and Al-Queda forces provide both the backdrop to The Kite Runner and the best context for understanding Afghanistan and its people.

The wars of the last thirty years including the invasion of the Soviet Union and the Mujahedeen Resistance which lasted from 1979-1989, the Civil War between the 7 mujahedeen groups and regional warlords from 1989-1994, the war between the Northern Alliance and the Taliban which took place between 1994-2001, and finally the conflict between the U.S.-Northern Alliance and the Taliban-Al-Queda forces from 2001 to the current time have absolutely devastated Afghanistan. There are over 2.2 million refugees in Pakistan, 2.4 million in Iran, another 1 million living in camps inside Afghanistan, and over a million Afghan refugees in exile around the world. Most Afghans of any means have fled to other parts of the world much like the family of Baba and Amir in The Kite Runner.

Islam has unified the people of Afghanistan since the 8th century and was a key factor in the creation of the nation and in the resistance movements to the Russian, British, Soviet and other invaders in history. The form of Islam practiced in Afghanistan was rooted in Sufi Islam. Afghanistan was a "developed" country by the late 1960's with education, a modest standard of living, and a civil peace. The Sunni and Shia form of Islam practiced in Afghanistan was tolerant of other Muslim sects, other religions, and modern lifestyles. Afghan mullahs never believed Islam could be forced on people. Sectarian conflicts over the "True Islam" or pushing one interpretation of Islam was never promoted. Many diverse forms of Islam were welcomed in Afghanistan. In fact, 80 percent of Muslims in Afghanistan belong to the Sunni Hanafi sect, the most liberal of the four Sunni schools of Islamic thought and law. The Sufi movement in Islam, which speaks to the heart of Islam, promoted education, religious and cultural tolerance, and respect for the diversity of peoples.

All of this changed with the Soviet invasion, the arrival of the Afghan-Arabs led by Osama bin Laden in the 1980's, and the rise of the Taliban in the 1990's. The Taliban implemented an extreme interpretation of the Sharia or Islamic law that appalled most Afghans and the Muslim world. Before the Taliban, Islamic extremism never flourished in Afghanistan and there was little precedent in Afghanistan's Islam for a Taliban like movement. Rural Pashtun tribal culture was very conservative but also hospitable and generous of spirit. In some rural areas, Pashtunwali, a conservative social code, is still part of the culture. Most Taliban punishments were drawn largely from the traditional Pashtunwali tribal code & not the Islamic Sharia. The story of The Kite Runner unfolds in this historical context.

A Visit to Afghanistan

Research Scavenger Hunt

Directions: Work with a partner to explore Afghanistan. Complete the tasks below by researching together, or you may distribute the responsibilities. All answers need to be recorded on a separate sheet of paper; one piece of paper per pair.

Task #1: Culture and Customs

  1. What is the Attan? When is this performed?
  2. Which types of foods are traditionally eaten in Afghanistan? How is food eaten in Afghanistan?
  3. Which religions are present in Afghanistan? What is the population of believers for each? Which is the dominant religion?
  4. Why do men have long beards in Afghanistan?
  5. How do people greet each other in Afghanistan?
  6. How do people shake hands in Afghanistan?
  7. Can you wear gloves when you shake hands in Afghanistan?
  8. What is the significance of a two-handed handshake?
  9. Which languages are spoken in Afghanistan?

Task #2: Gender Roles

  1. Are women equal to men in Afghanistan? Explain.
  2. Are women allowed to work in Afghanistan? What are their main responsibilities?
  3. Is spousal abuse legal in Afghanistan? Are men allowed to hit/abuse women?
  4. What happens if a woman is raped in Afghanistan?
  5. What happens if a woman becomes pregnant before marriage?

Task #3: Social Classes

  1. Visit and read the article.
  2. What are your impressions of this information?

Study Guide Questions Chapters 1-10

Chapter 1-3 Study Guide Questions

  1. How old did the narrator say he was when he became “what [he] is today"?
  2. Identify Amir, Baba, Hassan, Ali, and Rahim Kahan.
  3. Who worked for whom?
  4. What happened to Amir’s mother?
  5. What happened to Hassan’s mother?
  6. Define Hazara, Shi’a Muslin, Sunni Muslim, Pashtuns, and Farsi.
  7. Discuss textbooks and objectivity. (see page 9)
  8. What does the narrator seem to foreshadow at the end of chapter 2? What is the tone?
  9. In Chapter 3, what do you think Baba is talking about when he states that there is “something missing" with Amir?

Chapter 4-7 Study Guide Questions

  1. Why do you think Amir states that he never though of Hassan as his friend?
  2. Why couldn’t Hassan read?
  3. What does “jan" mean? Is there an English word that is similar?
  4. When did the bombing/fighting begin in Afghanistan, according to Amir?
  5. Identify and describe Assef.
  6. What did Baba give Hassan for his birthday?
  7. Explain kite running.
  8. Why did Amir feel he must win the tournament?
  9. What happened to Hassan?

Chapter 8-10 Study Guide Questions

  1. Why do you think Amir no longer wanted to play with Hassan?
  2. Which character’s character seems to be more emotionally mature? Explain.
  3. Why did Amir throw pomegranates at Hassan?
  4. What is the significance behind Assef’s birthday present for Amir?
  5. What story did Rahim Kahn tell Amir on his birthday? Why?
  6. What gift did he give him?
  7. Why didn’t anyone tell the truth?
  8. What did Amir hide under Hassan’s bed? Why?
  9. Why did Hassan lie?
  10. Why did Hassan and Ali leave?
  11. Where did Amir and Baba flee to?
  12. Why could people no longer be trusted in Afghanistan?