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The Kite Runner

ChaptersEleven-Thirteen study Guide Questions

Directions: Read ChaptersEleven-Thirteen and answer the questions below in complete sentences.

KNOWLEDGE

  1. Where do Baba and Amir live in America in the 1980s?
  1. According to Baba who are the “only three real men”?
  1. In Chapter Eleven on page 129 Amir reveals what America meant for him and his father. Fill in the quotes below:
  • “For me [Amir] America was a place to ______.”
  • “For Baba, a place to ______.”
  1. What do Amir and Baba celebrate in the summer of 1983?
  1. On page 141 what does Baba say about Soraya’s rumored past?
  1. Why does Amir envy Soraya?
  1. What is Amir’s reason why he believes he will not be able to have children?

APPLICATION

  1. Describe the disagreement between Mr. Nguyen and Baba and explain how this scene reflects cultural differences.
  1. After Baba gives Amir the car, Amir comments, “My eyes were tearing over and I was glad for the shadows that hid our faces.” Why is he glad for the “shadows”? (page 133)
  1. On page 135, Amir says, “But I would stand my ground, I decided. I didn’t want to sacrifice for Baba anymore. The last time I had done that, I had damned myself.” Which event is Amir referring to (connect to the winter of 1975)?
  1. On page 146 when Amir approaches Soraya when she is alone, many people began to take notice, why? What is the “double standard”?
  1. In Chapter Thirteen on page 173, Baba dies. It is a very simple scene. Briefly describe the scene and discuss how his death compares to the way he lived his life.
  1. Analyze Soraya’s character. List key words and phrases.
  • What does she wear? What does she look-like?
  • How does she behave?
  • How does she speak towards others? What does she say?

ANALYSIS/SYNTHESIS

Literary Devices and Simile

Underline the word or phrase that is being described in the simile. Draw parentheses around the word or phrase it is being compared to.

Example:Her sadness was as unending as the (waves).

Baba walked out of the welfare office like a man cured of a tumor.

  1. What is the significance of this device in connection with Baba’s refusing to buy food stamps?

Diction and Characterization

Analyze Baba’s speech, in Chapter Thirteen on page 168, to General Taheri and underline all the important words:

Baba cleared his own throat. When he began, he couldn't speak in complete sentences without stopping to breathe. "General Sahib, KhanumJamilajan... it's with great humility that my son and I... have come to your home today. You are... honorable people... from distinguished and reputable families and... proud lineage. I come with nothing but the utmost ihtiram... and the highest regards for you, your family names, and the memory... of your ancestors." He stopped. Caught his breath. Wiped his brow. "Amir jan is my only son... my only child, and he has been a good son to me. I hope he proves... worthy of your kindness. I ask that you honor Amir jan and me... and accept my son into your family.

  1. What is Baba’s description of Amir? Explain how is this particular speech is poignant.

UNIVERSAL THEME

  1. How is the theme that Baba’s pride and dignity has impacted him negatively being developed in Chapter Eleven?