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Kite Runner: Ch. 22-25
Chapter 22 (p. 286-306)
1. Would Baba have done well in this situation? Explain.
2. Who do you imagine saying the words in italics on p. 288?
3. What evidence of affluence is there in the house of the Talib?
4. Why is the Talib shaking? What are the “tracks” (p. 289) on his arms?
5. What is revealed about the Talib’s character as he talks about the Hazara massacre in Mazar-i-Sharif? Quote the line(s) that most exemplify what you’ve said.
6. a) What metaphor does the Talib use to describe the U.S.? b) How does he overtly try to instill fear into Amir?
7.Quote the two words (p. 292) that suggest the Talib thinks he owns Sohrab.
8. Do you find most disturbing about the life Sohrab is forced to live under this roof? Quote the line(s) that bother you the most (even if the quotation is not completely related to what you write in the first part of the question).
9. What metaphor is used for Sohrab that is earlier used for his father? (p. 293)
10. a) Explain why Amir laughs. b) Explain why his laughter is particularly aggravating to Assef.
11. It is often said that revenge is sweet. Would you call what happens to Assef revenge or justice or something else? (Is it sweet?) Explain.
Chapter 23 (p. 307-325)
1. Describe the narrative style used in the first part of this chapter. What does it convey about Amir’s mental state?
2.What does Amir’s vision of Baba and the bear signify?
3.“. . . though there will be a scar.” (p. 311) Why is this fact significant?
4. Sohrab is clearly not going to bounce back to happiness after his month with Assef. Give an indication of this fact.
5.a) Do you think Rahim Khan should have communicated what was in his letter to Amir before Amir went to Kabul?
Why or why not?
b) Rahim Khan has known all along about Hassan. Should he have been more straightforward with Amir when he was
a boy? Why or why not?
c) Explain Baba’s personality and attitude towards Amir, when he was a boy, in light of what has been revealed.
6. Why does Sohrab react as he does when Amir asks him if he wants to be friends?
7.Why does Amir insist upon leaving when he is nowhere close to being better?
8.Why did Rahim Khan tell Amir about the Caldwells?
Chapter 24 (p. 326-361)
1. Why is Fayyaz is being so difficult, and mentioning things like bicycles that have nothing to do with the situation?
2. Why does Sohrab actually open up and talk to Amir when Amir finds him?
3.a) Are you surprised by what is troubling Sohrab? b) Do you agree with the lesson Amir is teaching him?
4.Quote the line(s) you find the saddest as Sohrab sobs.
5.What is your response to the conversation Amir has with Sohrab on p. 388?
6.Quote the example of repetition at the bottom of p. 340. Why is it used?
7.How would you describe the role Soraya plays for her husband on p. 342?
8.If you know the novel/movie/rock opera “Les Miserables”, explain Amir’s reference to Jean Val Jean and Javert on
p. 345. (If not, you can skip the question or make a quick search on the internet to find out.)
9.a) Briefly describe the character of Andrews as Amir talks with him. Support your description with proof, including
quotations if you wish.
b) How do you reassess your opinion after what the secretary says on p. 349?
10.For what reason(s) does Sohrab take a long bath every night?
11.Do your best to explain the frustration Amir meets with as he discusses the possibility of adoption with Omar Faisal.
12.Sohrab is incapable of accepting that an orphanage can be a good place. Explain the situation from his point of view.
Chapter 25 (p. 362-391)
1.Why is the first part of the chapter written in the present tense?
2. Of wat does Amir’s prayer remind you from earlier in the novel? Is his faith more authentic now? Explain.
3.Consider what Dr. Nawaz and Raymond Andrews are each associated with in Amir’s mind, and state why Amir dreams that Dr. Nawaz is Raymond Andrews.
4. “Had I actually gone to sleep after I had given Sohrab the news he feared the most?” (p. 369)
5.Before his time in hospital, Sohrab had been somewhat axcited about the idea of going back to the U.S. with Amir. Why isn’t he now that all the obstacles have been removed?
6. Quote the simile used at the bottom of p. 374.
7. “That last thought had brought no sting with it.” (p. 378) What does this quotation signify?
8.What is your response to Amir’s answer to his father-in-law’s question on p. 380?
9.In what ways has Amir become the best of his father and the best of Hassan?
10. “ . . . the silence that sucked everything in like a black hole.” (p. 382) Comment on this line. Is it true that one silent person can silence a whole household?
11. Explain the importance of one’s fellow countrymen when living in a new and foreign country.
12. For what reason(s) do you think Soraya gives up on attempts at engaging Hassan and Amir doesn’t?
13. What do you think the author wants to accomplish with his choice of ending? Explain.