CONVINCE ME
We have just finished reading chapters 6 and 7 of The Kite Runner. One of the most famous (and disturbing) scenes happens in chapter 7 with the beating and rape of Hassan by Assef. This assignment is designed to have you think critically about this incident from two different perspectives.
What you will be doing is:
1) Think about Amir and how he feels guilty for what happens to Hassan. Convince me that he should feel guilty and that he is, ultimately, responsible for what happens to Hassan.
2) Consider the character of Assef. Convince me that Amir is not responsible for what happens to Hassan.
You will be giving prepared speeches of more than a minute, but no longer than three minutes (I will cut you off!), on both of these subjects. Therefore, you will actually be preparing TWO (2) speeches, one on each topic.
AS A PRESENTER
What you should be doing:
1) Find evidence from the first seven chapters to support each of your arguments.
2) Write two speeches. They’ll probably have to be about a page or so long, though you don’t need to write down what you’re going to say word for word if you don’t think you need to.
3) We will present all of one type of argument on one day, and then all of the other kind of argument on another day.
You have the option of presenting outside of the class if you’re really nervous, but I will dock marks for doing this.
AS AN AUDIENCE MEMBER
As you’re watching the speeches, you will have a scorecard where you will be giving each speech a mark out of ten for how convinced you were by their arguments. Keep in mind their use of evidence and convincing arguments. Then, in a sentence or two, explain why you gave the mark you did.
WE WILL BE PRESENTING ON THURSDAY, MAR. 3 and FRIDAY, MAR. 4