The Kite Runner Book Talk

The Kite Runner Book Talk

By: Mariah Slis

Personal Connection

The main connection I made with this book was text to self. Similar to Amir, I often feel guilt for the bad things I have done and I carry it around with me until I find a way to make it right.

Another connection I made was text to world. Reading this book reminded me about all of the war devastation going on in the world.

Summary

The Kite Runner focuses on two boys, Hassan and Amir, who grow up under the same roof in Kabul, Afghanistan, and form a special bond.

Because of Amir's unrestrained desire for his father's love and approval, the two boys encounter a traumatic series of events and drift apart.

Once Amir finally realizes how much Hassan's unwavering loyalty means to him, it seems to be too late.

He returns to Afghanistan, which is now dangerous and war-stricken, in order to redeem himself once and for all.

Underlying Message/Theme

Introduction

Central Conflict

An underlying message that this novel tries to communicate to its readers is redemption. Amir desired redemption so much that he was willing to sacrifice his own life to get it. He was only at peace when he was finally able to forgive himself.

Special Scene

"Baba came right out and asked. 'Did you steal that money? Did you steal Amir's watch, Hassan?'

Hassan's reply was a single word, delivered in a thin, raspy voice: 'Yes.'

I flinched, like I'd been slapped. My heart sank and I almost blurted out the truth. Then I understood: This was Hassan's final sacrifice for me. If he'd said no, Baba would have believed him, then I'd be accused; I would have to explain and I would be revealed for what I really was. Baba would never, ever forgive me. And that led to another understanding: Hassan knew. He knew I'd seen everything in the alley, that I'd stood there and done nothing. He knew I had betrayed him and yet he was rescuing me once again, maybe for the last time. I loved him in that moment, loved him more than I'd ever loved anyone, and I wanted to tell them all that I was the snake in the grass, the monster in the lake." (pg. 105).

The central conflict is man vs. self.

After Amir betrayed his best friend in the worst way imaginable, he has a hard time forgiving himself.

After his incident, the remainder of the novel is Amir fighting his guilt and struggling for redemption.

Thank You!

Genre: historical drama

Setting

Main Characters

The setting takes place at two locations: Kabul, Afghanistan, and Fremont, California.

When the story begins, Amir and Hassan are 12 years old in 1975 and living a carefree lifestyle.

The story ends back where it began, when Amir travels to Afghanistan one last time at the age of 38.

Protagonist: Amir

Antagonist: Assef

Amir: Main character/protagonist.

Assef: Bullies Hassan and Amir. Antagonist.

Hassan: Amir's loyal servant/best friend

Baba: Amir's father who is a distant business man

Rahim Kahn: Baba's best friend and business partner. He is a father-figure to Amir.