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The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner. An introduction. Background. Set in Afghanistan (approx1970-81; 2004)and the US (1984 Coming-of-age novel or story of personal redemption. Main characters.

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The Kite Runner

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  1. The Kite Runner An introduction

  2. Background • Set in Afghanistan (approx1970-81; 2004)and the US (1984 • Coming-of-age novel or story of personal redemption

  3. Main characters • Amir – central character – a Pashtun boy who betrays and is betrayed; finds escape from his sins in the US; has to come to terms with them • Hassan: Hazara boy – he is self-sacrificing and “true”; courageous and loyal. • Baba: father of Amir – hypocrite(!) and victim; courageous and cowardly • Rahim Khan – Baba’s friend, Amir’s conscience and father-figure • Soraya: Amir’s wife – victim of a patriarchal society (and like her mother) of a patriarch! Rescued by Amir. • Sohrab: Hassan’s son; rescued(?) by Amir

  4. Subordinate characters • Assef – psychopathic bully of German/Pashtun parentage; persecutor of Hassan and Amir • Farid- Taxi driver who takes Amir back to Kabul • General Taheri – Soraya’s father • KhanumJamilaTaheri – Soraya’s mother • Sanaubar – Hassan’s mother

  5. Themes/key ideas • the central concept of loyalty and betrayal – how could Amir leave Hassan in the alley with Assef? • the concept of growing up and accepting yourself, your limitations and the limitations of your heroes • the concepts of love and jealousy between fathers and sons • the concept of redemption – ‘there is a way to be good again’ • the concept of patriotism – what it means to love a country and its culture ... but to also live in another country and maintain your identity • racism and its consequences. • courage – what is it?

  6. Cultural widow • Afghanistan of the 70’s: • a monarchy that becomes a republic that turns to Communism ... • a society split by a racial hierarchy • Patriarchy, and the role of, and treatment of women. • Contrast and compare with the US

  7. Structural features • Patterns – • “sin and redemption” • Slingshot – the hare-lip; Sanaubar/Soraya; theft (watch and money); Assef; • Running the Kites • Fathers and sons

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