Kite Runner: Chapter 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What happened in the year 1933?

The year Baba was born and the year Zahir Shah began his forty-year reign of Afghanistan.

What happened when two brothers struck and killed a Hazara couple?

My grandfather ordered the two young men to go to Kandahar and enlist in the army for one year, and he adopted the orphaned boy, Ali.

Did Amir consider Hassan his friend?

False

What is the face of Afghanistan according to Amir?

A boy with a thin-boned frame, a shaved head, and low-set ears, a boy with a Chinese doll face perpetually lit by a harelipped smile. Signup and view all the answers

What is the summary of Chapter four?

Chapter four discusses how Ali became part of Baba's family after a tragic incident involving a Hazara couple. Baba's father decided to punish the young drivers and adopted the orphaned boy, Ali. Signup and view all the answers

What differences existed between Hassan and Amir?

Hassan was a Hazara and Amir was a Pashtun; Hassan was Shi'a and Amir was Sunni. Signup and view all the answers

How much time did Amir spend playing with Hassan?

Amir spent most of the first twelve years of his life playing with Hassan. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 4 Overview

1933 marks both the birth year of Baba and the beginning of Zahir Shah's forty-year rule over Afghanistan.

Ali's Adoption Story

Two wealthy brothers, under the influence of drugs and alcohol, caused a fatal accident with a Hazara couple.
Baba's father, a respected judge, mandated that the brothers join the army for a year instead of facing less severe punishment.
The orphaned boy from the accident, later named Ali, was adopted by Baba’s family, intertwining their lives significantly.

Amir and Hassan's Relationship

Amir never viewed Hassan as a friend despite their shared childhood; their bond was tainted by societal and ethnic barriers.
Amir and Hassan engaged in playful activities but their relationships were shaped by class and cultural differences, with Hassan performing domestic duties.

Hassan's Characteristics

Described as a boy with a thin frame and low-set ears, characterized by a joyful, harelipped smile, representing innocence.

Key Events in Chapter 4

Chapter 4 reintroduces Ali’s backstory, highlighting themes of friendship and the impact of social hierarchy.
Amir's attempts at storytelling develop his literary ambitions, though he struggles with acceptance from Baba.
Rahim Khan, a father figure for Amir, recognizes Amir’s talent and encourages him.

Cultural and Ethnic Tensions

The chapter emphasizes the rigid social structure of Afghanistan, highlighting the Pashtun-Hazara ethnic divide.
Amir feels burdened by guilt and societal expectations, leading to a tumultuous friendship with Hassan.

Childhood Reflections

Amir reflects on the innocence of childhood, illustrating intimate moments of play shared with Hassan, despite external societal pressures.
The emotional complexities of their relationship lay the groundwork for future conflicts driven by heritage and resentment.

Description

Test your knowledge of chapter 4 from 'The Kite Runner' with these flashcards. Dive deep into the key events, characters, and historical context that shape the narrative. Perfect for reinforcing your learning and preparation for discussions or exams.