Kite Runner Chapter 5 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who is the king's cousin?

Daoud Khan

What did the king's cousin do and why?

Ended king's forty year reign with a bloodless coup to replace the constitutional monarchy with a republic.

What does Baba give Hassan for his birthday?

A plastic surgeon in order to fix his cleft lip.

How does Amir react to this present?

Amir feels disgust due to his past experience with circumcision and is jealous of Hassan. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hassan's present turn out to be ironic?

That winter is when Hassan stops smiling. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Assef?

Son of one of Amir's father's friends, Mahmood. Signup and view all the answers

What is Assef's ancestry?

Born to a German mother and an Afghan father. Signup and view all the answers

What is Assef known for?

Stainless-steel brass knuckles, great height, and savagery. Signup and view all the answers

What is Assef's political vision?

Inspired by Hitler, he wants Afghanistan to be a land of Pashtuns. Signup and view all the answers

Who are Wali and Kamal?

Friends of Assef, also referred to as disciples. Signup and view all the answers

What happens between Assef/Wali/Kamal and Amir/Hassan?

Assef, Wali, and Kamal say mean things about Hazaras; Hassan threatens to take Assef's eye out. Signup and view all the answers

What does Assef threaten?

He threatens to use his brass knuckles on Amir and states this is not the end for him and Hassan. Signup and view all the answers

What does Amir want to tell Assef about Hassan when Assef bullies them?

Amir wants to say Hassan is not his friend, but his servant. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Daoud Khan

Cousin of the king who ended the monarch's reign through a bloody coup.
Aimed to replace the constitutional monarchy with a republic in Afghanistan.

Baba's Gift to Hassan

Baba gives Hassan a plastic surgery operation to fix his cleft lip.
This act highlights Baba's care for Hassan and underscores Amir's feelings of jealousy.

Amir's Reaction

Amir feels disgust towards the surgery gift, recalling his own painful circumcision experience.
Amir's jealousy of Hassan intensifies due to Baba's affection toward Hassan, contrasting Amir's own feelings of inadequacy.

Ironic Outcome of Hassan's Gift

The winter in which the gift is given becomes significant as it marks the time when Hassan stops smiling.

Assef's Background

Assef is the son of Mahmood, a friend of Amir's father.
He has a mixed heritage, with a German mother and an Afghan father.

Assef's Notoriety

Known for his stainless-steel brass knuckles, impressive height, and brutal nature.
His persona represents a physical threat, as well as a larger social aggressor.

Political Views of Assef

Assef harbors extremist views influenced by Hitler; he envisions Afghanistan as a land solely for Pashtuns.

Friends of Assef

Wali and Kamal are introduced as Assef's companions, referred to as his disciples.
They reinforce his ideals and engage in bullying dynamics with him.

Confrontation with Amir and Hassan

Assef, Wali, and Kamal mock Amir and Hassan, making derogatory remarks about Hazaras.
Hassan bravely threatens Assef with his slingshot, showcasing his loyalty and courage.

Assef's Threats

Assef threatens to use his brass knuckles against Amir, expressing his anger over Amir's association with a Hazara.
He ominously warns that this confrontation won’t be the last and promises future encounters.

Amir's Internal Conflict

Amir wishes to deny his friendship with Hassan, desiring to label him as merely a servant.
This tension illustrates Amir's struggle with identity and social status amidst deep-seated insecurities.

Description

Test your understanding of key events and characters in Chapter 5 of 'The Kite Runner'. This flashcard set covers important terms, characters, and significant actions from the chapter. Perfect for anyone wanting to enhance their comprehension of the book.