Kite Runner Chapters 11-20 Review

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Questions and Answers

Why do Amir and Baba like to go to the flea market?

They are able to socialize with other Afghan people like they could back home.

Why doesn't Baba want Amir to study creative writing in college?

Baba fears Amir won't make a lot of money.

What doesn't Baba want Amir to study in college?

Creative Writing.

Who is Soraya?

She is General Taheri's daughter who works in a stall at the flea market. Signup and view all the answers

How is Soraya different than other Afghan girls?

She broke tradition and moved in with a boyfriend and had a physical relationship with him before marriage. Signup and view all the answers

How does Amir feel about Soraya's complicated past?

He is envious because she is able to share her secret with the world. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Amir and Soraya have to be careful when they are in public, especially at the flea market?

Everyone in the flea market is watching them and judging them. Signup and view all the answers

When General Taheri tells Amir 'You see, everyone here is a storyteller,' what does the word storyteller reference?

Gossip. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Amir feel so comfortable with Soraya?

She has made large mistakes that she too is ashamed of like he has. Signup and view all the answers

What does Soraya try to hide under Baba's blanket after they are married?

Amir's leather-bound notebook. Signup and view all the answers

How does Baba show that he has taken an interest in Amir's interest?

He has Soraya secretly read him Amir's leather-bound notebook while Amir is out at the pharmacy. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Soraya believe she is so lucky to have found Amir for a husband?

He was raised by a father who disagreed with conservative views. Signup and view all the answers

What is Rahim Khan's condition when Amir visits him?

He is very pale and thin. He is dying. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Amir uncomfortable discussing Rahim Khan's illness?

He was very close with the man and now he has to watch him die. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hassan agree to finally go back to Baba's house with Rahim Khan?

He wants to honor Baba and take care of what was left behind. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hassan create for Amir?

A letter. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hassan want Amir to know in the letter?

The violence and terror that he and his family have experienced in Kabul and his dreams for Sohrab's future. Signup and view all the answers

What did Rahim Khan want Amir to do?

He wanted to rescue Sohrab and bring him to the Caldwells. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Rahim Khan explain that it had to be Amir to save Sohrab?

Rahim Khan knew that Amir didn't help Hassan when he was attacked and he has to make amends for his actions. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rahim Khan reveal to Amir?

That he knew Hassan was attacked and Amir didn't try to save him. Signup and view all the answers

What does reconcile mean in the context of Amir's feelings towards Baba?

To re-establish a new image of Baba with the memories of the man he knew and couldn't live up to. Signup and view all the answers

How are Baba and Amir similar?

They both have lied to others and kept secrets. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Farid?

The man driving Amir to Kabul. Signup and view all the answers

Farid calls Amir a tourist, why does he call him a tourist in his home country?

Amir was born into a wealthy family and never saw the true poverty or struggle that average people experienced. Signup and view all the answers

How does Farid treat Amir at the beginning of their journey?

With contempt and hostility. Signup and view all the answers

What makes Farid suddenly change his attitude towards Amir?

Amir tells him the true reason he is in Afghanistan to save his nephew. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Amir help in the rubble of Kabul?

A homeless man begging for money. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Amir and Baba's Relationship

Amir and Baba enjoy visiting the flea market to connect with Afghan culture and socialize with their compatriots.
Baba disapproves of Amir studying creative writing in college, fearing it won't lead to financial success.

Soraya's Background

Soraya, General Taheri's daughter, works at the flea market and breaks Afghan traditions by living with a boyfriend before marriage.
Amir admires Soraya for her ability to openly share her past, reflecting his own feelings of shame and secrecy.

Public Perception

Amir and Soraya must navigate public scrutiny, especially in the flea market, where their unmarried status could increase judgment towards Soraya due to her past.
General Taheri's statement about being storytellers highlights the pervasive nature of gossip in their community.

Marital Dynamics

Soraya attempts to hide Amir’s leather-bound notebook under Baba's blanket after marriage, indicating the significance of Amir's writing to her.
Baba shows interest in Amir's passion for writing by secretly having Soraya read his notebook.

Family and Legacy

Soraya feels fortunate to have Amir as her husband due to his more liberal upbringing compared to traditional Afghan men.
Rahim Khan is severely ill, prompting Amir to confront uncomfortable emotions and memories related to their relationship.

Hassan's Legacy

Hassan agrees to return to Baba's house with Rahim Khan to honor Baba and safeguard his legacy.
Hassan's letter to Amir reveals his struggles in Kabul and dreams for his son, Sohrab, emphasizing his desire for a better future.

Amir's Redemption Journey

Rahim Khan urges Amir to rescue Sohrab, knowing Amir's past failure to protect Hassan during his attack, presenting an opportunity for Amir to seek redemption.
Rahim Khan discloses the truth about Hassan's attack and implies Amir's complicity through inaction.

Baba's True Identity

Amir grapples with reconciling his image of Baba after learning that Baba is also Hassan's father, reshaping his understanding of their family history.
Both Baba and Amir share a commonality of deception, having hidden truths that affected their close relationships.

Farid's Role

Farid, who drives Amir to Kabul, initially treats him with disdain, viewing him as a privileged "tourist" unaware of the struggles faced by ordinary Afghans.
Farid's attitude shifts when Amir reveals his true purpose in Afghanistan, showing vulnerability and commitment to his past.

Humanitarian Actions

Amir's encounter with a homeless man in the rubble of Kabul exemplifies the deep poverty and suffering prevalent, serving as a pivotal learning moment for Amir about empathy and resilience.

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Description

Test your understanding of chapters 11 to 20 of 'The Kite Runner'. This quiz covers key themes and character motivations in the narrative, focusing on the relationships and cultural context presented in the story. Perfect for reinforcing your knowledge of these pivotal chapters.