Literary Elements and Settings in The Kite Runner

Questions and Answers

What is a simile used to describe Hassan?

His flat, broad nose and slanting, narrow eyes like bamboo leaves.

In what year does the dark night setting occur?

1978

What features are described in Baba's and Amir's house?

Marble floors, wide windows, mosaic tiles in the bathrooms, gold stitched tapestries, crystal chandelier.

Describe the setting during the first day of snowfall in 1975.

The hills, cars, and rooftops were all covered in snow, with a seamless blue sky. Signup and view all the answers

What hobby does Amir pursue after encouragement from Hassan?

Writing short stories. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event happens at the kite tournament?

Amir and Hassan win the tournament, but Hassan is assaulted while retrieving the kite. Signup and view all the answers

What does Amir do after feeling guilty about his actions towards Hassan?

Amir frames Hassan for stealing. Signup and view all the answers

What life change do Amir and Baba face due to the Russian invasion?

They are forced to leave Afghanistan and settle in California. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Amir marry, and why was this significant?

Amir marries Soraya because he knows Baba is sick. Signup and view all the answers

How are Hassan and Amir related?

They were nursed by the same woman and grew up side by side. Signup and view all the answers

What are some themes presented in The Kite Runner?

Importance of family relationships, brutality of war, difference between race and religion. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Ali in relation to Amir and Hassan?

Ali is Hassan's dad and a servant to Baba and Amir. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Assef as a character.

Assef is a bully known for his brass knuckles and violent behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What connection is drawn between The Kite Runner and Night by Elie Wiesel?

Both explore themes of displacement and familial bonds during traumatic experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What does the blue kite symbolize for Amir?

It is a reminder of the day Hassan was raped and Amir's failure to act. Signup and view all the answers

What does Baba achieve when he wrestles a bear?

Baba wins the match against the bear. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Literary Elements

Simile: Hassan's physical appearance is described through comparisons to a Chinese doll and bamboo leaves, highlighting his Harza ethnicity and cultural differences.

Settings

Setting #1: A dark, tense night in Afghanistan, 1978, marked by ominous sounds of gunfire and breaking glass.
Setting #2: Baba and Amir's luxurious home in Wazir Akbar Khan, Kabul (1975) featuring marble floors, wide windows, elaborate mosaics, and a crystal chandelier.
Setting #3: The first snowfall of winter 1975, with the landscape transformed into a visually striking scene of white snow against a blue sky.

Plot Points

Plot Point #1: Inspired by Hassan, Amir writes a short story; despite showing it to Baba seeking approval, Baba remains indifferent towards Amir's writing passion.
Plot Point #2: During a kite tournament that they win, Hassan, an exceptional kite runner, goes to retrieve the last kite. Amir witnesses a traumatic event where Hassan is assaulted by Assef, choosing to remain passive.
Plot Point #3: Amir is haunted by guilt after falsely accusing Hassan of theft. This leads to familial tensions and Hassan's departure, leaving Amir filled with regret.
Plot Point #4: Following the Russian invasion, Amir and Baba flee Afghanistan, escaping with minimal belongings and eventually settling in California.
Plot Point #5: Amir marries Soraya, an Afghan woman, shortly before Baba’s death from cancer, solidifying their family’s legacy.

Relationships

The bond between Amir and Hassan resembles brotherhood, founded on shared upbringing and loyalty; however, societal dynamics and Amir's betrayal eventually fracture their relationship, resulting in tragedy.

Themes

Exploration of family bonds, the repercussions of war, and the complexities of race and religious identity.

Secondary Characters

Ali: Hassan's father, a Hazara and Shia Muslim. He serves Baba while managing his disabilities and being remembered for his past misfortunes.
Assef: A notorious bully known for violence and manipulation, his extremist views fuel hatred against the Hazara people, reflecting themes of societal divide.

Text Connections

Parallels draw between "The Kite Runner" and “Night” by Elie Wiesel, focusing on themes of displacement, survival, and the father-son bond amidst adversity and loss.

Symbols

Blue Kite: Represents Amir's longing for paternal approval and guilt over Hassan's assault; it becomes a haunting reminder of Amir's moral failures.
Bears: Symbolize Baba's rugged masculinity and strength; Amir's perception of his father shapes their complex relationship dynamics.

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Description

This quiz explores the literary elements and significant settings in Khaled Hosseini's 'The Kite Runner'. It highlights characters, plot points, and the critical moments that shape the story. Engage with key themes and understand the impact of these elements on the narrative.