The Kite Runner Chapter 19 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Why does Amir's stomach begin to churn?

Car sickness

What is Farid's reaction to Amir's discomfort?

He had no empathy

What does Farid offer Amir for his illness?

A lemon

Why did Amir lie about the effectiveness of the fruit?

As an Afghan it was better to be miserable than rude Signup and view all the answers

Describe Farid.

A Tajik, lanky-dork smile, narrow shoulders Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important item that Amir bought with him?

An artificial beard-black and chest length Signup and view all the answers

After speaking to Rahim Khan, why was Amir afraid?

He was afraid he was going to change his mind Signup and view all the answers

When Amir and Farid crossed the border, what was everywhere?

Signs of poverty Signup and view all the answers

Why does Amir feel strange?

He feels like a tourist in his own country Signup and view all the answers

What does Amir think about Afghanistan?

It will always be part of him Signup and view all the answers

What is the Afghanistan that Farid knows?

A man dressed in ragged clothes going down a dirt path Signup and view all the answers

What does Amir say that humbles Farid?

His mother died during childbirth Signup and view all the answers

By late afternoon, where do the two men arrive?

Jalalabad Signup and view all the answers

What was Amir searching for but did not find?

Sweetness Signup and view all the answers

According to Amir, what had Farid denied him?

A warm smile Signup and view all the answers

What are dodz? Why did they not attack Farid and Amir?

Bandits; they wouldn't waste time on their car Signup and view all the answers

What does Wahid ask Amir about his writing? What is his response?

If he wrote about Afghanistan and he said not currently Signup and view all the answers

What does Wahid suggest to Amir about his writing?

To write about Afghanistan again Signup and view all the answers

Why does Wahid make this request?

To tell the rest of the world what the Taliban is doing Signup and view all the answers

Why does Wahid roar at Farid?

It's his house and Amir is their guest Signup and view all the answers

Why does Wahid apologize for his brother?

Ever since birth, his mouth is two steps ahead of his mind Signup and view all the answers

What is Amir's response to Wahid's question?

It was his illegitimate half-brother Signup and view all the answers

What is Wahid's response back to Amir?

He is an honorable man, a true Afghan Signup and view all the answers

How does Farid respond to this response?

He looked down at the straw mat Signup and view all the answers

Why were the boys staring at Amir? What does Amir do in response?

They were looking at his watch; Amir gave it to them as a gift Signup and view all the answers

What does Farid request of Amir?

To tell him the real reason why he's in Afghanistan Signup and view all the answers

Why does Farid offer Amir?

To help him find the boy Signup and view all the answers

As Amir was standing outside looking at the night sky, what was he thinking?

That he was finally back home Signup and view all the answers

What does Amir learn about why the boys were staring at his watch?

They weren't staring at his watch, it was his food Signup and view all the answers

What message does Wahid give to Amir when the truck begins to pull away from the house?

That Wahid's home was Amir's home Signup and view all the answers

What occurred to Amir?

In a different world, the boys wouldn't have been too hungry to chase the car Signup and view all the answers

What does Amir do when no one was looking?

He planted a fistful of crumpled money under a mattress Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Amir's Experience

Amir experiences car sickness, indicating his discomfort during the journey.
Farid shows indifference to Amir's suffering, highlighting his lack of empathy.
Amir uses a lemon offered by Farid to alleviate his nausea but lies about its effectiveness to maintain cultural norms.

Character Descriptions

Farid is depicted as a Tajik with a lanky physique and a distinctive smile, suggesting a blend of kindness and awkwardness.
Amir carries an artificial black beard, crucial for disguising his identity upon return to Afghanistan.

Emotional Conflict

After a conversation with Rahim Khan, Amir fears second-guessing his resolve, reflecting his inner turmoil about returning home.
The journey reveals signs of decay and poverty, reinforcing Amir’s feelings of alienation as he senses being a tourist in his native land.

Themes of Home and Identity

Amir grapples with the notion that Afghanistan will always be a part of him, establishing a deep connection to his roots despite displacement.
Farid's perception of Afghanistan is stark, as he illustrates its struggles through the image of a man in ragged clothing.

Personal Histories and Relationships

Amir shares that his mother died during childbirth, a statement that humbles Farid and deepens their bond.
They arrive in Jalalabad by late afternoon, marking a significant point in their journey.
Amir's search for sweetness symbolizes his longing for fond memories in a war-torn land.

Cultural Reflections

Amir reflects on the warmth of relationships and feels deprived of a genuine smile from Farid, indicating a cultural disconnect.
Bandits, known as dodz, spare Farid and Amir, recognizing them as unworthy targets.

Writing and Storytelling

Wahid inquires if Amir writes about Afghanistan, to which Amir responds negatively, highlighting his current disconnection from his past.
Wahid encourages Amir to document Afghanistan’s plight under the Taliban, aiming to raise global awareness of the ongoing atrocities.

Hospitality and Honor

Wahid asserts his authority over his home when chastising Farid, emphasizing Afghan cultural values of hospitality.
Wahid apologizes on behalf of Farid, describing him as someone whose thoughts often precede his words, illustrating the dynamics of their relationship.

Amir reveals his complicated family background, acknowledging his illegitimate half-brother, which earns him Wahid's respect as an honorable man.
The boys stare at Amir's watch, initially perceived as envy, shifts to a deeper understanding of their hunger, prompting Amir to gift it to them.

Generosity and Regret

Amir feels compelled to offer financial help discreetly by placing money under a mattress, signifying his awareness and sympathy towards the children's hardships.
As Amir reflects on his surroundings, he acknowledges that in a different context, the boys would not be in such need, stirring feelings of regret and responsibility.

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Test your knowledge on Chapter 19 of 'The Kite Runner' with these flashcards. Explore key moments and character reactions that highlight emotional and cultural themes in the story. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of this significant chapter.