The Kite Runner Chapter 8 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What quote shows the guilt consuming Amir?

That and a breakfast I hardly finish anymore

What quote shows Amir displacing his anger and guilt onto Ali?

Now, am I going to freeze to death or are you planning on lighting the stove today?

What quote reinforces Amir's jealousy?

I couldn't help hating the way his brow furrowed with worry

What quote alludes to Baba feeling uncomfortable with spending time with Amir alone?

Baba had managed to invite another two dozen people Signup and view all the answers

What quote shows Baba using Amir to improve his own personal appearance?

A hundred kites, Homayoun jan.No laaf.And the only one still flying at the end of the day was Amir's Signup and view all the answers

What quote shows Rahim Khan seeing the truth of Amir's feelings?

Only Rahim Khan sitting in the passenger seat next to Baba was silent. He was looking at me in an odd way Signup and view all the answers

What quote shows the memory of Hassan's rape is inescapable for Amir?

They twisted, merged, formed a single image: Hassan's brown corduroy pants discarded Signup and view all the answers

What quote reveals the importance of Western culture in proving superiority?

Ten years since he'd returned from Paris and he was still showing those stupid slides Signup and view all the answers

What quote shows Amir's disappointment as he believes he doesn't deserve Baba's love and attention?

I finally had what I'd wanted all those years. Expect now that I had it, I felt as empty as this unkempt pool Signup and view all the answers

What quote shows the guilt is isolating Amir?

A part of me was hoping someone would wake up and hear so I wouldn't have to live with this lie anymore Signup and view all the answers

What quote shows Amir demonizing himself?

I was that monster Signup and view all the answers

What quotes show the physical toll of the guilt on Amir?

I became an insomniac and I had just my half-eaten lunch Signup and view all the answers

What quote shows Hassan's continued suffering after his rape?

He'd lost weight and grey circles had formed under his puffed-up eyes Signup and view all the answers

What quote shows the shallowness of the love between Baba and Amir?

We'd actually deceived ourselves into thinking that a toy made of tissue paper, glue and bamboo could somehow close the chasm between us Signup and view all the answers

What quote shows Hassan blaming himself for Amir's behaviour?

You can tell me, I'll stop doing it Signup and view all the answers

What quote shows Amir hating Hassan's dedication and love for him?

Everywhere I turned, I saw signs of his loyalty, his g*ddamn unwavering loyalty Signup and view all the answers

What quote worsens Amir's reaction to Hassan's rape, as he should have protected him?

He's staying right here with us, where he belongs. This is his home and we're his family Signup and view all the answers

What quote shows Hassan's genuine care about Amir's wellbeing?

He asked about school, what I was learning Signup and view all the answers

What quote demonstrates nepotism and reveals Amir's privilege?

But my father was rich and everyone knew him so I was spared the metal rod treatment Signup and view all the answers

What quote shows Hassan has been robbed of his childhood?

He looked older than I'd remembered. No, not older, old Signup and view all the answers

What quote shows Amir blaming himself for Hassan's premature aging?

I might as well have taken a knife and carved those lines myself Signup and view all the answers

What quote shows Amir is cowardly as he attacks Hassan rather than talk?

Get up! Hit me! Signup and view all the answers

What quote is ironic as the reader views Amir as cowardly whereas Hassan is seen as brave?

You're a coward,' I said. 'Nothing but a g*ddamn coward! Signup and view all the answers

What quote symbolizes Hassan's self-sacrifice?

There' he croaked, red dripping down his face like blood Signup and view all the answers

What quote shows the background conflict linking to conflict on a wider scale?

Afghanistan's next to last summer of peace and anonymity Signup and view all the answers

What quote shows Amir being sidelined by Baba's own selfish needs?

Then I realised they weren't really coming for me. It was my birthday, but I knew who the real star of the show was Signup and view all the answers

What quote highlights Baba's obsession with reputation?

No one was going to gossip the next day about how he'd raised a son with no manners Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Guilt and Isolation

Amir's guilt manifests in diminished enjoyment of meals, indicating psychological distress.
An interaction highlights Amir's misplaced anger towards Ali, showcasing displacement of emotions.
Amir's jealousy towards others is evident, reflecting feelings of inadequacy and resentment.

Father-Son Dynamics

Baba's social invitations signify discomfort in their one-on-one relationship, hinting at emotional distance.
Amir is used by Baba as a means to enhance his reputation, illustrating Baba's complex character and priorities.
The dynamic between Baba and Amir symbolizes superficial connections masked by societal expectations.

Personal Struggles

Rahim Khan's silent observations highlight Amir's internalized pain and the burden of guilt he carries.
Amir's memories of Hassan's trauma starkly intertwine with his guilt, signifying a deep emotional conflict.
The passage of time and Western influences serve as a backdrop to Baba's struggle with identity and acceptance.

Consequences of Trauma

Amir feels undeserving of Baba's love, leading to a profound sense of emptiness despite achieving personal desires.
Isolation due to guilt is illustrated through Amir wishing for revelation of his truth to lighten his burden.
Physical manifestations of guilt are evident in Amir's insomnia and deteriorating mental state.

Relationships and Loyalty

Hassan's struggles post-trauma signify the ongoing impact of abuse and loyalty, a recurring theme in the story.
The shallow affection between Baba and Amir is depicted through their misguided attempts to bond over trivial pursuits.
Hassan's self-blame reveals deep-rooted loyalty to Amir, even amidst Amir's destructive feelings.

Themes of Cowardice and Courage

Amir's confrontation with Hassan reveals his cowardice; instead of communication, he resorts to aggression.
Irony ensues when Amir labels Hassan a coward, demonstrating Amir's inability to recognize true bravery.
Hassan's self-sacrificial nature is encapsulated in the symbolism of blood, evidencing his loyalty despite suffering.

Societal Context

The setting of Afghanistan before conflict highlights the impending turmoil, framing personal stories within broader societal issues.
Amir's feelings of neglect during a celebration reflect Baba's obsession with public perception over personal connections.
Baba's reputation influences his behavior, revealing societal pressures that dictate familial relationships and self-worth.

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Test your understanding of key quotes and themes from Chapter 8 of 'The Kite Runner'. These flashcards will help you analyze Amir's guilt, jealousy, and displacement of anger throughout the narrative. Perfect for reviewing before an exam or discussion!