Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of the flashback at the beginning of the novel?
The narrator is hiding from something and trying to bury his past.
Who is Hassan?
Hassan is the narrator's childhood playmate.
What is a cleft lip?
A cleft lip is a birth defect that appears as a missing part of the upper lip.
What does Hassan's relationship with Amir reveal about his personality?
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Why does Amir provide such an elaborate description of his family's home?
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Who is Sanaubar?
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Who is Ali?
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What does it mean to be Hazara?
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What does it mean to be Pashtun?
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What does Amir learn from the book in his dad's study?
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How did Sanaubar react to Hassan when he was born?
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What was Hassan's first word?
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How does Amir feel about his father?
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Study Notes
Flashcards Summary - The Kite Runner, Chapters 1-5
- The narrator's past haunts him, symbolized by a winter day in 1975; he moved to San Francisco to escape it.
- Hassan, Amir's childhood friend, is physically described as having a round face, a cleft lip, and features likened to a doll.
- A cleft lip is a birth defect characterized by a split or opening in the upper lip, often considered offensive to call it a "harelip."
- Hassan's loyalty is evident in his willingness to support Amir, even at the risk of angering his father.
- Amir describes his childhood home vividly, portraying it as a happy and safe place, illustrated by significant family photographs.
- Sanaubar is Hassan's mother, known for her dishonorable past, in stark contrast to Amir's deceased mother who died during his birth.
- Ali, Hassan's father, is called Babalu (Boogeyman) by neighborhood children due to his physical condition from polio and facial paralysis.
- Hazaras, including Ali, Hassan, and Sanaubar, are a marginalized group in Afghanistan, often facing discrimination.
- Pashtuns, of which Amir's family belongs, are the majority group that historically oppresses Hazaras, leading to systemic injustices.
- Amir learns from his father's study that the oppression stems from religious differences, with Pashtuns being Sunni Muslims and Hazaras being Shi'a Muslims.
- Sanaubar reacts negatively to Hassan's birth, leading to feelings of abandonment for both Hassan and Ali, affecting their self-esteem.
- Hassan's first word is "Amir," showcasing his deep loyalty and connection to Amir, which is pivotal in the narrative.
- Amir holds a complex view of his father, Baba, idolizing him for his strength and accomplishments while also fearing his stern demeanor.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the first five chapters of 'The Kite Runner'. These flashcards cover key themes, characters, and important details from pages 1-47. Explore the significance of the narrator's backstory and the introduction of Hassan.
