Kite Runner Chapters 10-14 Quiz & Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What 'weakness' of Amir's does Baba have to apologize for in chapter 10?

Baba apologizes for Amir's car sickness.

Who is Karim?

A people smuggler who is taking Baba and Amir to Jalalabad and later to Peshawar.

Why are Amir and his father fleeing Afghanistan?

Once the Russians invaded, no one was safe in Afghanistan. There were spies everywhere, and no one could be trusted.

Why does Baba challenge the Russian officer who is obviously high on drugs?

Because in order to get through the checkpoint, the Russian soldiers have to rape women and Baba would not allow that to happen. Signup and view all the answers

Baba gathers up the dirt of his homeland and places it next to his heart. Is this ironic or foreshadowing?

False Signup and view all the answers

Chapter 11 has a new setting. What is it?

Fremont, CA, USA. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of Amir's statement that, 'America was different. America was a river roaring along, unmindful of the past.' What does this reveal?

It reveals that Amir can start a new life in America where he is able to be free and do or become whatever he wants to be. Signup and view all the answers

What does Baba give Amir as a graduation present? What is Amir feeling at this moment? What is Baba feeling?

He gives him a car which is a Ford Gran Torino. Amir feels loved and shocked. Baba feels proud for his son. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Soraya?

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

What are Baba and Amir doing in San Jose on the weekends?

They would go to the flea market and sell junk for a small profit. Signup and view all the answers

What does Amir tell his father he wants to study in college? What is Baba's reaction?

Amir said he would get a job, save up money, and maybe go to college the next year for creative writing. Baba was not happy and questioned him about the future. Signup and view all the answers

Who is General Taheri?

A well-decorated general in Kabul, worked for the ministry of defense, thinks Baba is a great man. Signup and view all the answers

Baba observes that 'It may be unfair, but what happens in a single day can change the course of a whole lifetime.' Whom is he speaking about? Why?

He is speaking to Soraya, mainly because no man asked her hand in marriage. Signup and view all the answers

What does Amir observe about a double standard in Chapter 12?

Gender because what he knows that being a male gave him more power at birth. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the visit with the pulmonologist become unsuccessful when Baba asked where he was from?

Mainly because the pulmonologist was Russian and he despised Russians by all of the horrific actions they did in Afghanistan. Signup and view all the answers

What is Baba diagnosed with? How does he decide to treat it?

Baba is diagnosed with cancer and he decides to treat it with a chemotherapy procedure. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Amir ask Baba to meet with General Taheri?

Amir wants to ask Soraya's hand in marriage. Signup and view all the answers

In Chapter 13, Amir thinks about the 'bears' his father has wrestled during his lifetime. What 'bears' has Baba wrestled?

Losing his wife, Ali, and Hassan. Raising Amir and leaving Afghanistan. Signup and view all the answers

What good news does Amir learn in Chapter 13?

He made his story about a father and his son in Kabul on his typewriter and someone from New York read it and wants to be his agent and later on in the month his novel was published. Signup and view all the answers

What disappointment do Soraya and Amir face? Do you think Amir should have told Soraya about his betrayal of Hassan before they were married?

They can't have kids. I think he should've told her because it would help him to be an honest husband to not keep secrets. Signup and view all the answers

In 1989, what is going on in Afghanistan? Who are the Mujahedin? Who is in charge?

Shorawi completed their withdrawal from Afghanistan. Mujahedin = Afghans. The Soviet government of Najibullah. Signup and view all the answers

Chapter 14 brings us back to the opening of the book: the telephone call from Rahim Khan. What is Rahim asking Amir to do?

He asks Amir to see him in Pakistan because he is very sick. Rahim tells Amir there is a way to be good again which shows Rahim knows his dark secret. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Characters and Their Roles

Baba: Amir's father who feels apologetic for Amir's car sickness and exhibits pride in Amir's achievements.
Karim: People smuggler who assists Baba and Amir in their escape from Afghanistan.
Soraya: General Taheri's daughter, whom Amir wishes to marry.
General Taheri: A respected figure in the Afghan community, associated with Baba.

Plot Developments

Fleeing Afghanistan: Amir and Baba escape due to the dangers posed by the Russian invasion, creating an atmosphere of distrust.
Checkpoint Incident: Baba's confrontation with a Russian officer reflects his strong values and unwillingness to condone violence against women.
New Life in America: Amir views America as a place to begin anew, where he hopes to shed his past sins.

Themes and Symbols

Land and Belonging: Baba's act of gathering dirt from Afghanistan symbolizes a deep connection to his homeland and foreshadows his emotional struggles with leaving.
Cultural Challenges: The stark contrast Amir experiences between the cultures of Afghanistan and America highlights themes of identity and belonging.
Double Standards: Amir acknowledges the gender disparity in his society, noting the privileges he has as a male.

Personal Struggles and Growth

Amir's Aspirations: He expresses a desire to pursue creative writing, which Baba initially disapproves of, showcasing the generational gap and differing aspirations.
Family Dynamics: Baba’s health declines due to cancer, impacting Amir and their relationship, and prompting Amir to seek a marriage proposal to Soraya from General Taheri.

Important Events and Reflections

Amir's Achievement: His success in publishing a novel signals a turning point and a moment of pride amidst personal struggles.
Disappointment in Parenthood: Amir and Soraya's inability to have children creates tension; Amir reflects on honesty, suggesting the importance of transparency in relationships.

Historical Context

Afghanistan in 1989: The Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan and the rise of the Mujahedin reflects the turbulent political landscape affecting the characters.
Rahim Khan's Call: The narrative circles back with Rahim’s plea to Amir, indicating unresolved issues and the idea of redemption.

Significant Quotes

Baba’s observation on how a single day can alter a lifetime underscores the theme of fate and the importance of choices in shaping one's destiny.
Amir's sentiment about America represents hope and the possibility of change after trauma.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapters 10 to 14 of 'The Kite Runner'. This quiz covers key characters, events, and themes as Baba and Amir navigate their challenging circumstances while fleeing Afghanistan. Prepare to delve into the deeper emotions and motivations that drive the narrative forward.

The Kite Runner Chapters 10-14 Quiz