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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?
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Baba gathers up the dirt of his homeland and places it next to his heart. Is this ironic or foreshadowing?
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Chapter 11 has a new setting. What is it?
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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?
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What does Baba give Amir as a graduation present? What is Amir feeling at this moment? What is Baba feeling?
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Who is Soraya?
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What are Baba and Amir doing in San Jose on the weekends?
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What does Amir tell his father he wants to study in college? What is Baba's reaction?
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Who is General Taheri?
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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?
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What does Amir observe about a double standard in Chapter 12?
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Why did the visit with the pulmonologist become unsuccessful when Baba asked where he was from?
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What is Baba diagnosed with? How does he decide to treat it?
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Why does Amir ask Baba to meet with General Taheri?
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In Chapter 13, Amir thinks about the 'bears' his father has wrestled during his lifetime. What 'bears' has Baba wrestled?
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What good news does Amir learn in Chapter 13?
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What disappointment do Soraya and Amir face? Do you think Amir should have told Soraya about his betrayal of Hassan before they were married?
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In 1989, what is going on in Afghanistan? Who are the Mujahedin? Who is in charge?
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Chapter 14 brings us back to the opening of the book: the telephone call from Rahim Khan. What is Rahim asking Amir to do?
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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.