The Kite Runner Chapters 11-20 Flashcards

Setting and Characters

• Amir and Baba settle in Fremont, California, marking a significant change in their lives.
• Amir chooses English as his major in college, reflecting his passion for writing.
• Baba gifts Amir a used car for his graduation, symbolizing his pride.

Relationships and Personal Growth

• On graduation night, Amir feels sadness as Baba expresses a wish that Hassan could have been there, highlighting Amir's guilt over his past.
• Courting customs differ between Afghanistan and America, where a question shows romantic interest.
• The general dismisses Amir's short story, indicating cultural disconnect and familial tensions.

Family Dynamics

• Baba is diagnosed with lung cancer, introducing themes of mortality and care.
• Soraya shows more courage than Amir, being upfront about her past, which fosters a deeper bond.
• Baba and Amir spend $35,000 on Amir's wedding, illustrating economic disparity and familial roles.

Long-Term Impact

• Soraya suffers from migraines and headaches after marriage, impacting their relationship dynamics.
• Fifteen years into their marriage, Amir is reminded of his childhood when he sees kites, recalling lost innocence.

Revelations and Connections

• Amir visits Rahim Kahn in Peshawar, who is on his deathbed, indicating urgency in their conversation.
• Rahim Kahn seeks Hassan due to loneliness and the loss of familiar faces, reinforcing themes of connection and loss.
• Sohrab, Hassan's son, shares a close relationship with Sanaubar, Hassan's mother, showing family ties run deep.

Tragedy and Violence

• Hassan and his wife, Farzana, are killed for refusing to abandon Baba’s house to the Taliban, showing brutality against dissent.
• Kabul is divided into sections by militant factions, illustrating the chaos of war.

Legacy and Secrets

• Rahim Kahn gives Amir a letter from Hassan, revealing hidden truths about their past.
• Baba's greatest sin is keeping the truth of Hassan's parentage from Amir, tarnishing their relationship.
• Amir determines to redeem himself by finding and adopting Sohrab, indicating a quest for redemption.

Journey and Transformation

• Amir travels in traditional Muslim dress to blend in, highlighting the need for disguise in a changed Afghanistan.
• Farid serves as Amir's guide, navigating the dangerous landscape together.

Echoes of the Past

• Amir mirrors past behavior by hiding money under a mattress, showcasing a return to old habits.
• The male population of Kabul suffers immensely due to war casualties, reflecting a devastated society.

Environmental Degradation

• The once plentiful trees in Kabul have been burned for firewood, indicating severe resource scarcity.
• Amir encounters a university professor turned beggar, revealing the dire economic conditions faced by educated individuals.

Search for Sohrab

• Sohrab has an affinity for slingshots, aiding Amir in his search, demonstrating childhood connections.
• The orphanage suffers from severe poverty, with children being sold due to financial desperation, revealing the harsh realities of life.
• The director suggests Sohrab might be found at a soccer match, guiding Amir further in his quest.

Test your knowledge of Chapters 11-20 of 'The Kite Runner' with these flashcards. Review key events, character decisions, and significant symbols that shape the narrative. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of this poignant novel.