Questions and Answers
Who is Karim?
Karim is the human smuggler who helps take Amir and Baba across to Pakistan.
In Chapter 11, who is Soraya?
Soraya is the General Taheri's daughter who helps her parents at the flea market every Sunday.
What are Baba and Amir doing in San Jose on the weekends?
Baba and Amir buy items from garage sales and sell them from a stall in the Afghan section of the San Jose flea market.
Who is General Taheri?
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What is Baba diagnosed with and how does he decide to treat it?
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What disappointment do Soraya and Amir face?
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In 1989, what is going on in Afghanistan?
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What does Rahim Khan want Amir to do?
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Where do Amir and Rahim Khan meet?
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What does Amir say about clichés?
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Who has taken over Afghanistan in Chapter 15?
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What happened to Hassan?
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Who is Farzana?
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What happened in 1996 in Mazar-i-Sharif?
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What is the tone of Hassan's letter to Amir?
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How does Amir react when he learns about Hassan's murder?
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What realization does Amir come to in Chapter 19?
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What does Amir see upon returning to Kabul?
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Why do Afghans gather at Lake Elizabeth Park?
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What happens as Amir runs the kite for Sohrab?
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Study Notes
Key Characters
- Karim: A human smuggler who assists Amir and Baba in fleeing to Pakistan.
- Soraya: The daughter of General Taheri, she helps her parents at the flea market.
- General Taheri: Former Ministry of Defense member in Afghanistan and a respected Afghan community figure; a friend of Baba.
Key Themes and Events
- Baba's Illness: Diagnosed with Oat Cell Carcinoma, Baba chooses not to undergo chemotherapy, instead opting to chain smoke; his pride influences decisions regarding his health.
- Struggles with Parenthood: Amir and Soraya face disappointment in conceiving a child, leading to feelings of isolation in their marriage.
Historical Context
- Afghanistan in 1989: The Soviet forces withdraw, but conflict continues under the Mujahedin, Islamic extremists transform Afghanistan into an Islamic State.
- Taliban Takeover: Afghanistan is seized by the Taliban, marking a significant shift in control and governance.
Plot Progression
- Rahim Khan's Call: Amir is summoned by Rahim Khan to Pakistan, laying the foundation for his journey to confront his past.
- Meeting in Peshawar: Amir reunites with a dying Rahim Khan, who reveals tragic news about Hassan’s fate and the orphaned Sohrab.
Relationships and Revelations
- Hassan's Fate: Hassan and his wife Farzana are killed by the Taliban while protecting Baba's house; their son Sohrab is now an orphan.
- Letter from Hassan: Amir receives a letter from Hassan that's filled with friendship and concern, igniting Amir's sense of responsibility.
Amir's Journey to Redemption
- Task to Find Sohrab: Rahim Khan urges Amir to rescue Sohrab as a means of atonement for his past betrayals.
- Awareness of Personal Betrayal: Amir comes to understand his own and Baba's past betrayals, particularly with Hassan, prompting deeper reflection.
The Social Landscape
- Kabul's Ruins: Amir's first return to Kabul exposes him to the devastation of war and the oppressive presence of the Taliban.
- Taliban Brutality: Zaman, director of the orphanage, explains the moral dilemmas he faces under Taliban rule, highlighting the conflict between survival and ethics.
Turning Points
- Confrontation with Assef: Amir's fight with the Taliban official, Assef, signifies a climactic moment in his quest for redemption.
- Significant Realizations: Amir's growth is evident as he acknowledges Baba's flaws and his own need for redemption through his actions for Sohrab.
Cultural Connections
- Celebration of Afghan Culture: Afghans gather at Lake Elizabeth Park for New Year, symbolizing communal ties and cultural identity.
- Adoption Process: Soraya and her uncle facilitate Sohrab’s transition to America, representing hope for a new beginning.
Emotional Resolution
- Sohrab's Struggles: Initially withdrawn in San Francisco, Sohrab attempts suicide, indicating deep trauma from his past.
- Running the Kite: Amir’s act of running a kite for Sohrab parallels his own childhood with Hassan, symbolizing a full-circle moment of hope and healing.
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Description
Test your understanding of key characters and events from chapters 14 to 25 of Khaled Hosseini's 'The Kite Runner'. This quiz includes information about important figures like Karim and Soraya, and their roles in the lives of Baba and Amir. Enhance your knowledge of the story with these flashcards.
