The Kite Runner Chapters 14-25 Flashcards

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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?

General Taheri used to work for the Ministry of Defense in Afghanistan. He is friends with Baba and a respected member of the Afghan community. Signup and view all the answers

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

Baba is diagnosed with Oat Cell Carcinoma, a type of cancer that is incurable in the long run. Baba decides to forgo chemotherapy and instead chain smokes the whole way home. Signup and view all the answers

What disappointment do Soraya and Amir face?

Amir and Soraya are unable to conceive a child. Signup and view all the answers

In 1989, what is going on in Afghanistan?

The Shorawi (Soviets) withdrew from Afghanistan, but the Mujahedin continued the war. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rahim Khan want Amir to do?

Rahim Khan is sick and wants Amir to come to Pakistan. Signup and view all the answers

Where do Amir and Rahim Khan meet?

They meet in Peshawar, Pakistan. Signup and view all the answers

What does Amir say about clichés?

Amir states that clichés are usually dead on. Signup and view all the answers

Who has taken over Afghanistan in Chapter 15?

The Taliban. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Hassan?

Hassan went to live in a village just outside Bamiyan, where he tells Rahim Khan that Ali was killed by a landmine. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Farzana?

Farzana is Hassan's wife. Signup and view all the answers

What happened in 1996 in Mazar-i-Sharif?

The Taliban massacred many Hazaras. Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of Hassan's letter to Amir?

The tone is excited and proud. Signup and view all the answers

How does Amir react when he learns about Hassan's murder?

Amir reacts with shock and anger. Signup and view all the answers

What realization does Amir come to in Chapter 19?

Amir realizes his life has been a lie all along and that he must leave to help Sohrab. Signup and view all the answers

What does Amir see upon returning to Kabul?

Amir sees a devastated Kabul that has been severely damaged by twenty years of war. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Afghans gather at Lake Elizabeth Park?

They gather for Afghan's New Year. Signup and view all the answers

What happens as Amir runs the kite for Sohrab?

Sohrab sneaks a smile when Amir runs the kite for him. Signup and view all the answers

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.

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.