The Kite Runner Themes and Characters

Questions and Answers

How does Amir's request about servants disturb Baba?

Amir's request about servants disturbed Baba because he said angrily that since Ali's been with his family for 40 years and grew up with him, Baba is not going to throw him out. Amir is jealous of Hassan and wants to get rid of his guilt.

Why does Amir refer to his 13th birthday party presents as blood money?

Amir refers to his party as blood money because he knew that Baba would never have thrown him a big party if he did not win the tournament and the victory just reminds him of Hassan's rape. Each gift he received reminded him of Hassan's blood. He feels guilty.

What gift does Assef bring Amir? What is important about this? What might it foreshadow?

Assef gives a book of the biography of Hitler to Amir. This is important because it reminds Amir of how evil Assef was for hurting and harassing Hassan compared to Hitler. This might foreshadow that Assef is reminding him that he might do something else cruel in the future.

What is disturbing about Hassan serving Assef drinks at the party?

<p>What is so disturbing about Hassan serving Assef drinks at the party is that Assef is taunting him by grinning and kneading him in the chest with a knuckle. After all that happened, Hassan is a Hazara and a servant who has to serve him, be respectful, and can't fight back no matter what.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Rahim Khan relate to Amir at the party?

<p>Rahim Khan relates to Amir at the party when he tells Amir that he fell in love with a Hazara servant and was never allowed to marry her. He tells Amir how difficult it is to change the class system and that the world always wins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Amir and Baba's Relationship

Amir's request to remove Ali, the family servant, disturbs Baba as he believes in loyalty and has known Ali for 40 years.
Baba's anger reveals his values regarding friendship and entrenched social hierarchies, emphasizing Amir's jealousy towards Hassan.

Amir's Guilt and Party Reflection

Amir refers to his 13th birthday party gifts as "blood money," indicating his guilt over winning the tournament that coincided with Hassan's trauma.
Each gift symbolizes Hassan's suffering and Amir's deep-seated remorse for not standing up for him, intertwining celebration with guilt.

Assef's Malicious Gift

Assef presents Amir with a biography of Hitler, highlighting Assef's cruel nature by comparing his bullying of Hassan to historical evil.
This gift foreshadows Assef's potential for further violence and the troubling dynamics of power and cruelty within their relationships.

Hassan's Position at the Party

Hassan serving Assef at the party is disturbing as it showcases the social stratification and dehumanization of Hazara people.
Assef's taunting behavior towards Hassan underlines the power imbalance and reinforces Hassan's position as a subordinate, unable to resist.

Rahim Khan's Connection to Amir

Rahim Khan relates to Amir by sharing his own unfulfilled love for a Hazara servant, illustrating the rigid class structures that hinder personal happiness.
His insights reflect on the challenges imposed by societal expectations, reinforcing themes of love and sacrifice within the narrative.

Description

This quiz explores the complex relationships and themes present in Khaled Hosseini's 'The Kite Runner', focusing on Amir and Baba's dynamics, Amir's guilt, and the implications of Assef's actions. Analyze how loyalty, jealousy, and morality are depicted through significant events and characters in the story.