14. a discussion of the writer’s life and its relevance to the work
In The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, there are many controversial themes that carry out to show the prevalent meaning that correlates with the life of the author himself. I believe that Hosseini's life was exactly the same as he wrote Amir's life in the book. The tragic moments that occur in Afghanistan and intersect with personal life in the novel are very detailed as if it had happened to Khaled Hosseini himself. Since he was originally from Afghanistan, and his age falls in correctly with the novel, its nonsense to think that the story was a memoir. All historical events in the novel, are true, with the Hazaras and Pashtuns, as well as the Taliban.
I believe that it all correlates with the writer's personal life, and is very relevant. The story also is broken down to where it can be related to any situation in life, such as any kind of guilt or forgiveness, as well as rape and parental figures and showing emotions. The book touches base with many life lessons, to where I believe many authors do when writing a book. The author will always write about something they have personally interacted with, so they can share it with other people. I, for one, feel that is one important reason about novels and books, to not only inform people, but to help them and share with them your personal experiences, so you can help them as well.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
LRB #6
7. an analysis of the work’s symbolism
In The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, the controversial storyline of Amir's guilt of not saving his friend Hassan from rape has key symbols throughout the story. In the beginning, Amir describes being in San Francisco and seeing kites flying, reminding him of his friend Hassan. Which is the pivotal moment for the rest of the story as Amir flashes back to his childhood and explains his guilt. He explains how when he and Hassan were children, they competed in a kite contest. the way it goes is that the last kite standing wins. The goal is to knock all other people's kites out of the air, and by cutting the last kite down, you send a kite runner to catch the "prize" as one could say. Well, in the competition, Amir is the last kite standing, and sends Hassan after the kite he had knocked out of the sky. As Hassan finds the kite, he is corned by older and more wealthier kids that are bullying him because he is a Hazara. They want the kite and Hassan refuses to give it to them; therefore, the boys get angry and rape Hassan, and Amir is hiding and seeing it all happen. Amir is a coward, and does not help Hassan as he gets raped, and that is the guilt he has carried with him since that day.
The symbol of the kite shows Amir's guilt and his incompletion to save something that is important to him.
At the end of the book, Amir has saved Hassan's son, though the boy does not feel worthy enough to be saved, so he attempts to kill himself. Amir takes him to the hospital and begins to pray and say, "I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night.” (p. 359)
Therefore, referring to revenge, Amir questions if he deserves the death of Sohrab, for not saving his father, but the boy lives, and comes to stay with Amir in America.
Later, they go to the park, and Amir sees kites flying. He buys Sohrab one, and starts flying one for him. They begin to get into a kite contest with other kites, and Sohrab's wins. Amir asks if he wants him to chase it down for him, and he says yes.
That moment shows how the kites represent not only Amir's guilt, but how it is finally lifted off of him. He feels relieved, and can finally make up for what he did by chasing down a kite for Hassan's son in respect.
It is like the roles had switched in some way to balance everything out.
In The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, the controversial storyline of Amir's guilt of not saving his friend Hassan from rape has key symbols throughout the story. In the beginning, Amir describes being in San Francisco and seeing kites flying, reminding him of his friend Hassan. Which is the pivotal moment for the rest of the story as Amir flashes back to his childhood and explains his guilt. He explains how when he and Hassan were children, they competed in a kite contest. the way it goes is that the last kite standing wins. The goal is to knock all other people's kites out of the air, and by cutting the last kite down, you send a kite runner to catch the "prize" as one could say. Well, in the competition, Amir is the last kite standing, and sends Hassan after the kite he had knocked out of the sky. As Hassan finds the kite, he is corned by older and more wealthier kids that are bullying him because he is a Hazara. They want the kite and Hassan refuses to give it to them; therefore, the boys get angry and rape Hassan, and Amir is hiding and seeing it all happen. Amir is a coward, and does not help Hassan as he gets raped, and that is the guilt he has carried with him since that day.
The symbol of the kite shows Amir's guilt and his incompletion to save something that is important to him.
At the end of the book, Amir has saved Hassan's son, though the boy does not feel worthy enough to be saved, so he attempts to kill himself. Amir takes him to the hospital and begins to pray and say, "I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night.” (p. 359)
Therefore, referring to revenge, Amir questions if he deserves the death of Sohrab, for not saving his father, but the boy lives, and comes to stay with Amir in America.
Later, they go to the park, and Amir sees kites flying. He buys Sohrab one, and starts flying one for him. They begin to get into a kite contest with other kites, and Sohrab's wins. Amir asks if he wants him to chase it down for him, and he says yes.
That moment shows how the kites represent not only Amir's guilt, but how it is finally lifted off of him. He feels relieved, and can finally make up for what he did by chasing down a kite for Hassan's son in respect.
It is like the roles had switched in some way to balance everything out.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
LRB #5
your opinion of the work, good or bad, supported by specific references from the work
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, in my opinion, is a very controversial, yet amazing book that teaches our generation not only about some of the world's most important history, but also opens eyes to new cultures and one interesting story along the way. I personally love this story because it shows me how Afghanistan used to be, and how it is today.
The touching storyline that has all these amazing details within it. Hosseini truly created a tear-jerker. The character Amir that I love and hate all at the same time continuously keeps me hooked throughout the story of his life; as well as how he battles with the regret of his childhood friend getting raped. Also, how Amir and his father's relationship is very touching how it evolves through the book.
Overall, this story is very good in terms of everything specified to be categorized as a good book. I would recommend that every young adult should read it, because it will truly change the way you see things.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, in my opinion, is a very controversial, yet amazing book that teaches our generation not only about some of the world's most important history, but also opens eyes to new cultures and one interesting story along the way. I personally love this story because it shows me how Afghanistan used to be, and how it is today.
The touching storyline that has all these amazing details within it. Hosseini truly created a tear-jerker. The character Amir that I love and hate all at the same time continuously keeps me hooked throughout the story of his life; as well as how he battles with the regret of his childhood friend getting raped. Also, how Amir and his father's relationship is very touching how it evolves through the book.
Overall, this story is very good in terms of everything specified to be categorized as a good book. I would recommend that every young adult should read it, because it will truly change the way you see things.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
LRB #4
a discussion of the title’s significance
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The title of the amazing novel wrote by Khaled Hosseini has a very powerful and significant meaning. Considering that the book is based upon a storyline of a person who regrets something very traumatizing that has happened in his life. His dear childhood friend Hassan was helping him win a kite flying contest when the tragic moment occurred. In this game, one's goal is to knock your other opponent's kite out of the sky, and if you knock out the last one, someone has to fetch the falling kite to win. In the story, Hassan fetches the kite because Amir wins, but since Hassan is looked down upon because of his ethnicity, things went wrong.
Hassan got teased and raped by boys just as he was fetching the kite, and Amir saw it all happen; which is the most traumatizing moment he has ever experienced. He did not do anything about it, and has regretted it ever since. So the phrase "The Kite Runner" is very significant simply because that moment in his life, when he sent Hassan to be his kite runner, it became the worst memory placed in his mind. Therefore, showing the significance of the whole story of Amir's life and how he deals with his regret.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The title of the amazing novel wrote by Khaled Hosseini has a very powerful and significant meaning. Considering that the book is based upon a storyline of a person who regrets something very traumatizing that has happened in his life. His dear childhood friend Hassan was helping him win a kite flying contest when the tragic moment occurred. In this game, one's goal is to knock your other opponent's kite out of the sky, and if you knock out the last one, someone has to fetch the falling kite to win. In the story, Hassan fetches the kite because Amir wins, but since Hassan is looked down upon because of his ethnicity, things went wrong.
Hassan got teased and raped by boys just as he was fetching the kite, and Amir saw it all happen; which is the most traumatizing moment he has ever experienced. He did not do anything about it, and has regretted it ever since. So the phrase "The Kite Runner" is very significant simply because that moment in his life, when he sent Hassan to be his kite runner, it became the worst memory placed in his mind. Therefore, showing the significance of the whole story of Amir's life and how he deals with his regret.
Monday, March 17, 2014
LRB #3
a statement relating the work to your experience or ideas
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The Kite Runner is an amazing book that shows regret and many other things. As I have read along with it, I catch myself seeing similarities of situations that are in my life. My life has been a roller coaster of emotions, and as I have read, Amir's life seems to be the same. He regrets not helping Hassan, and feels guilty, as well as sleep deprived and depressed. He is also dealing with a self battle to win over Baba's undivided attention and praise. He says, "There was a monster in the lake. It had grabbed Hassan by the ankles, dragged him to the murky bottom. I was that monster." (Hosseini.chapter8.page86) He had totally convinced himself that he was absolutely horrible, which is entirely untrue.
His father does not show him enough attention, therefore messing with Amir's emotions and his whole life. My life seems similar. My mother is an absent parent from my life, and that sometimes causes me to be bitter in ways that I shouldn't, towards people who don't deserve meanness. I have chosen in the past not to help people simply because I have told myself that they deserve it. When in reality, I chose not to help them because I want them to suffer, and feel bitterness life I do, which is a horrible thing to do; but with people who are in these situations, one doesn't know that they are causing pain to others by being in pain.
Hurting people hurt people; which is so true because this book displays it perfectly. Now I am not saying this book is filled with just hurt and sorrow, but it has life lessons that teach through the text and on each page through a life story of a person who regrets things that he has done. It also teaches forgiveness for someone, and for yourself, which is a hard thing to do in life. I believe this book has showed me skillful things for many situations in life, and has touched my heart tremendously. I have enjoyed it simply because it correlates with my life so much.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The Kite Runner is an amazing book that shows regret and many other things. As I have read along with it, I catch myself seeing similarities of situations that are in my life. My life has been a roller coaster of emotions, and as I have read, Amir's life seems to be the same. He regrets not helping Hassan, and feels guilty, as well as sleep deprived and depressed. He is also dealing with a self battle to win over Baba's undivided attention and praise. He says, "There was a monster in the lake. It had grabbed Hassan by the ankles, dragged him to the murky bottom. I was that monster." (Hosseini.chapter8.page86) He had totally convinced himself that he was absolutely horrible, which is entirely untrue.
His father does not show him enough attention, therefore messing with Amir's emotions and his whole life. My life seems similar. My mother is an absent parent from my life, and that sometimes causes me to be bitter in ways that I shouldn't, towards people who don't deserve meanness. I have chosen in the past not to help people simply because I have told myself that they deserve it. When in reality, I chose not to help them because I want them to suffer, and feel bitterness life I do, which is a horrible thing to do; but with people who are in these situations, one doesn't know that they are causing pain to others by being in pain.
Hurting people hurt people; which is so true because this book displays it perfectly. Now I am not saying this book is filled with just hurt and sorrow, but it has life lessons that teach through the text and on each page through a life story of a person who regrets things that he has done. It also teaches forgiveness for someone, and for yourself, which is a hard thing to do in life. I believe this book has showed me skillful things for many situations in life, and has touched my heart tremendously. I have enjoyed it simply because it correlates with my life so much.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
LRB #2
4. a discussion of the role(s) played by minor character(s)
In The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini there are few minor characters that have a significant meaning, and one in particular is Hassan's father, Ali. He does not have much say but being in the setting represents Hassan's reasoning for being important; therefore, Hassan is a major character in the book. Ali was first Baba's servant when they both were young, and now his son and himself work for Baba and his son Amir. Baba's and Ali's relationship is a platform of how Hassan and Amir are so close, and Ali has significance in such.
Whenever Amir sees what happens to Hassan in the alley, that scars them both. All the while Amir thought Hassan did not see him get raped, but he knew he was watching. He told Ali privately, and when Amir had finally got tired of feeling guilty and tried getting rid of Hassan, Ali stepped up and spoke for Hassan and for himself by telling Baba, "Life here is impossible for us now, Agha sahib. We're leaving." (Hosseini.chapter9.page106)
By saying such, Ali, as a minor character, shows his significance by standing up for his son Hassan who puts major impact and symbolism on the plot and overall story. He is significant to the plot.
In The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini there are few minor characters that have a significant meaning, and one in particular is Hassan's father, Ali. He does not have much say but being in the setting represents Hassan's reasoning for being important; therefore, Hassan is a major character in the book. Ali was first Baba's servant when they both were young, and now his son and himself work for Baba and his son Amir. Baba's and Ali's relationship is a platform of how Hassan and Amir are so close, and Ali has significance in such.
Whenever Amir sees what happens to Hassan in the alley, that scars them both. All the while Amir thought Hassan did not see him get raped, but he knew he was watching. He told Ali privately, and when Amir had finally got tired of feeling guilty and tried getting rid of Hassan, Ali stepped up and spoke for Hassan and for himself by telling Baba, "Life here is impossible for us now, Agha sahib. We're leaving." (Hosseini.chapter9.page106)
By saying such, Ali, as a minor character, shows his significance by standing up for his son Hassan who puts major impact and symbolism on the plot and overall story. He is significant to the plot.
Monday, March 10, 2014
LBR #1
a discussion of the validity and development of the theme(s)
The Kite Runner
In The Kite Runner written by Khaled Hosseini is a very controversial story that carries many themes such as selfishness and violence, that have fluent relevance that develop more and more throughout the story. Hosseini uses character's actions and plot to reveal such themes that relate to the story, as well as connecting to show and help the audience see the over all meaning. The narrator, Amir, is reflecting to his past as he explains the events that had happened to him that changed him into the person he is today. He soon begins to describe his servant's son Hassan, as his friend, and the memories that they had together. Those memories being told shows the selfishness and jealousness Amir had towards Hassan, as he states in the book after reading a story to Hassan saying," Taught by Hassan, of all people. Hassan who couldn't read and had never written a single word in his entire life. A voice, cold and dark, suddenly whispered in my ear, what does he know, that illiterate Hazara? He'll never be anything but a cook. How dare he criticize you?" (Hosseini.V.pg. 34)
This statement shows the audience that whenever Hassan corrects Amir, he despises it, and resents Hassan,, and his subconscious fills his mind with selfishness, but yet he is still friends with Hassan, and feels guilty for thinking such things.
The Kite Runner
In The Kite Runner written by Khaled Hosseini is a very controversial story that carries many themes such as selfishness and violence, that have fluent relevance that develop more and more throughout the story. Hosseini uses character's actions and plot to reveal such themes that relate to the story, as well as connecting to show and help the audience see the over all meaning. The narrator, Amir, is reflecting to his past as he explains the events that had happened to him that changed him into the person he is today. He soon begins to describe his servant's son Hassan, as his friend, and the memories that they had together. Those memories being told shows the selfishness and jealousness Amir had towards Hassan, as he states in the book after reading a story to Hassan saying," Taught by Hassan, of all people. Hassan who couldn't read and had never written a single word in his entire life. A voice, cold and dark, suddenly whispered in my ear, what does he know, that illiterate Hazara? He'll never be anything but a cook. How dare he criticize you?" (Hosseini.V.pg. 34)
This statement shows the audience that whenever Hassan corrects Amir, he despises it, and resents Hassan,, and his subconscious fills his mind with selfishness, but yet he is still friends with Hassan, and feels guilty for thinking such things.
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