Afghanistan The Setting Afghanistan Terrain rocky and dry

Afghanistan

The Setting - Afghanistan • Terrain – rocky and dry, mountainous in the central part of the country • • Climate – hot summers, cold winters • • Geography – borders Iran, Pakistan,

Map

Book Connections In the beginning of The Kite Runner, the monarchy is still in place and the country is relatively calm. Chaos starts to erupt as the king is overthrown by his brother. (Hamlet!) • In the second half of The Kite Runner, the Taliban is in power. (Fortinbras/Norway!) • Historical Fiction

The Taliban Human rights and civil liberties diminished Taliban renders Cruel and inhumane treatment against their opposition and women.

The Tenets of Islam A religion based on the interpretations of God’s word by the prophet Muhammad found in the Qu’ran (sometimes spelled Koran) Click on link to learn more. Take Notes http: //www. pbs. org/wgbh/pages/frontline/sho ws/muslims/etc/what. html

The Tenets of Islam There are several tenets of Islam, but there are three mentioned early on in the book: • Zakat – charitable giving • Hadj – pilgrimage to Mecca • Namaz – five daily prayers facing Mecca

Hazara The Hazaras Light colored skin Almond shaped eyes Round faces Descendents of Genghis Khan Viewed as “invaders” not true Afghanis.

Classification The Hazaras - servant class; do not have the same freedoms as the Pashtuns

Before You Read • Research the background context of the story. Find out information that answers the following questions: • Who are the Pashtun? • Why did the Pashtun persecute the Hazara? • Who are the Taliban? (Watch the video) • http: //www. cbsnews. com/videos/who-are-the-taliban/ • What kind of law and justice did the Taliban introduce and enforce in Afghanistan? Who suffered most under the Taliban rule? • What pastimes, pursuits and educational opportunities did the Taliban ban? Why?

The Characters Fathers and Sons Pashtuns Amir – Narrator of story, Main character Baba – Wealthy Afghani Rahim Khan–Baba’s best friend; a business partner; an “uncle” to Amir (Has no kids) Hazaras Hassan – Amir’s best friend; servant Ali – Hassan’s father, loyal to Baba

Afghani Words • jan – a term of endearment often used after a person’s name: Baba jan • agha – leader, ruler, master, lord • sahib – friend (original), lord • naan – bread

Images of a Cleft Lip (Hassan)

Cleft Palate • Clefts are a major problem in developing countries Millions of children suffer from unrepaired cleft. (Surgery is commonplace in the USA) • Most individuals cannot eat or speak properly, aren’t allowed to attend school or hold a job. Often suffer from major social stigma (Stigma – social disgrace/outcast)