Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini Setting Kabul Afghanistan

Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini

Setting Kabul, Afghanistan Late 1970 s-Early 1980 s Fremont, California 1980 s-Early 2000 s

Historical Background The nation of Afghanistan emerged in 1747. Monarchy was established.

Hist. Background Cont. By the twentieth century, Afghanistan attempted to become a more “modern” nation to strengthen its position in the world.

Hist. Background Cont. The Cold War United States vs. Soviet Union Democracy vs. Communism

Hist. Background Cont. The Taliban Origins Political reforms Social reforms Opposition September 11, 2001

Regional Conflicts Political Ethnic Religious

Islam Muhammad Qu’ran (Koran) Allah Religions book of the

Divisions of Islam

Ethnic Diversity Pashtun Majority Sunni Middle Eastern attributes Upper class Hazara Minority Shia Mongolian attributes “Servant” class

The Kite Runner: Title’s Significance Kite Fighting Kite Running

Introduction to the Novel Synopsis A story of strained family relationships between a father and son as well as two “brothers” and how they weather the political and social transformation of Afghanistan from the 1970 s-2001.

Characters Amir, the narrator and protagonist Baba Ali Hassan Rahim Assef Khan

Style Coming-of-Age Novel Physical growth Psychological growth Moral growth Literary Devices Flashback Foreshadowing Interior Monologue Imagery Motifs (Rape & Irony) Symbolism Themes

Symbolism Kites Books The lamb The cleft lip

Themes Identity and self-discovery Guilt and redemption Father and son relationships Influence of political events on personal lives Persistence of the past Personal honor Abuse of power Assimilation and acculturation