The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Background Information

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Background Information and Education on all things Afghan or Kite-related

WHY are we doing this? – Discuss these thematic Connections – Coming of Age – Loss of Innocence – Responsibility – Journey – Sin and Redemption (or Atonement) Brainstorm: Where have you seen these themes or ideas before? How would they be relevant to your life?

Khaled Hosseini – He was born in Kabul in 1965 – His family moved to San Jose in 1980 after receiving political asylum – He graduated from Santa Clara University and UC San Diego School of Medicine – He is a doctor in San Jose – His first novel, The Kite Runner, has sold over 3 million copies worldwide

Afghanistan – The country is a bit smaller than Texas; most of the terrain is rugged mountains – Population: approx. 30 million – Today: 40 % unemployed; 53 % live below poverty line – Sadly, the country is now only know stereotypically as a place torn by warfare and the Taliban

Afghanistan’s History – Traditional Asian tribal society; – Pashtuns & Hazaras: – Pashtuns are the majority, – Hazaras are the minority and are looked down upon by society – Extended family is very important – Patriarchal Society: – eldest male is head of the family (controls $, makes all decisions that concern the family’s welfare and activities) – eldest female is over all other women & wives (Islam allows a man to have 4 wives, but most can’t afford it) in the family & controls the household

• Taliban: • theocratic govt. • conservative interpretation of the Koran. • Women: • veils, • no school • no work outside of the home • Entertainment banned • kite flying, television, etc. )

Fathers & Sons, Brothers & Friends – Muslims, Jews, Christians= Genesis – Abraham: first patriarch (Isaac & Ishmael) – Muslim vs. Hebrew account – Cain & Abel, Joseph (youngest of many brothers), David (youngest son again) – The favorite son vs. the other son – Leads to family conflict

Fathers & Sons in The Kite Runner & the Patriarchs of Genesis 1. Sons take on the traits of their fathers. 2. Fathers love their sons. 3. Sons want to please their fathers. 4. Sons want their fathers’ blessing.

Islam

Islam in our world

• Founded in 622 AD The Facts • Founded by Muhammad—the prophet of Islam • Islam means “peace through the submission to God” • Second largest religion in the world • 1. 3 billion adherents • Majority Sunni— 940 million—followers of Abu Bakar • Minority Shiites— 360 million—followers of Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and brother-in-law • Sacred Text—Qur’an or Koran • House of worship—mosque • Human nature—born in a state of purity, imperfect but capable of seeking God. • Symbol—Crescent and moon

The Basic Beliefs 5 Pillars of Faith 1) Shahadah—Declaration of Faith in one God and that Muhammad was the last prophet of God. 2) Salat—Formal prayer five times a day—towards Mecca. 3) Sawm—Fasting during the daylight hours of Ramadan 4) Zakat—Poor-due or Alms tax— 2. 5% of annual earning given to the needy and less fortunate at end of the year 5) Hajj—Pilgrimage to Mecca—if physically and financially able