Character Questions

• How does the narrator's flashback to the winter of 1975 enhance the themes of friendship and betrayal in 'The Kite Runner'?

  It shows the narrator's regret over his childhood decisions.
• What cultural aspect is highlighted through the narrator's flashback in 'The Kite Runner'?

  It highlights the cultural differences between the characters.
• What role does kite fighting play in the friendship between the narrator and Hassan?

  It emphasizes the importance of kite fighting in their friendship.
• How does social status affect the relationship between the narrator and Hassan in 'The Kite Runner'?

  It illustrates the impact of social status on their relationship.
• What does Rahim Khan's call to the narrator signify in 'The Kite Runner'?

  It signifies the beginning of the narrator's journey towards redemption.
• What opportunity does Rahim Khan's call represent for the narrator?

  It represents a chance for the narrator to escape his past.
• What does Rahim Khan's call suggest about the narrator's connection to his childhood?

  It shows that the narrator has forgotten his childhood.
• What is the relationship between Hassan and the narrator in 'The Kite Runner'?

  Hassan is the narrator's servant.
• How does Hassan's character reflect loyalty in 'The Kite Runner'?

  Hassan's actions show he is willing to sacrifice for Amir's well-being.
• In what way does Hassan's character demonstrate selflessness in 'The Kite Runner'?

  Hassan's actions show he is willing to sacrifice for Amir's well-being.
• What are some key features of Amir's and Baba's house in 'The Kite Runner'?

  It is very grand, with marble floors and wide windows.
• What type of dwelling do Hassan and Ali reside in?

  A small mud hut.
• What tragic event occurred during the birth of Amir?

  Amir's mother bled to death.
• What action did Hassan's mother take shortly after his birth?

  She abandoned Hassan and Ali.
• How does Hassan's cleft lip affect his social interactions in 'The Kite Runner'?

  It causes him to be bullied and treated differently.
• If Amir's first word had been 'Hassan' instead of 'Baba', how might this have altered their relationship dynamics?

  It would suggest a more equal friendship from the start.
• How is Baba described in the text?

  As 'a force of nature' who wrestled a bear with his bare hands.
• What does Baba represent in Amir's life?

  Baba represents the ideal Pashtun man that Amir feels he should be.
• Why does Amir feel resentment towards Hassan?

  Amir feels resentment because he believes Baba loves Hassan as much as he loves him.
• How does Amir's perception of Baba change as he grows older?

  Amir loses his jealousy and resentment as he matures and his relationship with Baba becomes closer.
• What does Baba say about Amir that indicates his pride?

  'Amir jan is my only son... my only child, and he has been a good son to me.'
• What does Baba's struggle in America symbolize?

  It symbolizes the difficulty immigrants face in adapting to a new culture and losing their former identity.
• How does Baba's view of masculinity affect his relationship with Amir?

  Baba's traditional view of masculinity leads him to disapprove of Amir's love for books and poetry.
• What does Amir believe about Baba's feelings towards him and his mother?

  Amir believes that Baba blames him for killing Sofia, his mother.
• What does Baba think about the Mullahs and their use of Islam?

  Baba feels that the Mullahs use Islam as justification for their actions.
• How does Amir's understanding of Baba evolve after his death?

  Amir realizes that everyone has their mistakes and demons, including Baba.
• What does Baba's refusal to accept charity reveal about his character?

  It reveals Baba's pride and his fear of being seen as dependent on others.
• How does Amir feel about his father's approval regarding his writing?

  Amir is desperate for Baba's approval despite Baba's disapproval of his love for stories.
• What does the kite symbolize in Amir's relationship with Baba?

  The kite symbolizes Amir's hope for acceptance and approval from Baba.
• How does Baba's illness reflect the immigrant experience in America?

  Baba's illness represents the physical and metaphorical toll that adapting to a new life can take on immigrants.
• What does Amir's realization about his own guilt in relation to Baba signify?

  It signifies Amir's understanding that he and Baba share similar feelings of betrayal and guilt.
• What does Baba's reaction to Amir's tears indicate about his character?

  Baba's disgust at Amir's tears indicates his traditional views on masculinity.
• How does Baba's relationship with Hassan differ from his relationship with Amir?

  Baba shows more affection towards Hassan than he does towards Amir, despite his love for both.
• What does Amir's choice to bring back the kite instead of helping Hassan signify?

  It signifies Amir's internal conflict and desire for Baba's approval over his friendship with Hassan.
• How does Baba's character reflect the cultural values of Afghanistan?

  Baba embodies the values of honour and pride, known as 'nang' and 'namoos'.
• What does Amir's feeling of betrayal regarding Baba's hidden truth reveal about his character development?

  It reveals Amir's growth from a naive child to a more complex understanding of human flaws.
• How does the incident at the grocery store illustrate Baba's struggles in America?

  It illustrates Baba's inability to adapt to a new culture and his frustration with the lack of trust in American society.
• What does Amir's comparison of Baba's guilt to his own signify?

  It signifies Amir's realization that both he and Baba have made mistakes and feel guilt for their actions.
• What does Baba's work ethic in America reveal about his character?

  It reveals Baba's determination and willingness to work hard despite his lower social standing.
• How does Amir's relationship with Baba evolve after Baba's death?

  Amir learns to confront his own issues and realizes he must deal with his guilt over Hassan alone.