Kites

• What does the kite symbolize in Amir's life?

  The kite symbolizes Amir's happiness as well as his guilt.
• Why does Amir enjoy flying kites as a child?

  Because it is the only way he connects fully with Baba, who was a champion kite fighter.
• How does the significance of the kite change after Hassan's rape?

  The kite becomes a sign of Amir's betrayal of Hassan.
• When does Amir fly a kite again after Hassan's rape?

  Amir flies a kite again with Sohrab at the end of the novel.
• What does the kite symbolize for Amir when he flies it with Sohrab?

  The kite symbolizes hope for redemption for Amir's sins.
• What dual role do kites play in Amir's life throughout the novel?

  • Symbols of childhood happiness
  • Symbols of betrayal of Hassan
• What memory does Amir recall in the fuel truck?

  Amir thinks of his carefree days flying kites with Hassan.
• How do kites relate to the political theme of the novel?

  Kites represent Afghanistan's "glory days" of the monarchy, as kite-flying is later banned by the Taliban.
• What does flying a kite with Sohrab at the end of the book symbolize for Afghanistan?

  It symbolizes hope for redemption for Afghanistan's future.
• What are the most important symbols in the novel "The Kite Runner"?

  Kites and everything associated with them
• What do kites traditionally symbolize in literature?

  Prophecy and fate
• How can the symbolism of kites be applied to characters in "The Kite Runner"?

  Kites symbolize both prophecy and fate, which can be seen in the characters' journeys
• What do the Afghan kites with glass strings symbolize in "The Kite Runner"?

  The dichotomy between beauty and violence
• How do kites represent Amir and Hassan in "The Kite Runner"?

  Kites symbolize their relationship and the complexities of their bond
• What are the two main kite fights in "The Kite Runner"?

  The tournament Amir wins and the one at the end of the book
• What do kites symbolize in the context of the study material?

  Freedom
• Why are kites considered a special memory for the boys?

  Because of the fun they had flying kites every winter
• How do kites represent freedom and individuality?

  Kites fly high in the sky, symbolizing freedom and personal expression
• What emotions do kites represent for Amir regarding Hassan?

  Shame and guilt over leaving Hassan
• How do kites evolve in their symbolism throughout the novel?

  They represent freedom and individuality, then shame and guilt, and finally freedom and redemption
• What is the role of the kite runner?

  The kite runner retrieves kites that have been cut and fallen
• Why is the kite runner an important symbol in the story?

  Because Hassan gets assaulted while retrieving a fallen kite, and Amir fails to help him
• How long does it take Amir to run a kite after the incident with Hassan?

  Twenty-five years
• What does the winning kite symbolize for Amir?

  His triumph over others and the chance to win his father's love and affection
• What is the most treasured kite known for?

  It cuts all other kites loose with the glass attached to its string
• Why do kite fighters wait all year for kite running?

  Because kite running is a winter tradition
• What feelings does the winning kite evoke in the winner?

  A sense of pride and superiority
• On a separate occasion Assef is said to have bitten the ear off another boy for his kite.
• A blue kite propels the central drama of the novel when Amir allows Hassan to get raped when he was running for the kite. Imagery of blue as sad - foreshadows sad story about to unfold.
• The game of kite flying shows human effort, growth, aspirations, and love for each other.