Well, I'm going to leave the content of this week's posts up to you. Please don't rehash what's already been said, but here are some ideas....
Does Amir find redemption? Explain.
What do you think about the end of the novel? Are you satisfied? Explain
Thematic statements are sometimes implied, but sometimes they are explicitly stated in the text. See if you can identify a statement that a character actually says that reveals a universal truth.
Follow through with motifs and symbols you have mentioned. As they show up again in the novel, how does that intensify their meaning and make their use more complex?
I'm surprised no one mentioned the David and Goliath scenario that played out between Assef and Hassan in the first part of the book. See if you can recognize something similar happening during the reading for this week.
These are just some ideas. Maybe tackle 2 of them, or come up with some ideas of your own. Remember I'm looking for thoughtful comments that indicate careful and sophisticated reading. We will be digging into the novel when we meet in class. I am so looking forward to meeting all of you!!
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This novel was by far my favorite one that we've read this summer. "Their Eyes Were Watching God" was good too, but I was never really able to get interested in it. The Kite Runner kept my attention the entire time I was reading, and once I found the time I sat down and read the entire thing.
I'm still not completely sure about this thematic statement thing, but I noticed that Amir mentioned a few times throughout the novel that Rahim Khan said "there is a way to be good again." It seemed to be a theme throughout the novel; even if you think there isn't, there is a way to be good again. It's like the author is saying that there is good in everyone. At the end of the novel Sohrab said, "Father used to say it's wrong to hurt even bad people. Because they don't know any better, and because bad people sometimes become good." I think that this also goes along with the point that there is a way to be good again. Rahim Kahn and Hassan both believed that you're not always bad. I believe that Amir was never really bad like he thought that he was, he was just a scared little boy. He was too afraid to stand up for himself and much too afraid to take up for the only true friend he had. When Amir went back and saved Sohrab from Assef it made him become good again in his eyes. When he saved Sohrab the second time, this time from himself, it made him bad in Sohrabs eyes. At the very end of the novel when Amir ran the kite I think it made Amir feel like he redeemed himself a little bit, especially when Sohrab started to smile.
One symbol that came up again at the end of the novel was the sling shot. I haven't been quite sure what the slingshot symbolizes throughout the novel, but it was passed down from father to son. I think that it may just symbolize protection. At the beginning of the novel when Assef was picking on Amir Hassan stood up for him and protected him with the slingshot. He told Assef that they were going to have to start calling him one eyed Assef. Hassan was right, he wasn't the one to do it but his son was. His son did it to protect Amir. In a way I think that Hassan and Sohrab symbolized the slingshot, the protection. Amir wasn't good with a sligshot like they were, and when Hassan needed protecting Amir couldn't be there for him. Assef even asked him where his slingshot was now, but Amir never protected Hassan.
Another symbol was the hare lip. Hassan was born with one and Amir looked like he had one after he saved Sohrab from Assef. This shows just another way that the two are connected. Hassan protected Amir his whole childhood and once Amir quit being such a coward and protected Hassans child he had one to match. They both had the little pink scar left from it.
I really enjoyed this novel and hope that the one's we read in class are just as good.
I hated the end of the novel. I can't believe that the author does not end with Sohrab talking again. All he did was smile. I figured that he would thank Amir for getting him away from Assef and bringing him to the United States. But a lot of things have happened to Sohrab like him trying to kill himself so I guess I can kind of understand why he still is not talking.
I am divided on if Amir found redemption. I believe in his own mind he did not. Sohrab still is not talking and Amir can never apologize to his half brother Hassan. These two things I believe weigh heavy on his mind. I kind of think that he did redeem himself. His rescuing Sohrab from Assef and bringing Sohrab back to the United States kind of redeems him not helping Hassan as he is getting raped. Amir fighting Assef also helps to redeem him for not helping Hassan. I also believe that he changes from the beginning of the novel to the end by becoming more caring of others.
Something that I forgot to add to the previous post is how both Ali and Hassan are loyal to their masters no matter what. Ali knew that Hassan was Baba's child (because Ali was sterile), but Ali remained there and remained Baba's friend. Hassan was betrayed by Amir yet Hassan still called Amir his best friend. I am not quite sure what this means (loyalty of servants, opressed minority more human than unopressed majority, etc.) but I thought it was worth noting.
“And that, I believe, is what true redemption is, Amir jan, when guilt leads so good.” This quote stood out to me more than any other quote in this novel. In just a few words, Rahim Kahn has given Amir what he has been looking for his whole life, a way to cleanse himself of the suffocating guilt he feels. Amir is on a road to redemption at this point in the novel and that road began with the phone call from Rahim Khan and it became clear to Amir that he was done running when Rahim told him “ There is a way to be good again.” once in Pakistan, not only does Amir realize that this journey he has begun isn’t going to be an easy one, but he knows he most face his past and stop running. Once they are face to face Rahim overcomes the difficult task of informing Amir that Hassan was his illegitimate brother. As if the guilt of not saving Hassan is already a heavy burden to carry, Amir now feels even more obligated to go find Hassan’s son, his nephew. Up until this point Amir seems to be allergic to bravery; but his determination to rescue his nephew shatters his fear into a million pieces and Amir heads to home, to Afghanistan. After reaching the orphanage and realizing that Sohrab isn’t there, I expected Amir to run away, to claim he tried his hardest to find him but unfortunately he failed. Amir even tells Farid that he is tired of forgetting and running away.
I believe the fight between Assef and Amir symbolized his redemption. I believe this not only because Amir was nearly killed by the same person who attacked Hassan, but also because good came out of it. Through his physical suffering and Sohrab’s talented aim with a slingshot , Amir was able to rescue Sohrab from the repeated nightmare of abuse he was living in. The hardships that Amir faces as far adopting Sohrab and getting him to the United States were symbolizing a test for Amir. The test was to see how much Amir would put up with before he gave up. Before Sohrab’s suicide attempt, I believe he was fairly close to throwing in the towel. But seeing the effect of possibly being put in another orphanage had Sohrab opened his eyes. He saw that Sohrab would rather die than ever take that risk. In those pain filled hours following Sohrab’s arrival at the hospital, Amir realizes not only that he must do everything he can, but he would without a doubt do everything in his power to get Amir home, to the United states.
After I finished reading the novel, I was lucky enough to catch the movie when it came on TV. While I must say that the movie in no way does justice to the novel. But it was nice to hear the Afghan language and put definite faces, although they were kinda different from the ones I imagined, to the characters.
This book has been very interesting and kept me wanting to read and find out what happens. I think that Amir finally does find redemption. Although he never gets to apologize to Hassan, he feels free on the inside. In the novel Amir even said that he felt free after Assef had beat everything out of him. He actually felt better. It was Amir's turn to get punished and i think he got it pretty good. I also think that the fact that he took Hassan's son with him back to America was also another sign of redemption. I liked the way the novel ended except i wish the author would have let Sohrab speak. Everything seemed to have worked out fine in the end. It was a really touching novel and it had brought tears to my eyes. And i liked the fact that the character was from another country and the story took place a little bit of every where. It was interesting to see the different views.
Overall, I have found this book the easiest and most interesting one to read out of all of them. It held my attention throughout the entire novel.
In the end, I think Amir found a sort of hollow redemption. True, he "rescued" Sohrab from Afganistan just like Hassan rescued Amir from Assef all those years earlier, but when Sohrab tried to kill himself because Amir was going break his promise and send him back to the orphanage, it sort of drained all the life out of Sohrab. He was rescued, but in another way, he died too. Plus, the fact that he is silent and will not communicate with Amir or Soraya sort of takes some of the motherly instincts and drive out of Soraya. This also makes Amir's redemption a little more hollow because not only does he not get all of the internal peace he wanted, but he was also not able to give Soraya what she wanted the most: to be a mother.
I thought the end of the book stunk. I thought it was sort of dumb for the author to go through all the trouble of getting Sohrab into the U.S. to just then make him silent and unresponsive.
However, in the end it was kites that brought Amir and Sohrab back together and sort of mended their broken relationship. It was kites and kite fying and kite running that really made Amir and Hassan good freinds when they were kids and many years later it was kites that brought Amir and Hassa's son together and gave them both what they longed for: a father for Sohrab and peace for Amir.
I believe redemption is probably the biggest theme in this novel because guilt and shame are what haunt Amir throughout most of the novel and it is this that drives him to rescue Sohrab. When Assef beats up Amir, I think it is then that Amir finds his redemption. The physical battering his body recieves is meant to compensate for the emotional turmoil he has suffered all those years and afterwards he feels better even though his jaw is wired shut, he has some broken ribs, and one of his lungs are punctured. So, as sort of a thematic statement, true redemption can be experienced only when guilt leads to growth and one is able to come to peace with one's life.
Out of all my previous summer reading novels “The Kite Runner” has been by far my most favorite. The novel grasped my attention from the beginning, Hosseini’s use of various literary devices helps to keep me attached to the book. I find this book to be very touching. The best part about this one, I think, is the way the Afghan culture comes out profoundly. I think this may be because the book centers on the male viewpoint, and they have more influence on the culture than the women of the area. I learned a lot about Afghan culture while reading this book; it gave me a chance to walk in someone else’s shoes. Hosseini seems to bring about more than one story and mesh them so they flow. I liked reading about the young Amir and Hassan and then again about the adult Amir and the young Sohrab. It all comes together, kind of like life ends up doing, but usually with stories, we just get a slight glimpse into someone's life.
To me this book ended in an alright way. I don’t think it was the best way, but it left us wondering, which is what a good novel is supposed to do. Sohrab doesn’t end up talking in the end, but he does smile. That smile can be a symbol for the happiness in Amir and Sohrab’s future.
From last week’s blog, Hosseini uses most of the imagery and symbolism from the beginning of the novel and mirrors it in the end. For example, kite contests begin and end the book.
Amir grows up from being a selfish boy who only thinks of himself to a grown man who cares about redeeming himself and becoming less selfish. Amir found forgiveness for his sin of betraying Hassan by saving Hassan’s son. He changed from being a boy who only wanted his father’s love, even if he had to sacrifice his friend for it, to a mature, responsible, and kind adult. When Amir is a child, he is reacting to a relationship he doesn't understand. He sees the attention his father gives Hassan, affection he bestows upon a servant's child which should be reserved for his own son. Also, Hassan has qualities, such as his athletic abilitiy, which Amir lacks. Baba shows an interest in Hassan which he never displays towards Amir. In this respect, Amir feels "justly" jealous. However, Hassan is Baba's son, whom he never acknowledged. Even his servant Ali is in the dark about this. Amir doesn't learn that Hassan was indeed his half-brother until it’s too late. He makes up for it, though, when he rescues Sohrab from Assef's clutches and finally adopts him in America. We can see at the end of the story that Amir has learned both courage and unselfishness, two traits which could not have been attributed to him at all in the beginning.
At the end of the novel Amir gets his redemption in the fight between him and Assef. Amir starts laughing while getting beaten up because this was his way of redeeming himself. All those years he felt so bad that he betrayed Hassan; he just wanted something back on him so he would feel better. When Amir throws the pomegranate at Hassan when they were younger, Amir wanted Hassan to throw it back at him, but he never did. Now he was serving for what he did and although his body was in so much pain, his soul had been healed.
This was by far the best book that I read this summer. This book intrigued me, kept me wanting to read it, and gave me new feelings.
I somewhat agree with Terry about how the novel ended. That was about the only thing that Hosseini did that I didn't like. Even though Sohrab has gone through a lot throughout the novel, you would have thought he would have said something. Maybe Hosseini left it that way to leave the reader forming their own conclusions.
On the topic of redemption, I believe that Amir did find some redemption. He saved Sohrab and they made it out of Afghanistan to the United States. But Sohrab was unresponsive.
On the structure of the novel, I like how Hosseini began and ended the book with kite fights. This helps to give the reader a deeper understanding into the meaning of the title.
I really enjoyed the Summer Reading Blog this year. It has been the best way I have had to interpret my summer reading novels since the 7th grade. I believe that more grade levels need to participate in something like this. It has been a huge help seeing what others have posted and being able to respond to them (reminds me of Socratic Seminars from 11th grade). I like how we all have differing opinions on some of the same topics. We all take something different from each part of a novel.
Mrs Hollifield,
I was just wondering, if we have written our blog for every week but some of them were a week late how much does it count off?
My feelings about The Kite Runner are generally the same as everyone else. This was definitley my favorite book of the summer, and actually one of the best books I've ever read. Never once was i bored while reading. The Kite Runner played with my emotions as well. Several times I found myself on the verge of tears, as several of you have mentioned.
I do wish Sohrab talked at the eng of the novel, but I don't think the ending was bad because he didn't. Ultimatley, I think Amir found redemption. I think he finds it when he gets into the fight with Assef. Assef beats Amir pretty good, but this was kind of Amirs way of repaying Hassan because of what Amir let happen to him.
Like Trent said, this was the best way I've ever done summer reading. It helped having a discussion with classmates and seeing what each person had to say. Having the weekly blog and certain chapters to read each week helped me to not procrastinate, which I think most of us are guilty of doing.
This book was definitly the best book that I have ever been assigned for summer reading. By far one of the best book ive even read period. Its definitly up there in the top ten.
Personally I did not like the end of the book, because I dont like cliffhangers and thats what it felt like. I mean Sohrab didnt even say anything, and I wish he had.
The Kite Runner is at the top of my list of good books that I would suggest to others. I was so wrapped up in this book and found it so easy to read. I fought tears through several parts of it. Also, this is by far the best and most enjoyable way I have done summer reading.
I believe Amir finds redemption at the end of the book. He finds it through helping save and bring home Sohrab. Amir finally got the physical punishment he always wanted Hassan to give him from Assef. I felt like that beating was what he thought he needed in order to move on. In my opinion Amir gained courage and a back bone in trying to adopt Sohrab. He fought for the boy and wasnt going to give up. He proved to himself that he could stand up for something. Amir grew as a person in going back to his homeland and meeting Sohrab. He became a better man.
I did not like the end of the novel at all. I mean I thought it was sweet and decent but I really wanted Hosseini to show Sohrab speak and open up again. I feel like I'm just cut off. Hosseini hinted that with time he opened up and spoke but I just wish we could have read about it. I think it would have made the ending more enjoyable which would have matched the rest of the book.
I'm sorry that its taken me such a long time to respond this week. I was busy and couldnt get to a computer.
As far as if Amir recieved redemption I feel that the scene in the house where he attempted to get Hassen's son. That in itself is a second chance to redeme his mistake in not helping Hassen all those yrs. In that incident i feel hes redeemed but not fully. His whole life he's been making mistakes and being mean to Hassen. He sees this now but its too late and Hassen's son is a path to redemtion but he can not fully be redemed because Hassen is gone and he still has this guilt. Sohrab is his father at one point when he follows through with making the enemy a one-eyed enemy. Amir then almost blows his chance at redemption by breaking Sohrab's promise to never send him to an orphanage. He is then given a third chance. Third times the charm right?
In my opinion I did not feel that Amir was redemed until he aske Sohrab if he wanted him to run the kite. When Amir said, "For you, a thousand times over" he was redemed in my eyes. It was a beautiful ending to the story. And Amir was a Kite Runner in the end. Kind of a relfection of life isnt it. Chasing a dream or love in the air and being overjoyed and happy when you catch and have acheived victory.
This book, by far, has been the most interesting and overall best book out of our summer reading list. From the get go, it caught my eye and kept me wanting to read more. It's nice to read about a foreign culture. Throughout the novel, Hosseni threw in many different words/phrases in his language. I found it really interesting; if only I remembered what half of them meant.
One quote that really opened my eyes was "There is only one sin. And that is theft...when you tell a lie, you steal someone's right to the truth." I myself don't like lying because of my guilty conscience but after reading that, it opened my eyes to another reason not to lie. I find that quote to be a universal truth.
I believe that by finding Sohrab and saving him from abuse and living in the streets, Amir does find redemption. He left his beautiful home, wife, and comfortable life in America to come back to his homeland and get that second chance to redeem himself and I believe that is exactly what he did.
As the book was coming to an end, I swear there was pages missing from the end of my book. I felt like that just couldn't be the end so of course, I was very disappointed when I found out that that was it. It's nice that Sohrab finally started talking and actually smiled but i'm just a sucka for a happy ever after though i know those rarely ever happen. It would be awesome if Hosseni did a sequal or something; I need a peace of mind :D Does he learn English quickly and fit in? Does he eventually cope with his abuse? so many unanswered questions.....
I don't know if anyone will read this, but I just wanted to say that I have enjoyed blogging with you all this summer. I feel like you have made strides in analyzing literature in terms of symbols and themes, or at least you've made strides in writing clearly about the elements of a novel. I can tell that class this year is going to be awesome!! Only 4 out of the 17 AP lit students last year did not pass the exam, and I expect that we will beat that record!!
As far as the end of The Kite Runner goes, I know that it's disappointing because you have invested yourself in these characters and want to know how it all turns out. However, good literature is not always romanticized with a happily ever after ending. Good literature leaves us with more questions than answers, at least that's my experience. Anyway, thanks again for an enlightening summer. I'll see you all in a week!
Im very pleased with the novel! i was skeptical, but yet again i enjoyed the novel. i agree with Josh on the ending of the novel.
I think Amir somewhat found redemption. if one strives hard enough for redemption, and really wants to be free of guilt, that person will find it. Rahim Kahn's important quote lets Amir know he can be free of his dark, guilt filled past. another thing id like to mention is that Amir gains his honor back as an Aphgan when he is set to go back to his home country to honor the family ties. so yes i supposehe gained his redemption as well. great book. looking forward to class!!
The end of the novel was shocking to me in a few ways. I was very surprised that Sohrab tried to commit suicide at such a young age. It's very understandable though. Being so young, he went through a lot. He lost his parents, lived in an orphanage and was raped, and brutally injured someone with his prized possession. I wish that Sohrab had started talking before the novel was over, but I'm happy that he did find a sort of inner happiness that had been gone for so long.
The slingshot was a huge symbol in the novel that I recently picked up on. Hassan saved Amir from Assef with his slingshot, and later Sohrab did the same thing. I see now how the David and Goliath scenario ties in with the story now.
As for Amir's redemption. I believe that Amir found redemption on his own personal level, but not to the extent that he wished. He would have been more satisfied with being able to apologize to Hassan in person for everything, but he risked his own life to save the only part of Hassan that was left. I guess it's easy to say that if Amir had not planted the money in Hassan's bed then things wouldn't have happened like they did. But he did and his actions later caught up to him in a huge way. The injuries he suffered from his confrontation with Assef were a payback for all the running away Amir had done. He was relieved while being beaten. This is where he found a small element of redemption.
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