Chapter 8 Flashcards
In Chapter 8 it is made clear that Amir suffers from what?
insomnia
What did Amir admit outloud while in Jalalabad?
“I watched Hassan get raped”
Hassan tries to speak to Amir but how is it?
their worlds only tangentially intersect
How does Baba react to Amir suggesting that they get rid of Ali and Hassan?
he explodes and says “this is his home and we’re his family”
Why does Amir throw a pomegranate at Hassan?
as he desired physical punishment to atone for his omission in chapter7. However while in an attempt to incite redemption physically, the pomegranate tree which one symbolised their bond thus now finalised the breaking of their bond.
Why doesn’t Hassan throw a pomegranate back at Amir?
as he is unwilling- or perhaps unable- to strike back
What does Hassan do in response to Amir throwing a pomegranate at him?
he splits a fruit open and breaks it over his own head
Why is it fitting that in the chapter after the rape scene it is Amir’s 13th birthday?
as the change to a teenager reflects the end of pure childhood innocence
What does Assef give Amir as a present?
a biography of Hitler
Who does Hassan serve drinks to at Amir’s 13th birthday?
Asset and Wali
Why does Amir’s throwing up in chapter 8 suggest guilt for Hassan’s rape as well as car sickness?
as after he is sick, the sight of Hassan’s corduroy pants enter his mind
What does Assef’s character function as?
a way to demonstrate the capacity of evil that is within us all, especially Amir
What does Amir’s insomnia and darkness permeate the chapter with?
the state and quality of Amir’s life
How does Amir think he will solve his problem of guilt?
through getting rid of Ali and Hassan
What does the fireworks at Amir’s 13th birthday party reflect and why?
the fact that his problems cannot be solved in an instant; just like the fireworks with they brief moments of illumination, its brevity and transient effect has no substance. Even when Hassan is gone, it does not fix Amir’s conscience
