Definition of Terms

Question 1

figurative language: simile

Answer 1

A comparison using the words “like” or “as” that show how two unlike things are similar in one important way.

Question 2

figurative language: personification

Answer 2

A type of figurative language. The use of personification is when an inanimate object is given the characters as being a living person or animal.

Question 3

Freud: projection

Answer 3

The mental process by which people attribute to others what is in their own minds. For example, individuals who are in a self-critical state, consciously or unconsciously, may think that other people are critical of them.

Question 4

symbolism: kite

Answer 4

Kites symbolize childhood/loss of childhood, victory and innocence/loss of innocence for Amir and Hassan because kite running and flying was such a key role in their childhood, and brought them so much joy. The victory of the kite tournament and the gaining of Baba’s approval for Amir were all put into the decision for Amir to betray Hassan, having the kite remain intact shows Hassan’s loyalty and his willingness to sacrifice himself to make Amir happy.

Question 5

symbolism: eyes

Answer 5

Eye’s symbolize someone or something looking down from above or from their past onto their (Amir’s) actions now. In Amir’s case, he feels that kites flying above Spreckles lake are like the eyes of younger Hassan and him watching over his life now.

Question 6

archetypal characters: hero

Answer 6

The hero (usually the protagonist of the story) goes through various stages in order to learn from the experiences and transform into a better person. During the hero’s journey, he or she will move into a real and/or metaphorical world of darkness, which is called the “belly of the whale” this stage in the hero cycle involves many struggles and obstacles that the hero must overcome in order to change.

Question 7

syntax: fragments, short sentences, run-ons, long sentences

Answer 7

The grammatical order of words and sentence structure. The arrangement of words and phrases may be shifted to create emphasis, make a connection between two words, or suggest emotional implications.

Question 8

figurative language: metaphor

Answer 8

A comparison NOT using the words “like” or “as” that show how two unlike things are similar in one important way.

Question 9

foil characters

Answer 9

A character who serves as a contrast to another character (usually the protagonist), so as to point out specific traits of the primary character.

Question 10

Freud: displacement

Answer 10

Reassignment of some kind of aggression to a scapegoat to relieve the tension of a situation or feeling.

Question 11

symbolism: summer

Answer 11

Warmth, joviality, joy, ease, fullness. For the hero this season symbolizes the peak of his or her power. This is a time to be outwardly expressive.

Question 12

symbolism: winter

Answer 12

Cold, despair, loneliness, emptiness. For the hero this season symbolizes his or her literal or symbolic death. This is a time of introversion and contemplation.

Question 13

symbolism: sea/ocean/water

Answer 13

Water has traditionally symbolizes the unconscious. To dive is to probe beneath the surface for hidden meanings, to learn about one’s submerged desires and emotions.

Question 14

archetypal characters: scapegoat

Answer 14

A person or thing that will take the brunt of the consequences of something that has happened.

Question 15

Diction

Answer 15

The author’s choice and use of words.

Question 16

figurative language: allusion

Answer 16

A brief reference to a famous historical or literary figure or event that stimulates ideas, associations, and extra information in the reader’s mind. An allusion may be drawn from history, geography, literature, or religion.

Question 17

parallel structure

Answer 17

Using the same pattern of words, phrases, or clauses to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance.

Question 18

Freud: denial

Answer 18

Having a conscious awareness at some level, but denies the reality of the experience by pretending it is not there.

Question 19

symbolism: mirror

Answer 19

Imagination, consciousness, self-contemplation, reflection of the universe, mythic door-soul frees itself by “passing” to the other side. A distorted image or mirror used in a destructive way symbolizes self-deception.

Question 20

archetypal characters: devil

Answer 20

The villain who represents the forces of evil, chaos, and darkness. He or she is almost as strong as the hero. Sometimes he or she will take a monstrous form, but other times the appearance is more subtle. These subtle differences are usually presented with contrasts. For example, he or she will have dark hair with light eyes.