Kite Runner Quotes Flashcards
I actually aspired to cowardice.
a paradox. Amir is meant to show how Amir is embarrassed and disgusted by his actions towards Hassan. Own internal conflicts and wasn’t able to face them.
He wishes that he did it because he was a coward and frightened of what Assef would do to him yet he thinks he may have done it purely for the prize of Baba’s pride.
Left he would never be accomplished and decided that it would be easier to submit to being a coward
Maybe Hassan was the price I had to pay, the lamb I had to slaughter to win Baba.
This was amir trying to justify his actions towards Hassan when he abandoned him.
The metaphor of the lamb is innocent. Juxtaposition. Showing the innocence of the lamb (sacrificial lamb) but also the violence of the slaughtering.
two dozen kites already hung in the sky, like paper sharks roaming for prey
description of the kite tournament
foreshadows the events later to follow in this scene when Hassan is seen as prey in the eyes of Assef.
The word sharks are meant to symbolize the aggressive and aggravated nature of a shark that is able to resemble Assefs actions.
Another ribbed snapped…For the first time since that winter of 1975, I felt at peace
Demonstration of juxtaposition as this is how amir describes being beaten up by Assaf. Meant to signify the guilt he has felt all these years, being released. Almost as if the snapping of the bone has released the guilt in his bones. Redemption for Amir for what he did to hassan
Also, the idea of ribs snapping is a metaphorical denotation of physical violence. Similar to what Hassan experiences, referring back to Hassans experiences of violence
Reminds the reader of the consequences amir had to face with his actions.
For you a thousand times over!
said both from Hassan to Amir before the horrific betrayal and Amir to Sohrab as a fully redeemed man.
This represents the circular structure and character growth of Amir where is is now able to say it back and mean it. It exemplifies the loyalty and devotion Hassan has towards Amir despite their social and economic differences.
Themes: friendship, Loyalty, Redemption
He was just a Hazara, wasn’t he?”
Amir attempts to rationalize his betrayal of Hassan in the alley.
This is a further demonstration to the prejudice and inequality in society at the time
The word just, suggests unimportance as if it was something to shrug off. Furthermore “a” is a non-specific further demonstration of the lack of equality and importance Hassan holds to Amir
Hazara is a discriminatory word against an ethnic minority in Afghanistan, using this name shows a disregard and lack of empathy towards Hassan. Further engaging with prejudicial words.
I was grateful the evening sun cast shadows on Hassan’s face and concealed mine
The sun sets after Hassan’s rape and darkness falls over their friendship.
The evening sun provides warmth and comfort reminiscing to his friendship with Hassan however there is now a shadow, a symbolic event that now represents the betrayal and guilt of their friendship. This shadow indicated a dark mood and atmosphere juxtaposing the evening sun.
“America was a river, roaring along, free of worries. I could let go of my sins, let them sink to the bottom and forget them.”
Amir sees America as the perfect place to forget his sins and his former self. Metaphor, the use of this natural image further demonstrates the growth of character and that America is a place of progress and movement. Now opportunities. as a river is normally meant the represent the idea of calm and peace. Finally, release his guilt.
Sink = Forgetting the past never to be seen again
The narrative becomes dream-like when discussing the violence brought upon Hassan as it exaggerates how dramatic and unnatural the event is
demonstrates the contrast between Afghanistan and America
“I thought about Hassan’s dreams, the one about us swimming in the lake… i was that monster”
later that day, Assef rapes Hassan in the streets of Kabul while Amir stands by and watches,
foreshadowing the monstrous nature of Amir, not a true friend and Hassan should’ve been more careful about who showed his loyalty.
The word monster implies danger, something to be careful of. Indicating the awareness that Amir has towards his feelings towards Hassan, although he tried to overcome prejudice and ignore the social structures within society. Amir still struggles with the acknowledgement of equality between the two.
‘none of us had any notion that a way of life had ended’
Referring to when kabul became dangerous and attacks started, right before he leaves Kabul
is written in past tense as he reflects on the changes in his life. Where the novel acknowledges the future of Amir, using the word ‘ended’, it is significant as it is finite and portrays to the audience a final look into Amir’s old life, suggesting the end of his wealth, social status, and relationships.
“A brushstroke of colour on the grey barren canvas our lives have become.”
A metaphor for amirs life. How dark Amir’s life had become after the betrayal, but one happy memory isn’t enough to paint over the grey.
The imagery of grey is a physical representation of the guilt and dullness of how he feels. The idea of grey being negative and sad/dull.
The narrative becomes dream-like when discussing the violence brought upon Hassan as it exaggerates how dramatic and unnatural the event is.
the symbolism of the Pomegranate Tree
it is a place where the boys grow close to each – they even carve their names in the tree.
the location of the pomegranate tree is important as it is a physical representation of their relationship. Near a cemetery which shows that it is something alive an flourishing surrounded by death and sadness. Similarly to Amir and Hassan’s friendship that even though Hassan should be treated poorly dictated by society. Their friendship still remains alive and thriving.
However, With Afghanistan devastated by two wars, Amir returns to Kabul to look for Sohrab, Hassan’s son. He stops by the pomegranate tree only to find it shriveled and nearly dead. This could be a suggestion to the dead relationship between hassan and amir.
Plants a new tree, make amendments new beginnings.
the symbolism of Kite fighting
At first, there’s such freedom and innocence in the activity for Amir and Hassan. However, the kites also become reminders of how Amir betrayed Hassan
Kite fighting also represents, to Amir, a way to win his father’s love.
Finally, when Amir and Sohrab fly kites at the very end of the novel, the kites allow Amir to return to the past without intense guilt. They’re almost redemptive (circular structure)
Narrative voice
Amir himself is the narrator making it more personal as the audience is able to feel his pain and see him reflect upon his past mistakes
Hosseini’s first-person narrator makes the larger story of Afghanistan’s troubles seem very personal.
Looking back, I now realized that I had been peeking into that alley for the past 26 years
Amir shows that he had been haunted by the events of that fateful day his entire life.
Hyperbole to illustrate how much the event had impacted his life
‘I now realize’ shows a sense of finding himself and finally coming to a new development in his life. The taking a peek is a metaphor that shows his hesitance to face the consequences, as peeking has connotations to fear and lack of engagement. Shows character growth.
