A Tale of Two Cities Update

Good afternoon-

I hope you are all getting some rest after a long day of AP testing! I just wanted to give you an update so you are all well prepared for tomorrow's class. Please make sure you have read through Book #2, Chapter 12 and have completed your personal literature circle task for our class work tomorrow. I am trying to procure us space in the library so we can spread out and dialogue in a more conducive setting for a class our size. Check my door at the beginning of the period. I look forward to seeing you all again tomorrow, and have a great evening!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Weeks

Discussion

Amir does indeed find redemption and “…a way to be good again” at the end of the novel. Ever since boyhood, Amir has been indebted to Hassan for his immense devotion and love. Amir’s failure to act in the alleyway became magnified within him as he grew older, and with it the guilt and pain of his betrayal. It is only until Amir becomes mature that he recognizes the true nature of Hassan’s love, overshadowing his childish envy. Even before Amir was informed of Hassan’s family and his illegitimate brotherhood, he still carried a sense of regret and longing for redemption. However, the comfort of his new life and fear of returning to face the errors of his ways hold him back. It is Rahim Khan who breaks the barrier of fear that holds Amir back from returning to Afghanistan with the urgent phone call. Khan has served as the fatherly figure that Baba could never be to Amir since childhood. He stands for justice and goodness and has an incredible sense of empathy. Without Rahim Khan, Amir would be so self absorbed in his own mass of fears and doubts that he would fail to redeem himself and find the way to become “good again”.

The Kite Runner- Chpt. 21 - 25 Discussion Questions

'There is a way to be good again' (page 2) promises Rahim Khan, a phrase which resonates throughout the novel. After Baba's death circumstances bring many truths to light for Amir, internally as well as externally. Upon learning the truth and considering his own betrayal to Hassan, Amir's purpose in finding self redemption becomes evident. Does Khan's quote from earlier in the novel prove to be the case for Amir? If so, discuss how you feel this has come to him. Ultimately, how important is the relationship Amir has with Rahim Khan to him? Do you think he would have come to the conclusion he did without Khan's presence in the story? Why or why not?

The Kite Runner - Chpt. 16 - 20 Discussion Questions

Explain how the political upheavals and strife have had an effect on the various journeys of the characters. What kinds of direct impacts do these changes have on them and what personal decisions do they make as a result?

The Kite Runner- Chpt. 11 -15 Discussion Questions

We begin to see the cultural differences between males and females as the story progresses. Discuss your impressions of how women are treated differently and the impact this has on the society as a whole. Choose an example from the story that illustrates this. In addition, compare and contrast the relationships of Soraya and Amir and their fathers. How have their upbringings contributed to these relationships?

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini- Reader Response for Chpt. 6-10

As Amir's story progresses, we see that the relationships he has with others becomes progressively more complex or layered with emotional conflict. Choose a scene from one of these chapters that you feel reveals the complexity of one or more of these relationships, and explain why you feel it captures the essence of the Amir's experience.

***Note: This post went up later than expected, and after spending a half hour reading all of the responses for Chpt. 1-5 responses, I am realizing that you will not be able to respond to this in a timely fashion, unless you stay up for half the night:) Therefore, I am extending the deadline for Chpt. 6-10 responses to midnight tomorrow (Wednesday, 4/28). I would prefer thoughtful responses to those that will be rushed. Have a good night, and great work on yesterday's blog assignment! I enjoyed reading your thoughts!!!

Adam G. response 1

Amirs environment around him seems to have a very large impact on the way he feels and acts around his freinds and family. He seems to see Hassan as his brother and treats him like one or as a best freind but when it comes down to him thinking about it he always brings up that he is a Hazzara and that hes a Shia not a sunni like he is. I feel that it has created an almost racist side to him. But I also feel that he realizes that becuase of the description of how they grew up together. I do not think that Amir should be concerned that his father senses something missing in him in terms of that he himself will not turn out ok but that him and his fathers relationship may be impacted by it in the end.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Reader Response for Chpt. 1 -5:

Using The Kite Runner as the basis of your response, please explain how the history and culture of Afghanistan has a direct impact on the relationships Amir has with those around him. What are your impressions of these relationships and what kind of a person is Amir? His father seems to have some concerns about "something missing" in him. Should he be concerned, and why or why not?