The Kite RunnerKhaled Hosseini

Title PageAuthor

Historical Background Character

List

Themes

Vocab

Movie Trailer

Responsive Writing

In your journals…

Khaled Hosseini• Born in Kabul, Afghanistan• Granted political asylum by

the U.S. in 1980 – lived on welfare while his father worked multiple jobs

• Received a medical degree but was drawn to writing

• While living in Iran, taught a 31-year-old Hazara man to read and write – inspiration for the relationship between Amir & Hassan in The Kite Runner

Historical Background• Pashtun/Sunni Muslims vs. Hazara/Shia Muslims• 1973 – Daoud Khan overthrows the current

monarchy – resistance ensues; Khan is overthrown in 1975 by the same military group that brought him to power

• 1979 – Soviet Union invades Afghanistan, doesn’t withdraw until a decade later

• 1990’s – Taliban• 9/11

Character List• Amir - narrator & protagonist of the story; Baba’s son -

great desire to please his father is the primary motivation for his behavior early in the novel; Hassan’s best friend – jealous of Baba’s affection towards Hassan; a Pashtun

• Hassan – Amir’s best friend; Baba’s servant; a Hazara ; loyal, selfless, and brave

• Baba – Amir’s father; wealthy, well-respected businessman; tough on Amir & appears more affectionate towards Hassan; believes in doing what is right

• Ali – Hassan’s father, also a servant of Baba; doesn’t outwardly show emotion; poor; walks with a limp

• Assef – the novel’s antagonist; a racist who wishes to rid Afghanistan of Hazaras; incessantly bullies Amir & Hassan; violent

Themes• Redemption• Resilience of the human spirit• Friendship• Father & Son relationships• Coming of age• Inhumanity

Vocabulary

• unscrupulous• garrulous• veracity• valiant• melee

• obstinate• aloof• chortle• contrite• affluent

Trailer

Response Writing“I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a

frigid overcast day in the winter of 1975. I remember the precise moment, crouching behind a crumbling mud wall, peeking into the alley near the frozen creek. That was a long time ago, but it’s wrong what they say about the past, I’ve learned, about how you can bury it. Because the past claws its way out. Looking back now, I realize I have been peeking into that deserted alley for the last twenty-six years.”

In your journals…

• First, write down your initial reactions to this passage. What does it make you feel, what images come to mind, what do you think the writer is talking about, what is the tone, etc.

• Second, think of a time in your own life (up until this point) that you believe has helped shape who you are, whether good or bad.