The Kite Runner

STUDENT COPY

The Kite Runner

Chapter 1
1. How does the use of Chapter 1 to introduce the flashback establish the overall mood
of the novel? How would it be different if the story were told without the flashback?
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2. What does the reader know about the narrators present life, and how do we know?
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3. What mood does the image of the two kites create? How does Hosseini create this
mood?
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Chapter 2
1. What are the readers first impressions of Hassan based on Hosseinis description of
him?
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2. Why have Amirs teachers not said very much about the Hazaras?
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3. What is unusual about the relationship between Amir and Hassan?
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The Kite Runner

STUDENT COPY

Chapter 3
1. How does Hosseini use hyperbole in his descriptions of Baba? What can the
reader conclude about Baba based on these descriptions?
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2. Why does Amir lie about Hassans health when Baba wants to take them to
Ghangha Lake? What is the significance of this lie in terms of developing the
readers understanding of Amir?
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3. What does Baba mean when he says that Amir has confused what youre
learning in school with actual education? What are the implications of this
statement?
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The Kite Runner

STUDENT COPY

Chapter 4
1. What does the pomegranate tree symbolize to Amir and Hassan? How does
Hosseini create this symbol?
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2. What is ironic about Hassans ability to solve riddles? What is the implication of
this irony?
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3. How and why does Hosseini create in Amir a complicated protagonist, someone
with whom the reader can sympathize while despising at the same time?
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4. Why does time slow down for Amir when he shows his story to Baba? How does
Hosseini create this effect?
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The Kite Runner

STUDENT COPY

Chapter 5
1. How does Hosseinis description of Assef let the reader know immediately that he
is the antagonist?
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2. What does Assef foreshadow when he talks about his admiration for Hitler?
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3. How does Hassans harelip foster Amirs jealousy of him? Explain this irony.
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4. What is suggested by the affection that Baba shows to Hassan?
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The Kite Runner

STUDENT COPY

Chapter 6
1. What are some details of imagery that set the mood for the beginning of Chapter
6? How do these details create a mood for the reader?
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2. Amir describes Hassan as having two faces, one that he has known since
childhood, and another that he feels he has seen before. What is Hosseini
suggesting by having Amir make this observation?
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3. What is the importance of the kite fight for Amir and Baba? How does Hosseini
give it great value through his word choice in the text?
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