- Amir first sets eyes on Soraya at the flea market
- Baba is diagnosed with cancer
- Amir and Soraya get engaged
Hosseini writes this chapter in linear chronology without deviating from the storyline too much in a factual way. This chapter can also be described as inversely directional as there is the contrast between the seriousness of Baba's illness and the delight of Soraya and Amir's relationship throughout. Also during this chapter the Afghanistan culture that Amir has been brought up with becomes more pronounced, whether this is because he begins to realise how much it is a part of him or because he is out of a setting where this is predominant. This ultimately sets up the cultural differences between Western and Afghan communities, outlining the Afghan culture in a stereotypical American setting.
During this chapter the story is very much told in dialogue, usually directly from Amir's point of view. From this we can see the parallel between Amir and Soraya's characters as different individuals, this is highlighted where Soraya helps her maid to read and write, contrasted by Amir mocking and hindering Hassan's development. There is a complete role reversal at one point where it is now Amir's responsibility to look after Baba whereas before it was Baba that was the carer. This highlights Amir growing up and Baba's pride. When he finds out about his illness he tries to gain control of the one thing that he is still able to: Amir. The defiance becomes dominant as he wants to be remebered for his pride. Then at the end of the chapter the story once more comes back to Hassan, as Hosseini wants to constantly remind the reader.
No comments:
Post a Comment