The Kite Runner- Chapter 20

What Happens:

• Amir and Farid travel from Jalalabad to Kabul
• There they encounter a beggar who claims to have known Amir's mother
• Amir encounters the Taliban for the first time
• They reach the orphanage and meet Zaman, its director
• Zaman reveals that he allows the Taliban to take children from the orphanage in order to minimise the danger for those that are not taken

Analysis:

The chapter can be divided into two distinct parts: the beginning, up until page 221, explores Kabul both as it was, as shown by Amir's memories, and as it is, directly, through description. The horrors that Amir witnesses in Kabul are highlighted, not by any in-depth description, but rather by contrasting it with how he remembers Kabul, "in the old days," a phrase that is repeated when describing the city. Amir is introduced to a changed city, one where the smell of Kabob in the, "old days" is replaced by diesel from people trying t heat their homes, page 216.

When Amir meets the Taliban, the entire episode is dealt with in a single paragraph, and the complex use of contrast is ditched here for a more straightforward adjectival approach to description: "black," "dark-skinned," "thick, knitted," "tobacco-stained," page 217. This relatively simple and short paragraph mirrors the Taliban's approach to governing; they are simple, and they only stay for a short time.

The encounter with the beggar serves to deepen the tragedy of the fallen city, showing that, "the desert weed lives on, but the flower of spring blooms and wilts," page 218. He also lends a glimmer of hope to Amir that he may learn more of his mother, a glimmer that is never followed up.

The second part of the chapter, starting at 221, is the conversation between Amir, Farid and Zaman about the orphanage. Farid and Zaman fight, which shows a depth and a ferocity to his character, and at the end, Zaman has, "put on his broken glasses," page 225, which shows the he tries to remain looking strong despite his broken life. However, this part mainly serves to move the plot along, and it is revealed that Zaman sells children to a Talib official so that he doesn't take more than one. He also tells Amir where he can find this official, at the Ghazi Stadium, page 225.

The Kite Runner Chapter Summaries

Chapter 1          Chapter 2          Chapter 3         Chapter 4
Chapter 5          Chapter 6          Chapter 7         Chapter 8
Chapter 9          Chapter 10        Chapter 11       Chapter 12
Chapter 13        Chapter 14        Chapter 15       Chapter 16
Chapter 17        Chapter 18        Chapter 19       Chapter 20
Chapter 21        Chapter 22        Chapter 23       Chapter 24
Chapter 25

The Kite Runner - Chapter 1

Plot Summary:
- In the first chapter of the novel, we are introduced to the day which changed the narrator's life. However, the novel starts twenty-six years after this event.
- The first character that is named in the novel is Rahim Khan.
- The title of the novel is mentioned which follows the naming of the character Hassan.
- Finally we are  introduced to Baba and Ali.

Analysis:
The beginning chapter is written in a first person introspective narrative and this informs us that we are going to be taken on a journey, and we come to realise throughout the novel that this could be seen as a way of atonement for Amir. Instantly we are given a taste of the writer's ability to manipulate time as the chapter is titled 'December 2001' yet the memories of Amir instantly drops us into 'the winter of 1975'. Hosseini tends to do this a lot throughout the novel and it emphasises the informality of the novel and gives it a conversational feel.

Hosseini concentrates a lot on describing setting to the reader; using a variety of locations in the first chapter and also using pathetic fallacy to clarify the tragic nature of the events to come. He sets this up at the beginning of the novel to keep us interested and also aware that we should never become too comfortable when reading.

In just over a page, we are introduced to four characters but not once does he directly mention himself. Amir is left as a mystery to us and it shows that his character has just been shaped by everyone else.

Narrative methods used:
- Foreshadowing
- Perspective
- Narrative voice
- Imagery
- Setting
- Chronology

Hosseini has purposely italicised two important quotes so that the reader can acknowledge the impact they have had on the protagonist's life. These two quotes are:
- 'For you, a thousand times over.'
- 'There is a way to be good again.'

The Kite Runner - Chapter 7

            Chapter Summary

      ·       Hassan’s dream

·       The kite flying competition

·       The rape

Chapter Analysis

The dream of Hassan foreshadows in a way the events that occur in chapter 7.  For instance the monster in the lake can be linked with Assef. In the dream both Hassan and Amir are brave and as a result become sultans of the lake and are awarded for their bravery. However as we soon find out only Hassan is brave as Amir does not try to save him from Assef. However it is ironic how it is Amir that is rewarded when it should be Hassan’s bravery that should be commended.

The kite competition begins by mentioning the sky being ‘blameless blue’. This can link to the kite involved during the attack on Hassan as the kite was also blue and Hassan can be seen as blameless. The kite competition itself goes successfully as Amir wins defeating the final blue kite. However it is when Hassan goes to run and get the kite that events take a turn for the worse and the lives of both boys were turned upside down.

The Kite Runner - Chapter 2

Summary

• The reader is introduced to Hassan properly, revealing his loyal and innocent temperament.
• Amir and Hassan’s bond is built up to show the closeness and importance of their relationship in the novel. 
• Cultural differences become established and the social hierarchy of Afghanistan is seen.
• Amir’s desire to gain his father’s acceptance and hero worship.
• The relationships are established between Ali, Baba and Sanuabar and Rahim Khan.

Analysis

Even in childhood games the faithfulness of Hassan is emphasised through the immoral requests of Amir where he shows the willingness to be the “lamb” despite the consequences he may be faced with. By never denying his friend’s wishes the reader is subjected to the loyalty of the character and the foreshadowing of future sacrifices to come. 

The separation of the different cultures is also brought to our attention with the use of “Hazara” and the keen interest Amir portrays when learning about “Hassan’s people”. The text focuses on the discrimination between Muslims, but this can also be relatable for Western readers because of the universal conflict which exists within other religious groups. The relationship appears to be strengthened despite the differences and a kinship is found through these societal struggles. In the theatre after Hassan’s confrontation with the soldier the private moment captures the intimate brotherhood between the Pashtun and Hazara, depicting the beginning of overcoming challenging circumstances.

The relationship of Amir and Baba is a seemingly long journey of seeking approval. There are already signs of Amir’s dependence upon his father’s acceptance in his narration by referring to him as “my Baba,” to show the possessiveness and the idolisation of him through his achievements like having built “the most beautiful house in the Wazir Akbar Khan district.”  The narrator seems to hero worship his father but never quite being able to please him fully.

However in terms of paternal figures there are two shown in this chapter concerning Amir’s development. Although the reader is not yet subjected to the relationship between Amir and Rahim Khan directly within this chapter, it is through a simple description of a photograph that the reader understands the strong sense of parental connection. Imagery is used to display the contrast of, “I’m in his arms, but it’s Rahim Khan’s pinky my fingers are curled around.”  This shows the responsibility of Baba and Rahim Khan as figures in Amir’s life, where Baba’s concern is to form Amir as a courageous adult, and Rahim Khan’s is to instil morals and guidance. In some ways it could be argued that Rahim Khan serves to be the more positive role model in Amir’s life than Baba.

Finally the chapter ends by alluding to the year of 1975 which is repeated several times before the event itself building on the suspense and curiosity of the reader. Amir and Hassan’s first words are clues to upcoming events and establish the character relationships and foreshadows of future complexities within the novel.

Key quotes

“Hassan never denied me anything.” Page 4

“[Ali] He didn’t say anything. Not then, not ever. He just kept walking.” Page 7
“He was incapable of hurting anyone.” Page 9
“Mine was Baba. His was Amir.” Page 10
“Looking back on it now, I think the foundation for what happened in the winter of 1975- and all that followed- was already laid in those first words.” Page 10

The Kite Runner - Chapter 13

Summary

• Lafz, the ceremony of 'giving word' takes place in the Taheris' home
• Amir and Soraya marry
• Baba passes away after a fight with terminal cancer
• In the summer of 1988, Amir successfully publishes his first novel
• Amir and Soraya discover they are unable to conceive

 The Kite Runner – Chapter 13 Analysis                       

 Chapter thirteen structurally marks the middle point of the novel, and ultimately hosts Amir’s journey from adolescence to adulthood. Within this chapter, several key plot developments occur within a relatively short period of time: Amir and Soraya marry, Baba dies and Amir releases his first novel.  These events charter Amir’s maturity, as he not only experiences - for the first time - the ‘tenderness of a woman’ but Baba’s death results in his son having to become dependent, and responsible, for himself and his newly wedded wife.                                                                                      

Amir’s moral development is also represented through his wedding song and Khaled Hosseini’s choice to repeat the same song that ‘the Russian soldier at the Mahipar checkpoint had sung’ portrays just how far Amir’s character has come within the novel. The song, ‘make morning into a key and throw it into the well’ is used a constant in which the reader can compare the distance Amir has travelled on his journey from having to flee Kabul to the situation he is in now – living a free life in America, with a loving wife and a flourishing career.                                                                    

 Yet these ultimate highs Amir experiences throughout this chapter are juxtaposed with emotive lows, such as the loss of his father and the inability to have children. These lows, twinned with Amir’s resurfacing guilt that ‘perhaps something, someone, somewhere, has decided to deny me fatherhood for the things I had done’ results in readers foreshadowing that he will someday atone for what he has done towards Hassan, and validates the readers feelings that he will never really be a man until he shows this moral courage.                                                                                                

A large proportion of the chapter also focusses on the customs surrounding Afghan cultures and ceremonies. Hosseini manipulates female characters, mainly Soraya and her mother, to discuss the role of women in Afghan society. The reader learns that General Taheri does not allow his wife Jamila, who was once a great singer in Kabul, to sing in public, and that on the night Soraya was forced home, Khanum Taheri made his daughter cut off her hair. Moreover, the admittance from Amir that the fondness Khanum Taheri displays towards him is due to the idea that he ‘relieved her of the greatest fear of every Afghan mother: that no honourable khastegar would ask for her daughter’s hand’ highlights the double standards that apply to men and women in an Afghan community.

The Kite Runner - Chapter 4

SUMMARY-  Chapter four starts with an explanation of how Ali came to live with Baba. Amir says that he has never heard Baba refer to Ali as his friend, and that he doesn't see Hassan as HIS friend either. This suggests that the ethnic differences between the Hazara and the Pashtuns is too great for an friendship. Hassan does not go to school, so Amir reads to him. Amir is somewhat cruel when reading Hassan, and mocks him for his limited vocabulary. Hassan inspires Amir to write a story, that he reads to him. Hassan is greatly complimentary of Amir's story, but points out a flaw, which angers Amir. At the end of the chapter Afghanistan "changed forever", page 30.

ANALYSIS- Chapter Four involves a lot of foreshadowing the future.

Hosseini starts the chapter with an explanation of how Baba met Ali. In this story, the cultural differences are highlighted by the fact that Baba and Ali are not 'friends' and neither are Hassan and Amir. This is not necessarily something a Western reader can identify with, so it could lead to the reader disliking Amir. It does, however, build sympathy towards Hassan which is something Hosseini does throughout the novel to create more of an impact on the reader, as Hassan's miserable future unfolds.

Amir reads Rostam and Sohrab to Hassan, which involves betrayal. This is Hassan's favorite book and it foreshadows Amir's betrayal of Hassan. It can also be seen that Rostam killing the man he didn't know to be his son, is foreshadowing Baba abandoning Hassan, who could not be openly be known as Baba's son.

When Hosseini shows Amir to mock Hassan while reading to him, he is already showing the reader between Amir and Soraya, who later talks of her patience and love for teaching. Hosseini makes the character of Amir seem very unlikable with this contrast, so he can grow as a character, becoming more likable (bildungsroman)

At the end of chapter four Hosseini just says that Afghanistan changes forever. Not specifying leads the reader into suspense.

-Ronnie

The Kite Runner - Chapter 3

Plot Summary: 

·        Baba and Amir’s relationship

·       Rahim Khan and Amir’s relationship

·       Baba’s attitude towards religion (which then influences Amir later in the novel)

·       Amir’s personality as seen by Rahim Khan and Baba

Analysis:

 The distancing between Amir and Baba is shown first here; Baba is presented as a strong, charitable, bear-wrestling, towering “force of nature,” whereas Amir is, in Baba’s opinion, a pathetic character who won’t stand up for anything. Rahim Khan challenges this about Amir, explaining the part of him which is “missing” is a, “mean streak.” This is the first time anyone has voiced an opinion about him; before this point, the story has been told purely from Amir’s point of view, with Amir’s opinions only. Rahim Khan fulfils more of a fatherly role in the part of the novel than Baba does, and this is the first instance we see of this relationship.

Baba disproves of religion. His defiance of the religious system that encapsulates the Afghan culture is echoed when he is dying, when he defies “the God he never believed in.” There is also considerable foreshadowing when he says, “God help us all if Afghanistan ever falls into their hands,” obviously because of the Taliban invasion.

There is a reasonable amount of foreshadowing in the novel, with the aforementioned Taliban quotation, Baba building the orphanage, Amir and Baba going to the Buzkashi tournament, assumedly in the same arena where the Afghans are executed and Amir mentioning cancer and Baba watching Henry Kissinger at that event. There is also the introduction of the running theme of dreams, with Amir dreaming of Baba and Baba disapproving of Amir being, “lost in some dream.”

Finally, there is the significance of Amir’s lack of “mean streak,” a personality trait which then plays a crucial part in Amir betraying Hassan and subsequently spending the rest of the novel suffering because of it.

The Kite Runner - Chapter 10

What happens:

• Baba and Amir leave Kabul
• Baba sticks up for a woman and is almost killed
• Escape to Pakistan in fuel tanker

How he tells the story:
At the very beginning of the chapter there is a large time jump from the previous, which helps instil the idea of the story being told as a first person retrospect. Hosseini then goes on to mix the culture of the Russians with Afghanistan, by the way on page 101; there is translation needed for the conversation between Baba and the Russian soldier. By doing this it builds tension, as there is a wait for the reader to find out what is actually being said back and forth. Also, in this chapter, there are a lot of hints as to the main pinnacle of the story so far, which is the rape of Hassan. These small hints remind the reader what Amir has done, such as 'every price has a tax', said by the Russian soldier. Although it is not picked up in the novel, the reader instantly recognises the repetition of this, and the imagery of the lamb that stems from this phrase. Leading on from this is Baba standing up for the woman in the truck. This massively contrasts to what Amir did to Hassan which is picked up in the novel with a flashback. This contrast is also heightened by the small paragraph halfway down page 102 where the woman's husband kisses Baba's hand. Again, this highlights the differences between Baba and Amir quite obviously.

On page 105, there is a small sentence that describes a panic attack. The singular wording of 'panic' immediately sets the tone of the paragraph, as it then goes on to switch to second person bringing the reader into the novel more personally. There are full words in upper case that highlights the panicky nature of the paragraph, and it also changes to present tense to make it feel urgent. The metaphor used again highlights the emotion and imagery. It finally ends with the same singular 'panic' and makes the paragraph feel like a cycle. Hosseini does this a lot throughout the book; it could be seen as highlighting the cyclic nature of the novel, as it both starts and ends with running and kites.

Finally, Hosseini ends the chapter with some bad language used. The fact that this is rare in the book makes it more effective on the reader when it is used, as it shocks them and can make them become more aware of the situation faced in the novel.

The Kite Runner - Chapter 12

Summary of chapter

• Amir first sets eyes on Soraya at the flea market
• Baba is diagnosed with cancer
• Amir and Soraya get engaged

Analysis of chapter
               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.

The Kite Runner - Chapter 9

Whilst Chapter 9 is essentially a short chapter, it is also a pivotal one, in that it delineates Amir’s guilt and suffering in relation to the events that Hosseini shows in previous chapters and in how this guilt morphs into action. Notably it shows the, albeit incomplete, division of brotherly bonds both in Baba and Ali, and in Amir and Hassan.

Amir opens his birthday gifts, but is unable to draw any happiness from them; he equates them to “blood money”, reflected in his comparison of such a concept with his newly acquired bicycle “red, like a candy apple. Or blood.” This could be said to reinforce the violent image that the colour implies.

Amir receives two gifts which he values. One from Rahim Kahn; a leather note book, possibly symbolic of his innate ability to write; and a collection of stories from Ali and Hassan, this gift serves as a bitter reminder of the brother that he has mistreated in Hassan. The guilt generated in this prompts Amir to plant the “stolen” birthday gifts among Hassan’s belongings. Despite Hassan’s false admission to stealing the gifts, Baba offers forgiveness, once again demonstrating startling affection for Hassan. Yet Ali demands that himself and Hassan leave.

Hosseini presents the end of this chapter in a moment of pathetic fallacy, within the rain that accompanies their departure. Baba’s tears, it is implied, show correspondence with the “summer rain” in that they are “rare”. He also alludes to the happy moments in the relationship between Amir and Hassn; in his references to the "Hindi movies" they watched together and in the games of "marbles" they shared, this reinforces the image of brotherhood and further accentuates the woe inflicted by their, although self imposed, seperation. It could be said that Hosseini uses poetic imagery in the concluding lines of this chapter in order to highlight the tragedy of Ali and Hassan's leaving, evident in the comparison of the rain to "melting silver".

The Kite Runner - Chapter 6

Chapter six is set in the winter of 1975, which according to Amir is ‘every kid’s favourite season in Kabul’. The kite flying season begins and spirits are high, the excitement within this chapter allows the reader to feel a false sense of hope and security and enforces the following chapter to impact the reader with a greater realisation of horror and disgust.

Amir describes times from his childhood that generate a sense of fellowship and strength between Amir and Hassan, they begin creating kites together ready for the approaching kite tournament. Although we witness the height of Amir and Hassan’s friendship there are still moments where Amir is selfish and disrespectful towards Hassan. This is caused by Amir’s desperation to be accepted by Baba, to be loved as a son, receive the praise that he has always wished for and the longing to ‘be the favourite’. The strained and twisted relationship between Amir and baba is emphasized through Amir’s desperation and this is a large cause of the actions on Amir’s behalf that follow in chapter 7.

Hassan continues to show ever-growing genuine loyalty towards Amir, thus emphasizing the cruel nature of Amir’s behaviour in return. Hosseini  builds a feeling of loathing towards Amir from the readers believing we are seeing Amir’s worst traits; desperation, jealousy and envy turning Amir into the monster Hassan see’s  in his dream, only to be abruptly proven wrong in chapter 7 as we discover, in disbelief that Amir is capable of much worse.

-Lucy

The Kite Runner - Chapter 5

Chapter five holds much historical context; the chapter starts off with the bloodless coup of 1973 in which the monarchy became ‘a thing of the past’ and the country formed into a republic under Daoud Khan; this is the change that Amir eluded to at the end of chapter four. The introduction of the Antagonist of the story Assef hastily follows the events of the night before which complements his tyrannical traits. He aligns himself with Hitler not only in mental state but also that of a physical state as he is one of Hitler’s ‘Aryan’ race; this alignment will cause an instantaneous response of dislike for Assef due to Hitler’s tyranny.

In the chapter there is irony when Hassan stands up to Assef’s tyranny where many others hadn’t due to his boundless devotion to Amir. This event is what inevitably sets up the downfall occurring later on in the novel. Another hint that builds up tension for the event that is going to happen is when Amir talks about the winter Hassan ‘stopped smiling’.

Emotions are turbulent throughout the chapter as the chapter starts out in fear which is ended by Amir’s happiness from his father’s embrace; this is then followed by yet more fear of Assef which is then overcome by Hassan’s Courage; which is then yet again followed by yet more fear of Dr Kumar and the operation that will take place, which is then followed by Hassan’s happiness of his harelip being removed.      

The Kite Runner - Chapter 11

Chapter eleven sees the setting shift quickly from the border of Afghanistan to Fremont in America, this transition changes the mood and style of the book dramatically, from a fast paced thriller to a gentler love story. The events of the previous chapter happened over the course of a month whereas the events throughout chapter eleven happen over the course of a decade- a deliberate manipulation of time to highlight the importance of the events of Amir's life.
The arrival in America marks the start of Baba's downfall. From the start Baba finds it difficult to integrate into American culture, an example being the incident where he loses his temper when the shopkeepers ask for ID. The downfall of Baba also marks the start of Amir's adult life, the start of a journey that will grant him psychological growth, enhancing his journey to become a better individual.
Baba and Amir's relationship takes on a new dynamic throughout this chapter and a sense of ease is even reached between them, although this is only short lived as Baba's cancer is foreshadowed in his defiance of the welfare stamps when he "walked out of the welfare office like a man cured of a tumor".
Soraya and the Taheri's are first introduced with the chapter acting as a gentle introduction to a long lasting relationship.
The use of the colour blue is also prominent throughout the duration of the chapter. Blue is associated with sincerity and wisdom, both of which are traits which are absent from Amir's childhood but are inherited throughout Amir's time in America. Amir graduates and wears the colour blue, Baba is proud and sincerity between them is gained. Baba then buys Amir a blue Ford, yet again the sincerity between them is cemented for a short duration. The eyes of the general are also blue, a reflection of the truth that the Taheri's possess and a gentle reminder of the past that he has tried to leave behind.

- Chris

The Kite Runner - Sparknotes

Link to the Sparknotes page about The Kite Runner. Absolutely loads of information and summaries:

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/the-kite-runner/

The Kite Runner - Historical and Political Context

The following clip is about the film rather than the novel, but still provides useful contextual information about the text. It is a good starting point for your AO4...