The Kite Runner, Chapters 21-23 (pp. 259-310) – Flashcards
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How does Amir find Baba's house? How does the current description of Baba's house differ from the one at the beginning of the novel?
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Amir uses the pink house on the corner as a landmark for finding his father's house. The house has drastically changed: weeds are overgrown, the house is unkept, trees and shrubs are cut down, paint is peeling, the driveway is weedy and cracking, windows are broken, and the roof sags.
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What does the pomegranate tree symbolize?
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The tree represents the loss of life. It has not produced fruit since both boys were alive, young, and happy. The tree died with the death of Hassan and Amir's relationship.
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What might Americans find disturbing about the halftime show at the soccer match?
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A man and woman are stoned to death in front of the entire stadium for committing adultery. American halftime shows typically feature musical entertainment, not executions.
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What does the word "liberating" mean, as described on page 277?
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This version of the word means attacking people's homes in a massacre, leaving bodies in the streets.
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Who is the man in the black sunglasses?
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The man who has Hassan's son is Assef.
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How does Amir have to earn Sohrab's freedom?
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Assef and Amir fight each other to make up for the fight they never got to have when Hassan intervened with his slingshot.
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What happens between Amir and Assef? How does Sohrab help Amir?
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Assef nearly beats Amir to death with his brass knuckles, but Sohrab intervenes and shoots Assef in the eye with his slingshot.
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On page 294, the author writes in short paragraphs that are spaced widely apart. What is the point of this?
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This shows Amir fading in and out of consciousness after he has been beaten.
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What is the meaning of Rahim Khan's statement in his letter to Amir: "A man who has no conscience, no goodness, does not suffer."?
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He forgives Amir for his mistakes with Hassan. If Amir was truly a bad person, he would not feel tormented over his betrayal of Hassan. Because Amir's guilt ate his conscience daily, it proves he is a good person.
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When Amir asks Sohrab if he would like to be his friend, how does Sohrab react? Why?
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He flinches, walks away from him, and stands by the window. It is apparent that Assef has violated him.
