The Kite Runner, Chapters 24-25 (pp. 311-371) – Flashcards
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In Islamabad, Amir says to Sohrab, "There are a lot of children in Afghanistan, but little childhood." What does he mean?
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Amir reasons that Afghan children have to grow up fast because they see and deal with adult things too early in life.
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Amir tells Sohrab that he is Hassan's brother. What does Amir mean when he says Baba loved them "equally but differently"?
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Baba could not show his true love for Hassan because it would mean revealing his betrayal of Ali. By employing Ali and Hassan as servants and maintaining his friendship with Ali, Baba was able to watch over his illegitimate son and give him a decent life.
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What obstacles does Amir face when he tries to adopt Sohrab?
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Amir has to secure death certificates for Sohrab's parents, submit proof that he is a true orphan, and provide evidence that Amir and Ali are half-brothers. Even so, Islamic law will not recognize the adoption. This process is especially difficult in the midst of a disaster.
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What happens to Sohrab at the end of Chapter 24?
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The adoption process is looking grim, and Amir tells Sohrab that he may have to stay in an orphanage until he can find a way to make the process work. After going to bed, Amir is awoken by a call from Soraya with news that Kaka Sharif has found a way to push the adoption through. Amir goes to tell Sohrab but finds him in the bathtub, wrists slit open and bleeding to death.
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What does Amir do while he is waiting at the hospital?
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Amir faces west and prays to Allah to save Sohrab's life. He also prays for forgiveness. The doctor later comes to inform Amir that Sohrab will survive.
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How does Sohrab feel about going back to America with Amir?
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He does not officially agree to go with Amir, but he does not refuse him either. He is indifferent and has no other options. Sohrab leaves Afghanistan but grows silent.
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What makes Amir realize he has forgiven Baba's deceit?
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One night, Amir is checking on Sohrab and picks up the photograph of Hassan and Sohrab from under his pillow. In this moment, Amir forgives Baba. He understands his love for Hassan and cannot hold it against him any longer.
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How does Amir respond to the general's questioning of the Hazara boy?
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Amir reveals the truth about Baba, Sanuabar, and Hassan. He orders the general to "'never again refer to him as 'Hazara boy' in my presence. He has a name and it's Sohrab'" (361).
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What important event takes place about a month after Amir and Hassan make it back to his home in Fremont, California?
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The terrorist attacks of 9/11 take place, and Afghanistan is invaded by the United States. People everywhere are talking about places from Amir's childhood.
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What does the silence in Amir's home symbolize for its inhabitants: Sohrab, Amir, and Soraya?
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Sohrab's silence represents the hatred of the way his life turned out, his wish to die, and the abuse he endured. The silence is a result of his numbness. For Amir, the silence is a variety of things: loss, sin, remorse, and facing the evil side of Afghanistan. The silence represents emptiness for Soraya; she regrets not being able to raise a child of her own.
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What breakthrough moment do Amir and Sohrab share?
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Amir invites Sohrab to fly a kite with him. Sohrab, still silent, halfheartedly goes along with it. After Sohrab willingly holds the string, another kite swoops in to fight. Amir steps in with Hassan's signature "lift-and-dive" trick and cuts the other kite, conjuring up applause from bystanders and even a smile from Sohrab. Amir asks Sohrab if he should run the kite for him, and Sohrab seems to nod. As he moves to run for the kite, Amir responds, as Hassan always did, "For you, a thousand times over" (371).
