Significant Quote:
"If I changed my mind and asked for a bigger and fancier kite, Baba would buy it for me-but then he'd buy it for Hassan too. Sometimes I wished he wouldn't do that. Wished he'd let me be the favorite."(51) This quote demonstrates exactly why I don't like Amir. Amir has a good life, with a less-than-great father and an extremely loyal friend. And yet he still continues to wish for more. Hassan's life is far less fortunate than Amir's and I think it's wonderful that Baba includes Hassan so much in family affairs. Here's my question: If Amir really cared about Hassan as a friend, wouldn't he be content with Baba including him? I understand that Baba wishes Amir were different, more "manly", so to speak, however Amir can still be OK with Baba's helping Hassan. This trait of Amir's has given me a poor outlook on him. I just can't bring myself to like him and I wish he would be more understanding of the people around. He claims Hassan is his friend, which I don't deny to be true, but it wouldn't kill him to show a little more compassion toward Hassan. Does he realize how many times Hassan has stood up for Amir? Compare that to the amount of times Amir has returned the favor and it appears the friendship only truly beneifts Amir.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The Kite Runner-Week 3, Post A
Vocab:
-Bloodletting (36): Bloodshed or slaughter
-Grandiose (40): Affectedly grand or important; pompous
Figurative Language:
"Something roared like thunder." (35) This quote is an example of a similie describing the loud and unexpected sound that came from something unknown.
"The earth shook a little and we heard the rat-a-tat-tat of gunfire." (35) This statement is an example of onomatopoeia describing the sound of the gunshot.
"But when the numbing medicine wore off later that night, it felt like someone had pressed a red hot coal to my loins." (46) This passage is an example of a similie describing the pain Amir felt after his circumcision.
Quote:
"But he's not my friend! I almost blurted. He's my servant! Had I really thought of that? Of course, I hadn't. I hadn't. I treated Hassan well, just like a friend, better even, more like a brother. But if so, then why, when Baba's friends came to visit with their kids, didn't I ever include Hassan in our games? Why did I play with Hassan only when no one else was around?" (41) This quote is significant because it displays Amir's self-reflection that is finally allowing him to see how he treats Hassan. He has become so accustomed to treating Hassan like a friend who is also clearly his servant. Amir doesn't realize how horrible that looks from the outside. I've noticed throughout the novel that Amir treats Hassan this way and it always bothers me. I wonder if this new realization by Amir will cause him to change his ways.
Theme:
The theme that seems to be present in this passage of the novel is realization. There appears to be a lot of realization of poor choices by many of the characters.
-Bloodletting (36): Bloodshed or slaughter
-Grandiose (40): Affectedly grand or important; pompous
Figurative Language:
"Something roared like thunder." (35) This quote is an example of a similie describing the loud and unexpected sound that came from something unknown.
"The earth shook a little and we heard the rat-a-tat-tat of gunfire." (35) This statement is an example of onomatopoeia describing the sound of the gunshot.
"But when the numbing medicine wore off later that night, it felt like someone had pressed a red hot coal to my loins." (46) This passage is an example of a similie describing the pain Amir felt after his circumcision.
Quote:
"But he's not my friend! I almost blurted. He's my servant! Had I really thought of that? Of course, I hadn't. I hadn't. I treated Hassan well, just like a friend, better even, more like a brother. But if so, then why, when Baba's friends came to visit with their kids, didn't I ever include Hassan in our games? Why did I play with Hassan only when no one else was around?" (41) This quote is significant because it displays Amir's self-reflection that is finally allowing him to see how he treats Hassan. He has become so accustomed to treating Hassan like a friend who is also clearly his servant. Amir doesn't realize how horrible that looks from the outside. I've noticed throughout the novel that Amir treats Hassan this way and it always bothers me. I wonder if this new realization by Amir will cause him to change his ways.
Theme:
The theme that seems to be present in this passage of the novel is realization. There appears to be a lot of realization of poor choices by many of the characters.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The Kite Runner-Week 2, Post B
Significant Quote:
"The curious thing was , I never thought of Hassan and me as friends either. Not in the usual sense, anyhow. Never mind that we taught each other to ride a bicycle with no hands, or to build a fully functional homemade camera out of a cardboard box. Never mind that we spent entire winters flying kites, running kites. Never mind that to me, the face of Afghanistan is that of a boy with a thin-boned frame, a shaved head, and low-set ears, a boy with a Chinese doll face perpetually lit by a harelipped smile." (25) This quote is interesting to me because I never realized that the social barriers in Afghanistan applied to the friendship bewteen Amir and Hassan. I believed they both saw past all that. I now understand where Amir gets this from because as I've read on, Amir seems to take advantage of Hassan quite a bit. I know he values the friendship, but Amir doesn't seem to understand that the benefits of friendship goes both ways. I'm under the impression that Amir would not step up to the plate to help Hassan if Hassan were in a conflict of some sort. On the other hand, I'm 100% sure that Hassan would walk through fire for Amir. This doesn't seem fair and I hope it all evens out before the novel is finished.
"The curious thing was , I never thought of Hassan and me as friends either. Not in the usual sense, anyhow. Never mind that we taught each other to ride a bicycle with no hands, or to build a fully functional homemade camera out of a cardboard box. Never mind that we spent entire winters flying kites, running kites. Never mind that to me, the face of Afghanistan is that of a boy with a thin-boned frame, a shaved head, and low-set ears, a boy with a Chinese doll face perpetually lit by a harelipped smile." (25) This quote is interesting to me because I never realized that the social barriers in Afghanistan applied to the friendship bewteen Amir and Hassan. I believed they both saw past all that. I now understand where Amir gets this from because as I've read on, Amir seems to take advantage of Hassan quite a bit. I know he values the friendship, but Amir doesn't seem to understand that the benefits of friendship goes both ways. I'm under the impression that Amir would not step up to the plate to help Hassan if Hassan were in a conflict of some sort. On the other hand, I'm 100% sure that Hassan would walk through fire for Amir. This doesn't seem fair and I hope it all evens out before the novel is finished.
The Kite Runner-Week 2, Post A
Vocab:
-Melee (20): a confused hand-to-hand fight or struggle among several people.
-Vehemently (24): zealous; ardent; impassioned
Figurative Language:
"Sometimes, my entire childhood seems like one long lazy summer day with Hassan..." (25) This statement represents a similie describing Amir's view of his childhood.
"To him, the words on the page were a scramble of codes, indecipherable, mysterious." (30) This quote is a metaphor describing what it's like for Hassan to look at piece of literature, considering he is illiterate.
"'Fascinating,' I repeated, a little breathless, feeling like a man who discovers a buried treasure in his own backyard." (30) This passage is an example of a similie describing Amir's reaction to hearing news that his made-up story is quite good.
Quote:
"When they left, I sat on my bed and wish Rahim Kahn had been my father. Then I thought of Baba and his great big chest and how good it felt when he held me against it, how he smelled of Brut in the morning, and how his beard tickled my face. I was overcome with such sudden guilt that I bolted to the bathroom and vomited in the sink." (32) I found the passage interesting because it proves that no matter how cold and selfish a parent can be, you can still love them and see past all that. Baba was extremely cold to Amir in this chapter, and yet Amir cannot find it in him to deny that he is glad to be his son.
Theme:
The theme I have noticed so far is the strength of love between a parent and a child. Baba, to say the least, is not the greatest father in the world and has even admitted to being dissapointed in his son for being who he is. While it's extremely unfortunate that Baba feels this way, it does not stop Amir from loving him. Amir loves his father very much, and he knows about how his father feels about him. This love seems to be able to surpass anything.
-Melee (20): a confused hand-to-hand fight or struggle among several people.
-Vehemently (24): zealous; ardent; impassioned
Figurative Language:
"Sometimes, my entire childhood seems like one long lazy summer day with Hassan..." (25) This statement represents a similie describing Amir's view of his childhood.
"To him, the words on the page were a scramble of codes, indecipherable, mysterious." (30) This quote is a metaphor describing what it's like for Hassan to look at piece of literature, considering he is illiterate.
"'Fascinating,' I repeated, a little breathless, feeling like a man who discovers a buried treasure in his own backyard." (30) This passage is an example of a similie describing Amir's reaction to hearing news that his made-up story is quite good.
Quote:
"When they left, I sat on my bed and wish Rahim Kahn had been my father. Then I thought of Baba and his great big chest and how good it felt when he held me against it, how he smelled of Brut in the morning, and how his beard tickled my face. I was overcome with such sudden guilt that I bolted to the bathroom and vomited in the sink." (32) I found the passage interesting because it proves that no matter how cold and selfish a parent can be, you can still love them and see past all that. Baba was extremely cold to Amir in this chapter, and yet Amir cannot find it in him to deny that he is glad to be his son.
Theme:
The theme I have noticed so far is the strength of love between a parent and a child. Baba, to say the least, is not the greatest father in the world and has even admitted to being dissapointed in his son for being who he is. While it's extremely unfortunate that Baba feels this way, it does not stop Amir from loving him. Amir loves his father very much, and he knows about how his father feels about him. This love seems to be able to surpass anything.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
The Kite Runner-Week 1, Post B
Dear Khaled Hosseini,
I have only read up to chapter three in your novel, but I am already intrigued by the story. This tale of friendship between Hassan and Amir is truly heartwrenching. I've barely delved into your novel and I'm already in love with the bond between these two boys. They seem to have a hardened friendship that will last the inevitable tragedies ahead. I find myself fascinated by their ability to keep this friendship together despite their distinct cultural and social differences. Hassan receives quite a bit of harrassment for many aspects of his life. First, he is a Shi'a and there has already been a lot of harrassment on that front. Second, he has a cleft lip which unfortunately receives cruel torment. Third, his mother left him a week after she gave birth to him. Hassan receives ridicule for this because his mother has a reputation for being highly seductive and disloyal to Ali, Hassan's father. Also, she is completely unsympathetic and rude and even made fun of Hassan's cleft lip herself when she gave birth to him. His mother, whose name is Sanaubar also joined in with the rest of the neighborhood teenagers in mocking Ali, who suffers from polio. Hassan clearly leads a difficult life and the importance of his friendship with Amir, whose family is quite well-off and respected, is obvious. I am truly touched by this friendship and am eager to continue reading this novel.
Sincerely,
Emily
I have only read up to chapter three in your novel, but I am already intrigued by the story. This tale of friendship between Hassan and Amir is truly heartwrenching. I've barely delved into your novel and I'm already in love with the bond between these two boys. They seem to have a hardened friendship that will last the inevitable tragedies ahead. I find myself fascinated by their ability to keep this friendship together despite their distinct cultural and social differences. Hassan receives quite a bit of harrassment for many aspects of his life. First, he is a Shi'a and there has already been a lot of harrassment on that front. Second, he has a cleft lip which unfortunately receives cruel torment. Third, his mother left him a week after she gave birth to him. Hassan receives ridicule for this because his mother has a reputation for being highly seductive and disloyal to Ali, Hassan's father. Also, she is completely unsympathetic and rude and even made fun of Hassan's cleft lip herself when she gave birth to him. His mother, whose name is Sanaubar also joined in with the rest of the neighborhood teenagers in mocking Ali, who suffers from polio. Hassan clearly leads a difficult life and the importance of his friendship with Amir, whose family is quite well-off and respected, is obvious. I am truly touched by this friendship and am eager to continue reading this novel.
Sincerely,
Emily
Monday, February 11, 2008
The Kite Runner-Week 1, Post A
Vocab:
-Harelipped (2): a congenitally deformed lip, usually the upper one, in which there is a vertical fissure causing it to resemble the cleft lip of a hare.
-Impish (8): Of or befitting an imp; mischievous.
Figurative Language:
"Then I glanced up and saw a pair of kites, red with long blue tails, soaring in the sky. They danced high about the trees on the west end of the park..." (1-2) This passage is an example of personification because it gives the inanimate object of a kite the human ability to "dance".
"...floating side by side like a pair of eyes looking down on San Francisco, the city I now call home." (2) This quote is an example of a similie describing the position of the kites in the sky.
"I can still see Hassan up on that tree, sunlight flickering through the leaves on his almost perfectly round face, a face like a Chinese doll chiseled from hardwood..." (3) This statement is an example of a simlie describing the angelic nature of Hassan's face.
Quote:
"Sometimes I asked Baba if I could sit with them, but Baba would stand in the doorway. 'Go on now,' he'd say. 'This is grown-ups' time. Why don't you go read one of those books of yours?' He's close the door, leave me to wonder why it was always grown-ups' time with him. I'd sit by the door, knees drawn to my chest. Sometimes I sat there for an hour, sometimes two, listening to their laughter, their chatter." (5) I find this quote interesting because it gives the reader insight to the protagonist's hunger for inclusion among the adults in his family. I wonder if he is a neglected child, but I am sure as I read on I will learn if that is a true assumption or not.
-Harelipped (2): a congenitally deformed lip, usually the upper one, in which there is a vertical fissure causing it to resemble the cleft lip of a hare.
-Impish (8): Of or befitting an imp; mischievous.
Figurative Language:
"Then I glanced up and saw a pair of kites, red with long blue tails, soaring in the sky. They danced high about the trees on the west end of the park..." (1-2) This passage is an example of personification because it gives the inanimate object of a kite the human ability to "dance".
"...floating side by side like a pair of eyes looking down on San Francisco, the city I now call home." (2) This quote is an example of a similie describing the position of the kites in the sky.
"I can still see Hassan up on that tree, sunlight flickering through the leaves on his almost perfectly round face, a face like a Chinese doll chiseled from hardwood..." (3) This statement is an example of a simlie describing the angelic nature of Hassan's face.
Quote:
"Sometimes I asked Baba if I could sit with them, but Baba would stand in the doorway. 'Go on now,' he'd say. 'This is grown-ups' time. Why don't you go read one of those books of yours?' He's close the door, leave me to wonder why it was always grown-ups' time with him. I'd sit by the door, knees drawn to my chest. Sometimes I sat there for an hour, sometimes two, listening to their laughter, their chatter." (5) I find this quote interesting because it gives the reader insight to the protagonist's hunger for inclusion among the adults in his family. I wonder if he is a neglected child, but I am sure as I read on I will learn if that is a true assumption or not.
Theme:
A theme I have found to be present so far in the novel is friendship. The importance of friendship seems to be a significant theme.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Telemachus's Theme Song: "Can't Stop Now" by Keane
Telemachus is an interesting character because he experiences a transformation rather early in the story. This transformation occures with the help of Athena, but it is a transformation nonetheless. Telemachus is a boy who quite early in the story becomes a man. Once Athena grants him his quest to uncover the fate of his father, Odysseus, he turns a new leaf and takes charge of his own life for once.
It really struck me when Telemachus instructed the suitors to leave his property in book 1. "You suitors who plague my mother...for this evening let us dine in and take our pleasure...but at first light we all march forth to assembly, take our seats so I can give my orders and say to you straight out: You must leave my palace! See to your feasting elsewhere, devour your own possessions, house to house by turns. But if you decide the fare here is better...I'll cry out to the everlasting gods in hopes that Zeus will pay you back with a vengeance..." Finally, he shows some authority over his household. It is his home after all, and he has previosly allowed these boorish men to invade and do as they please. This is a positive transformation and it has allowed Telemachus to make difficult decisions with a new sense of authority as the story continues on.
I chose the song "Can't Stop Now" by Keane because I think it illustrates Telemachus's new outlook on life. The song is about moving forward and being unable to deal with other people's problems because you have your own problems to worry about. This song also discusses the fact that you know you told people you wouldn't leave them behind, but now they must accept that you need to move from them in order to find your meaning in life. I believe the following lyrics describe Telemachus's situation: "I noticed tonight that the world has been turning/While I've been stuck here dithering around/Though I know I said I'd wait around till you need me/But I have to go, I hate to let you down/But I can't stop now/I've got troubles of my own/Cause I'm short on time/I'm lonely/And I'm too tired to talk." This verse displays Telemachus's newfound authority of his own life. It talks about leaving behind people you love in order to fulfill your destiny (Telemachus is leaving behind Penelope) and worrying about your own problems instead of just everybody else's.
It really struck me when Telemachus instructed the suitors to leave his property in book 1. "You suitors who plague my mother...for this evening let us dine in and take our pleasure...but at first light we all march forth to assembly, take our seats so I can give my orders and say to you straight out: You must leave my palace! See to your feasting elsewhere, devour your own possessions, house to house by turns. But if you decide the fare here is better...I'll cry out to the everlasting gods in hopes that Zeus will pay you back with a vengeance..." Finally, he shows some authority over his household. It is his home after all, and he has previosly allowed these boorish men to invade and do as they please. This is a positive transformation and it has allowed Telemachus to make difficult decisions with a new sense of authority as the story continues on.
I chose the song "Can't Stop Now" by Keane because I think it illustrates Telemachus's new outlook on life. The song is about moving forward and being unable to deal with other people's problems because you have your own problems to worry about. This song also discusses the fact that you know you told people you wouldn't leave them behind, but now they must accept that you need to move from them in order to find your meaning in life. I believe the following lyrics describe Telemachus's situation: "I noticed tonight that the world has been turning/While I've been stuck here dithering around/Though I know I said I'd wait around till you need me/But I have to go, I hate to let you down/But I can't stop now/I've got troubles of my own/Cause I'm short on time/I'm lonely/And I'm too tired to talk." This verse displays Telemachus's newfound authority of his own life. It talks about leaving behind people you love in order to fulfill your destiny (Telemachus is leaving behind Penelope) and worrying about your own problems instead of just everybody else's.
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