The Kite Runner-Week 4, Post B

I find it interesting that Baba had been considered wealthy and was placed high on the social hierarchy back in Kabul, but when he comes to America, he must completely start over. Baba gets a job at a gas station, working minimum wage, and I don't understand why he couldn't use some of his wealth from Kabul to help in America. I understand that if someone has a degree in one country, and then emigrates to another, sometimes that degree is not acknowledged and they must start from the beginning to get back to the job they held back home. I don't remember what Baba did back in Kabul; it seemed like he simply had good blood and came from a wealthy family. I believe this because he always seemed to be attending lavish parties and meeting important people. In America, however, all of that changed. He had to start from the ground up, which was quite difficult for him. Baba appears to be a hard worker though, and it seems like he is able to stay on his feet. It's impressive that he is able to keep his family steady by working at a gas station. Clearly, he understood that he couldn't rely on his previous wealth to get him through life once he arrived in America.

The Kite Runner-Week 4, Post A

Vocab:
-Dissertations (125): A lengthy, formal treatise, especially one written by a candidate for the doctoral degree at a university; a thesis.
-Brash (125): impertinent; impudent; tactless

Figurative Language:
"There are only three real men in this world Amir,' he'd say. He's count them off on his fingers: America the brash savior, Britain, and Israel. 'The rest of them-' he used to wave his hand and make a phht sound '-they're like gossiping old women.'" (125) This quote is an example of a similie describing what Baba thought of the world with the exception of three countries.

"'He's not fit to run this country. It's like putting a boy who can't ride a bike behind the wheel of a brand new Cadillac.'" (126) This quote is an example of a similie describing Baba's views of President Jimmy Carter.

"Baba walked out of the welfare office like a man cured of a tumor." (131) This statement is an example of a similie describing the great sensation Baba felt when he returned the food stamps to his eligibility officer.

Quote:
"'Amir is going to be a great writer,' Baba said. I did a double take at this. 'He has finished his first year of college and earned A's in all of his courses.'" (139) This quote is significant because it shows Baba finally accepting his son for who he is and realizing that he should be quite proud of Amir's talent. This is a big step for Baba and could change the relationship between Baba and Amir forever.

Theme:
I seem to be finding a theme of acceptance throughout this passage of the novel. Baba becoming more accepting of Amir, Amir becoming more accepting of Baba. All in all, their relationship is growing stronger.