The kite Runner
Reading Questions for The Kite Runner
Chapters 1-5
1. The novel begins with a flashback. What do you think is its purpose? What do you learn about the narrator?
2. Fill in the table below analyzing each character. Defend your analysis with text references.
Describe the character physically.
How do others feel about this character?
Describe the character’s actions toward others.
Important quotes by/about this character
Amir
Hassan
Baba
Ali
Assef
3. a. What does it mean to be Hazara, Shi’a Muslim, Afghanistan’s minority group? Who, thus far, is Hazara?
b. What does it mean to be Pashtun, Sunni Muslim, Afghanistan’s majority group? Who in the story, thus far, is Pashtun?
4. Who is Sanaubar? How is she contrasted to Amir’s mother?
5. Describe Baba’s values. How does he relate to extremely religious leaders?
6. What is Assef’s ancestry? What is his political vision?
7. What happens between Assef/Wali/Kamal and Amir/Hassan? What does Assef threaten (foreshadow)?
Chapters 6-9
8. Why do boys in Afghanistan during the winter of 1975 have gashes on their fingers?
9. What is the proudest moment of twelve-year-old Amir’s life as described in Chapter 7?
10. Amir says, “I opened my mouth and almost said something…The rest of my life might have turned out differently if I had.” Why are those words important? What do you think of Amir’s behavior?
11. What is the significance of the two memories and dream that Amir describes as he sits in the alley?
12. What does Amir ask of Baba that makes Baba angry? What does Baba say in response?
13. What does Assef give Amir for his birthday and why is this significant?
14. What does Amir put under Hassan’s mattress? Why does he do it? Hassan about this, what does Hassan say? Why does Baba’s reaction shock Amir? What happens to
Chapters 1-5
1. The novel begins with a flashback. What do you think is its purpose? What do you learn about the narrator?
2. Fill in the table below analyzing each character. Defend your analysis with text references.
Describe the character physically.
How do others feel about this character?
Describe the character’s actions toward others.
Important quotes by/about this character
Amir
Hassan
Baba
Ali
Assef
3. a. What does it mean to be Hazara, Shi’a Muslim, Afghanistan’s minority group? Who, thus far, is Hazara?
b. What does it mean to be Pashtun, Sunni Muslim, Afghanistan’s majority group? Who in the story, thus far, is Pashtun?
4. Who is Sanaubar? How is she contrasted to Amir’s mother?
5. Describe Baba’s values. How does he relate to extremely religious leaders?
6. What is Assef’s ancestry? What is his political vision?
7. What happens between Assef/Wali/Kamal and Amir/Hassan? What does Assef threaten (foreshadow)?
Chapters 6-9
8. Why do boys in Afghanistan during the winter of 1975 have gashes on their fingers?
9. What is the proudest moment of twelve-year-old Amir’s life as described in Chapter 7?
10. Amir says, “I opened my mouth and almost said something…The rest of my life might have turned out differently if I had.” Why are those words important? What do you think of Amir’s behavior?
11. What is the significance of the two memories and dream that Amir describes as he sits in the alley?
12. What does Amir ask of Baba that makes Baba angry? What does Baba say in response?
13. What does Assef give Amir for his birthday and why is this significant?
14. What does Amir put under Hassan’s mattress? Why does he do it? Hassan about this, what does Hassan say? Why does Baba’s reaction shock Amir? What happens to