The Kite Runner. (Step Two)

Why do you think Amir no longer wanted to play with Hassan?

Amir no longer wanted to play with Hassan because of the horrific scene that Amir unfortunately witnessed.  When Amir witnessed his friend/brother be raped by the neighbourhood bully Amir felt guilty for not being a hero and helping Hassan.  His guilt for not helping caused Amir great anguish and unhappiness therefore making him want to be away from Hassan, to clear his shame by pushing him away. 

Why did Amir throw pomegranates at Hassan?  What does this symbolize?

Amir threw the pomegranates at Hassan because of his frustration towards himself.  He wanted Hassan to be mad at him because Amir knows he deserves it, and feels terrible.  The Pomegranates symbolize friendship and innocence but as well a pomegranate is one of the fruits in the Garden of Paradise in Qu'ran. 

What is the significance behind Assef’s birthday present for Amir?  

The significance is that Assef wants to rid the world of lower class status.  He is foreshadowing to what he may become later in the pages.  Assef clearly states in one of the chapters that Hitler was a fantastic leader, and if the world just him just continue his clean sweep then the world would be in a better place.  

What story did Rahim Kahn tell Amir on his birthday? Why?  How is this story an allegory and what does it prove?

Rahim Kahn told the story of his true love.  How his true love was a Hazara and they had an entire Romeo and Juliet scene happening.   Rahim Kahn was going to marry this women even though she was in a separate class and it was considered wrong in many ways.  They hung out at night after their family members were asleep and they'd have their time.  But when they went to tell everyone they were planning on getting married, Rahim Kahn's father sent the Hazara slaves away.  He told Amir this because Amir was sad about something and even though he tried his hardest to keep it secret Rahim Kahn knew about it and therefore wanted to help Amir along. Rahim Kahn sometimes acted as Amir's father when his real father was acting high and mighty.   This story is an allegory because it has a back meaning that Amir needs to figure out.  Rahim Kahn told him this to help him through whatever he was dealing with.

What gift did he give him?  Discuss the symbolism behind this gift. 

Rahim Kahn gives Amir a leather bound book for all of his writing.  

Why didn’t anyone tell the truth?

Afraid of the outcome or their punishment is they did explain the truth of all problems. 

What did Amir hide under Hassan’s bed? Why?  What does this say about Amir's character?  What does the lie Hassan tells say about his character?  

Amir hid his brand new watch from Baba and money under Hassan's bed.  He did this because the guilt that Amir is facing was too much for him to handle, therefore making Hassan and his father leave was the only outcome Amir could think of to get rid of them. So Amir tried to make it look like Hassan stole the watch and money.  This shows that Amir's character is very cowardly.  Amir isn't very happy with himself and even though he knows he's doing all of the wrong things he does them anyway because he feels guilty.  He is very conceded and nothing like a hero like Baba, which upsets Amir more, causing him emotional stress and emotional scarring. When Hassan lies and admits that he stole the watch and stole the money and still he didn't want his one and only friend to get in trouble and have a terrible life.  This proves that Hassan is more of the hero, he is very much a giving person.  He would do anything to make sure his friend never got hurt.  He would go to unbelievable lengths to make sure his friend was safe, even if that meant he'd be left out of the picture. 

Why did Hassan and Ali leave?

Hassan and Ali leave because Amir suspects that Hassan told Ali that he was raped and hurt in those ways and Ali found out about Amir's behaviour and didn't want to be around, also for the well being of his son, Ali wishes to protect his little boy. 

Where did Amir and Baba flee to?

Amir and Baba go to flee to Peshawar but they were many stops on the way.  They are refugees running to Peshawar. 

Why could people no longer be trusted in Afghanistan?

In Kabul Amir describes that you cannot trust anyone because everybody is turning everybody in.  You cannot tell anybody anything unless you wanted it spilled to the authorities.  Everybody was looking out for their own skin, even if that meant telling other peoples business.