The Kite Runner

The Kite RunnerDo-Nows: Do-NowIn what ways has our society regulated morality? Give some examples. Hint- what freedoms have we lost? Think of censorship and limitations in terms of freedom of speech as evidenced on TV, radio, social media, etc.Morality PoliceIn your opinion, is it a good thing or a bad thing that our society tries to police the morals of its citizens? Using the examples from our discussion, write an argumentative paragraph defending your beliefs. You may argue both, but justify your reasons using specific examples. Kite Runner: Do-NowWrite about your first friend that you remember from your childhood. What specific details do you remember about this person and about your friendship? How did the friendship affect your life in some way? Even if you didn't stay friends, how does the memory of this friendship still linger in your memories in some way?What details does Amir remember about his friendship with Hassan from his childhood?Kite Runner: Ch. 1 & 21. What is the mood/tone of the first chapter of the novel? Quote a line to demonstrate your point.

2. What is foreshadowed in the first two chapters of the novel?

3. What inferences can you make about the friendship of Amir and Hassan from the second chapter?

4. What is the symbolism behind Amir's line on p. 8, "People say that eyes are windows to the soul. Never was that more true than with Ali...Journal- Kite Runner Ch. 1-5Amir is often looking for approval from his father, but doesnt gain the validation he is seeking. However, he has Rahim Khan, his fathers friend, to support him and his love of writing. Write about an experience or a time when someone believed in you when others didnt. How did this person impact your future goals and your life? If you dont have such a person in your life, write about someone YOU support and believe in even though others dont. Journal- Kite Runner Ch. 1-51. What characterization can you make about Amir from his treatment of Hassan on the top of page 29? Why do you think Amir treats Hassan this way? Think deeply about his motives and his insecurities as a character as you explain your beliefs.

2. In what ways has Amir let down his father, Baba? Give several examples to prove your points. Do you think Amir truly has let his father down, or has Baba let Amir down in some way? Explain. Pashtun vs. Hazara 1. Read and annotate the article about Pashtuns and Hazaras.

2. With a partner, demonstrate the differences between Pashtuns and Hazaras using examples from The Kite Runners plot to demonstrate the social class disparity between the two subcultures. Use at least THREE examples from the book to prove your points. Write your responses in ONE persons journal. Kite Runner Journal: Ch. 91. Write about a time when you were a martyr and took the blame for someone else or vice versa? How did it make you feel? Was it worth sacrificing yourself for someone else? Or, if someone else took the fall for you, how did that make you feel? Explain.

2. What sacrifices did Hassan make for Amir? What are your feelings about the sacrifices he has made for his beloved friend? Were they worth it? Why/why not? Final Journal Reflection: 1. How did Amir attempt to get rid of his guilt after the violent incident Hassan suffered? Discuss several examples as you explain your point.

2. Why do you think Amir didnt attempt to help Hassan? Do you think Amir is a coward, or was he just paralyzed by his fear? Explain your beliefs.

3. Why does Hassans kind, selfless, and loyal nature get Amir so angry? Do-Now: Regret and Guilt1. Write about a time you regretted not taking action when you knew you should have. Explain. If you have never been in this situation, write about a time when you wish others would have taken action when they didn't.

2. Do you sympathize with Amir at all knowing that he must live with such guilt for the rest of his life? Why/why not? The Stigma of TellingAfter reading the article about the victim and accuser in Afghanistan, consider Amir and Hassans reasons for staying quiet. Why do you think didnt tell Baba or Ali or confront Assef afterward the rape? Do you think Amir is a coward, or was he just paralyzed by his fear? Was his inaction because of his fear of reprisal, shame, or fear of disappointing Baba?

Why didnt Hassan tell Amir what happened after the rape? Why didnt he tell Baba or Ali? Would he have endangered his life further by telling the truth about what happened, or was he better off keeping it to himself to avoid reprisal? Which is worse? Explain your beliefs.Soviets in Afghanistan 1. What reason did the Soviets have for intervening in Afghanistan?2. Who is Mohammed Daoud? What influence did he have on Afghanistan politics? How did the US feel about Daouds politics? 3. What happened to Afghanistan once Daoud was killed? How did this affect US/Afghan relations and Afghanistans politics as a whole? 4. How did Tarakis politics affect Afghanistan?5. What involvement did the US have after the murder of Taraki? Why did the US involve itself in Afghanistans struggle in the first place? 6. Who came into power once the Soviets left Afghanistan? Journal: Baba told Amir, It may be unfair, but what happens in a few days, sometimes even a single day, can change the course of a whole lifetime, Amir (142).

Do you agree with Babas statement? We can easily see how this relates to Amir, but how does this quote relate to YOU in your own life? Explain a moment or day that changed your life forever. (It can be something positive- it doesnt have to be bad as in Amirs case!)Afghan Marriage/Courtship Rituals** https://prezi.com/z1c207qvhvvf/afghan-courtship-and-marriage-customs/

https://prezi.com/kepyizszuvef/courtship-and-marriage-in-afghanistan/

Wedding Rituals/Customs What other wedding rituals and customs can you think of from America and/or other countries?

What similarities and differences do you notice? List several examples Journal: Emotional Growth1. How has Amir evolved emotionally as a character as seen through Ch. 12-14 with his new life in America? Give some examples.

2. How has Amirs relationship with Baba changed? Give some examples.

3. How have YOU evolved and changed emotionally from freshman year to senior year of high school? Explain. 1. Amir has become confident and self-assured2. He is now a published author and his book gets signed3. He has become forgiving- he looks at Sorayas shame and doesnt condemn her running off with another man4. He asserts himself and follows his heart, regardless of what Baba wants for him- he pursues Soraya, a degree in writing5. He compares himself to Baba less and accepts the fact that Baba is a stronger man than he is on some levels6. He learns to live life without Babas guidance and becomes a man/husband7. He no longer yearns for Babas approval the way he used to and instead guides Baba as he takes him to the doctor and pushes him to get medical treatment8. He has become more independent and finds a home in America that is not centered around personal guilt, regret

2. - Amir helps Baba sell items at the flea market where they are a team as they work together. Baba relies on Amir now. - Baba needs Amir now more than ever to take care of him in his state of declining health- Baba trusts Amir to make decisions on his own- he trusts in Amirs feelings for Soraya and approves of their marriage- Baba is proud of Amirs writing ability and finally brags about his son in a deserving way that makes Amir feel good- Baba feels pride in Amir and shows his love more openly. He reads Amirs book. He is overjoyed when Amir marries Soraya - Amir has become the strong one- he has found his voice in America whereas Baba is now the underdog here- Amir feels genuinely close to Baba and has become the independent man Baba wanted him to becomeDual Symbolism in The Kite RunnerKites: a. Childhood and happiness and innocence b. A reminder of betrayal and guilt

The Blue Kite: a. Victory, success, Babas approval of Amir b. Evil, sin, remorse, guilt The Monster in the Lake: a. Amir and Hassan beating the monster aka winning the kite tournament b. Amirs sin, guilt, and jealousy of Hassans relationship with Baba; Assef; Amirs conscience

Afghanistan: a. Childlike innocence, happier times b. War, violence, reminder of betrayal

Pomegranate Tree:a. Amir and Hassan carve their names in it to symbolize their everlasting friendship b. Bitterness, anger, and guilt-Amir throws pomegranates at Hassan to incite his anger so he can punish him/take away his guilt by hitting him back

Hassan: a. childhood/innocence, purity, honesty, loyalty, sacrifice, goodness b. A reminder of betrayal guilt, and remorse More symbolism.Myth of Rostam and SohrabThe character of Rostam, who acts dishonorably toward the king by sleeping with his daughter, symbolizes Amir, and perhaps Baba.

The character of Sohrab, who does not know who his father is, who becomes Hassan's favorite hero, and who meets an untimely death, symbolizes Hassan.The Pomegranate TreeYoung and innocent Amir and Hassan- carefree childhood innocence and friendshipAmir and Hassan carved their name in the tree- it bore fruit which symbolized their relationship/friendshipAfter Hassans death when Amir is wracked with guilt, the tree still exists but no longer bears fruit. Now the tree not only symbolizes loss, death, and the end of innocence. *Recall Amir wanted Hassan to hit him with the pomegranate fruit in order to inflict a physical punishment on him and lessen his guilt; and instead, Hassan breaks the fruit over his own head to symbolize his sacrificing nature, loyalty, and perhaps forgiveness.

Characterization & Internal Conflict For your assigned character, (Baba, Amir, General Taheri, Jamila Taheri, or Soraya) make a list of the followingFocus on Ch. 12-14 on pages 143-194A. Two quotes revealing characterization. Quote and explain what is revealed about the characters values, beliefs, personality, etc. B. Two internal conflictsC. State what your character has in common with at least TWO other characters in the story in terms of values, beliefs, experiences, background, personal conflicts, etc. Be specific with your examples. Do-Now: 1. What was your reaction to Rahim Khan's revelation about Amirs past? What signs foreshadowed this big news earlier in the story? Give some examples.

2. How are Amir and Baba more alike than Amir ever realized? Are they equally as guilty for their sins, or is one more at fault than the other?

3. Did your feelings about Baba change at all after you found out about his huge secret and betrayal? Why do you think he kept it all a secret? Explain. Taliban Rules for Women May not work outside the home.May not participate in any activity outside the home unless accompanied by her husband or male relative.May not be treated by male doctor.May not study at any institutions, including schools and universities.

Taliban Rules for Women Must wear the long veil (burqa) which covers them from head to toe.If found guilty of adultery, will be publically stoned to death.May not laugh loudly no stranger should hear a womans voice.May not wear high heels no man should hear a womans footsteps.

Taliban Rules for EveryoneNo one can listen to music.No one can watch television, movies or videos.No citizen can have a non-Islamic name.Men may not shave or trim their beards.No one may fly kites. Taliban Rules for Everyone In any sporting event, no one may clap.Anyone who converts from Islam to any other religion will be executed.No burying of anyone who was killed by the Taliban. Bodies must remain in the streets as examples to other wrongdoers.

Rise of The Taliban video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aln4z1RzGUJournal:Amir comes back to Afghanistan to find that the life he once new has totally changed. As we grow older, our perspectives change and the places and things we once knew no longer look the same. Write a reflection about a place you once knew that no longer seems the same to you now that you've gotten older and can see things from a different perspective.Partner Activity: Ch. 20-211. Find at least five examples from chapter 20 and 21 that demonstrate how much Afghanistan has changed since Amir's childhood. Be specific.

2. List several examples of the Taliban's brutality in chapters 20-22 that relate to the list of rules and punishments during the Taliban regime. What rules and punishments did you observe from the reading of Ch. 20-22? Be specific. Hint- Ch. 21 soccer game p. 268Hazara Massacre Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le_QXKixGZI&sns=em

Modern Day Afghanistan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiNsZaxAMLc&sns=em

Yahoo Video: Khaled Hosseini visits Afghanistan https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play?p=khaled+hosseini%27s+afghanistan&vid=3475559e21a16fa0648b98fd30598696&l=4%3A10&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DVN.608021877604222840%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D2ML_VIvRfsY&tit=Author+Khaled+Hosseini+returns+to+Afghanistan+to+highlight+the+shelter+needs+of+displaced+families&c=3&sigr=11b77dmug&sigt=132as04ss&sigi=11ruq4ghv&back=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fyhs%2Fsearch%3Fp%3Dkhaled%2Bhosseini%2527s%2Bafghanistan%26ei%3DUTF-8%26hsimp%3Dyhs-001%26hspart%3Dmozilla&sigb=13bg26dt6&ct=p&age=1259857695&fr2=p%3As%2Cv%3Av&hsimp=yhs-001&hspart=mozilla&tt=bSymbolism & Metaphor The pomegranate tree p. 264Extended metaphor on p. 246p. 285 simile/metaphor trash/HazaraForeshadowing (the holes for the stoning of the adulterer) Sohrab's slingshot skills Amir's mom predicting her happiness was too good to be true. Pair-Share: Ch. 23Form a group of four or five. Each group member should find significant passages within Ch. 23. ONE person will record those examples in Do-Now Journal. Every other group member will share an observation during whole class discussion. Orphanages in AfghanistanNato in Afghanistan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0sdvgaQbV0

Battling Corruption in Orphanages: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW25tNJP3aE

NBC: AFCECO Orphanage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8ZqgBqULao Afghanistans Youth http://www.buzzfeed.com/gabrielsanchez/this-is-what-afghanistans-youth-is-really-like?bftw&utm_term=4ldqpfp#.xjK8YJGMlJournal: Ch. 24Amir says that he failed Sohrab by making a promise that he didnt know if he could actually keep. In your opinion, was it a mistake to promise Sohrab that he would bring him back home to America? Why/why not? What would you have done differently if anything at all?Personal connection: Write about a time you made a promise to someone who was younger than you that you couldnt keep, whether it was your fault or not. Were you able to make it up to the person, or were you eventually forgiven without having to take action? Explain. Journal: Ch. 24 (p. 311-343) 1. In what ways is Sohrab like his father, Hassan? What values do they have in common? Explain using examples from Ch. 24 to prove your points.

2. Find ONE quote spoken by Sohrab that especially reminds you of Hassan. Amirs Final Testand AbsolutionI see now that Baba was wrong, there is a God, there always had beenThere is a God, there has to be, and now I will pray, I will pray that He forgive that I have neglected Him all of these years, forgive that I have betrayed, lied, and sinned with impunity only to turn to Him now in my hour of needI bow to the west and kiss the ground and promise that I willfast during RamadanI will commit to memory every last word of His holy book, and I will set on a pilgrimage to that sweltering city in the desert and bow before the Kabah tooI will think of Him every day from this day on if He only grants me this one wish (346)Amirs final test.1. Describe Amirs state of mind in this quote. What is his tone? How is the mood?

2. What drove Amir to this point? Do you think he has finally realized the importance of faith, or is he just calling out to God in a moment of desperation?

3. What change does this reveal in Amirs character? How has he ultimately evolved as a character? What evidence of this did we see in Ch. 25? Ch. 25: An Emotional Revelation1. With a partner, list FIVE themes of the novel in the form of complete sentences. Your themes can be life lessons or reflections on human nature or life in general.

2. Find TWO quotes from Ch. 25 that demonstrate a life lesson, moral, or theme from the novel

Themes & Life Lessons 1. Forgiveness has many faces- self forgiveness, forgiveness from others, forgiveness in the eyes of God2. One decision can last a lifetime3. There is ONE major sin in life- THEFT (stealing a life, stealing someones happiness, freedom, etc.)4. One good deed can make up for a bad deed (you can compensate for mistakes)5. Mankind is sinful and imperfect 6. You are not defined by your childhood actions/mistakes7. Like father like son (the apple doesnt fall far from the tree)8. Forgiveness is earned, not given9. Redemption takes time and patience- one must prove it through actions 10. Love and family can overcome all obstacles11. Finding ones identity is an evolving process Themes 1. Forgiveness is always possible 2. Accept people for who they are3. Friendship is valuable4. Dont take people for granted5. You cant escape the past6. Guilt- letting go of guilt frees a person from guilt 7. Redemption is possible even for the biggest of sins 8. Life is not always what it seems 9. Even people you think are perfect have flaws- no one is perfect10. The right way is sometimes the hardest11. Make sacrifices for loved ones12. Never forget where you came from 13. The power of love: Love is stronger than hatred 14. Coming of age and discovering ones true self through trials and tribulations 15. Hardships build character 16. Its never too late to make up for sins of the past Farkhundas Story: March 2015Background: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_y6keF84wVM

Protesters: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/03/23/afghan-woman-beaten-to-death-for-a-crime-she-didnt-commit-becomes-a-rallying-point-for-activists/

Farkhundas Story: Female Oppression1. As you read, underline and comment/react to the most shocking parts of the article that got your attention the most. 2. What does this story reveal about the values of the people in Afghanistan in 2015? Compare the President of Afghanistans reaction to the tragedy vs. that of the men and the women of Afghanistan. Put a star by passages that support your answers. 3. Do you believe the US should intervene in cases such as this? Why/why not?