-
Baba is Born
In the novel, it states, "In 1933, the year Baba was born".(24) This quote shows that Baba started his legacy, which he adds onto. We can see this as he was born during the time of the monarchy and helped him learn and act like a leader. -
Amir is Born
In the novel, Amir is born in, "1964, just one year before giving birth to [Amir]" Amir is born in 1963, starting his adventures and journeys. He will need to learn a lot from his brave and caring father, Baba. -
Hassan is Born
In the novel, Hassan, "was born in the winter of 1964" (6). Hassan is 1 year younger than Amir, but still creates a good friendship between them. Since Hassan is a Hazara, he is born to be Amir's slave but still are friends. -
Baba decides to biuld an orphange
In 1960, Baba decides to, "build an orphanage" (13). This shows how Baba wants to fix issues in Afghanistan, because he has the power to. It also shows how Baba wants to help more children because his children are not what he wants. -
Baba finishes
In 1971 Baba finishes the orphanage, "three years [after it started]" (13). This shows that Baba put the time and effort to get what he wanted done. This shows that Baba wants to help kids in Afghanistan other than his own children. -
Period: to
Afganistan Timeline
-
1973
The PBS article says, "Khan overthrows Mohammed Zahir Shah, the previous king, in a military coup. Khan’s regime, the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan, comes to power. Khan abolishes the monarchy and names himself president. The Republic of Afghanistan is established with firm ties to the USSR." -
Amir talks about Hassan's suggestion
When Hassan asks Amir to climb the tree, but Amir says to Hassan,: He always knew when to say the right thing." (37) Amir is saying that Hassan is a good friend but he does not realize that keeping what he knows a secret is going to ruin their friendship. -
Hassan and Amir win a kite tournament
When Amir and Hassan win the tournament, he says, "...then I saw Baba on our roof. He was standing on the edge, pumping bot of his fists. Hollering and clapping. And that right there was a single greatest moment of my twelve years of my life, seeing Baba on that roof, proud of me at last." (66) This quote shows the significance of whenever Amir does good, he does it for Baba. This also foreshadows Amir's actions later on in the book. -
Hassan gets harassed by Assef
Amir finds Hassan and he tells Amir, "Assef knelt behing [me], put his hand on [my] hips and lifted up [my] bare buttocks" (75). This quote uses imagery to show how Assef raped Hassan in the alleyway. This quote has a big impact on their relationship because Amir can never leave the guilt of him not standing up. -
1978
In 1978, Khan is,"... killed in a communist coup. Nur Mohammad Taraki, one of the founding members of the Afghan Communist Party, takes control of the country as president, and Babrak Karmal is named deputy prime minister. They proclaim independence from Soviet influence, and declare their policies to be based on Islamic principles, Afghan nationalism and socioeconomic justice. Taraki signs a friendship treaty with the Soviet Union." -
1979
On February 14, 1979 in Kabul, Afghanistan, "American Ambassador Adolph Dubs is killed. The United States cuts off assistance to Afghanistan. A power struggle between Taraki and Deputy Prime Minister Hafizullah Amin begins. Taraki is killed on Sept. 14 in a confrontation with Amin supporters." -
1982
The website states, "Some 2.8 million Afghans have fled from the war to Pakistan, and another 1.5 million have fled to Iran. Afghan guerrillas gain control of rural areas, and Soviet troops hold urban areas." -
Baba and Amir arrive in America
After a long trip from Pakistan, Amir says that, "Baba loved the idea of America. It was living in America that gave him an ulcer." (125) This quote introduces the new setting of America for Baba and Amir. In America Amir gains power and has a lot more freedom, but Baba loses power from being a rich and famous person to just a normal citizen working at a gas station. -
Baba finds out he has cancer
After seeing many doctors, Baba was diagnosed with, "'Oat Cell Carcinoma."' (156) This quote describes what cancer Baba finds out he has. This quote is significant because it shows that Baba is going to die soon, which means he will not be there for his friends and family. -
Soraya and Amir get married
Right after Amir and Soraya's engagement, they get married before Baba passes away. Amir says, "the moment [he had] been waiting for." (168) This illustrates significance in two ways. He has only loved Hassan and Baba, as much as Soraya. Also this gives Amir a companion when Baba dies. -
Baba passes away
After Amir and Soraya get married, they help Baba get out of bed but, "Baba never woke up." (173) This is important because Baba is no longer there to look over Amir. Amir has contently given Baba respect, which he earned. -
Amir publishes a novel about his stories with Baba
In the book, Amir says, "The novel was published the following year, 1989" (183). Since Baba died he wants to write his story about how Baba took care of him and how he was a great father towards him. Amir changes due to his published book, which allows him to adapt and learn from his mistakes from a third-person perspective. -
1997
In 1997 the Taliban, "... publicly executes Najibullah. Ethnic groups in the north, under Masood’s Northern Alliance, and the south, aided in part by Hamid Karzai, continue to battle the Taliban for control of the country. -
1998
In 1998, "Following al-Qaida’s bombings of two American embassies in Africa, President Clinton orders cruise missile attacks against bin Laden’s training camps in Afghanistan. The attacks miss the Saudi and other leaders of the terrorist group." -
Hassan is shot by the Taliban
When Amir returns to Afghanistan he talks to Rahim Khan about what has happend. He tells Amir that, "[The Taliban] massacred the Hazaras in Mazar-i-Sharif."(213). This evidence is important because it shows that Amir has lost his life long friend. This hurts Amir becasue he had never atoned for his sins. -
2001
In March of 2001 the Taliban, "Ignoring international protests,carry out their threat to destroy Buddhist statues in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, saying they are an affront to Islam." -
Amir and Soyara adopt Hassans son
Amir can no longer atone towards Hassan, but he can still save Sohrab. Soraya picks them up the airport and says, "salaam, sOhrab jan, I'm you khala Soraya." This is significant because it shows that Amir wants to keep Shorab safe from the Taliban. This is also his way of atoning for his sins. -
2001
September 9, "Masood, still head of the Northern Alliance and the nation’s top insurgent, is killed by assassins posing as journalists. -
2007
In 2007, "The Afghan government and NATO confirm that Taliban commander Mullah Dadullah was killed during a U.S.-led operation in southern Afghanistan." -
2011
In 2011 U.S. forces, "overtake a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and kill al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden on May 2 local time."
