-
Hassan runs his last kite
Amir says that "In the winter of 1975, I saw Hassan run a kite for the last time" (Hosseini 55). This is impactful because Hassan is Amir's closest friends so losing him would be a major change in his life. Also, it is the winter when Amir witnesses Hassan get assaulted which will make him feel guiltily. -
Amir Turns 13
Amir says how he "turned thirteen that summer of 1976" (Hosseini 93). This is the birthday which Amir winesses Hassan serving drinks to Assef which adds to his guilt. This also proves how loyal Hassan is and how he will obey his masters. -
Hassan leaves
Amir says "My hearty sank and i almost blurted out the truth. The I understood...This was Hassan's final sacrifice for me" (Hosseini 105). This powerful moment is one where Amir really feels the impact of what he's done. This adds to his feelings of self remorse and regret toward Hassan. -
Pomegranite Fight
Hassan crushed a pomegranate against his own face and said "Are you satisfied? Do you feel better?" (Hosseini 93). This scene is really vital because it highlights how Hassan still does everything he can to make Amir feel better. This just makes Amir feel more guilty about what he witnessed in the alleyway that winter. -
Russian tanks arrive in Kabul
Everything changed 'in December 1979, when Russian tanks rolled into the very same streets where Hassan and I played" (Hosseini 36). This event impacted maybe not Hassan directly but impacted the entire country. This event split the nation in two which would later allow for the Taliban to take over. -
Period: to
Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
Afghanistan "has known little peace since 1979, when the Soviet Union invaded" (New York Times). -
First Soviet troops in Afghanistan
To start the invasion, "the first soviet troops parachuted into Kabul on Dec. 27, 1979 to assist Babrak Karmal" (New York Times). -
Amir moves to America
Amir says that "Baba loved the idea of America" (Hosseini 125). It is crucial that they moved to America in order to escape the chaos in their home country. But this took them away from everyone they knew but allowed them to start a new chapter in their lives. -
Baba and Amir leave Kabul
Amir said that his "innards had been rolling since we'd left Kabul just after two in the morning" (hosting 110). This event really sets up the rest of the story because it allows Baba and Amir to start a new life in America. This new life also allows for Amir to understand independence and courage. -
Babas outburst
Amir says that after "A year and a half since we'd stepped off the Boeing from Peshawar, and Baba was still adjusting" (Hosseini 129). This part is very influential when explaining Babas experience living in America. it highlights his struggles and feelings of missing home. -
Amir graduates high school
Amir says he "graduated from high school at the age of twenty, by far the oldest senior tossing his mortarboard on the football field that day " (Hosseini 131). This major step in Amir's life steers him in the direction of becoming the writer he always wanted to be. It also gives Baba a moment to show is pride and appreciation for his son. -
Baba dies
Amir said "We closed the door. Baba never woke up" (Hosseini 173). This is extremely important because Baba was a huge figure in Amirs life and influenced him greatly. This means Amir will have to get through life without Baba to do things for him and find his own way. -
Amir talks to Soraya
Amir thinks " Suddenly, I felt the collective eyes of the flea market Afghans shift to us" (Hosseini 146). Amir finally interacts with Soraya which also foreshadows their marriage. Soraya is also a very influential character in Amirs life proving how this is important. -
Amir marries Soraya
Amir told Soraya that "Nothing you said changes anything. I want us to marry" (Hosseini 165). Soraya is very important to Amir and will influence him throughout the rest ion the story. This shows how Amir really loved her and wanted to marry her even with her background. -
Soviet Air force rendered useless
According to the New York Times, "After 1986, the Soviet Air Force was also rendered largely useless by... missiles supplied by the United States" (New York Times). -
Soviet Troops leave Afghanistan
After the war "the last soviet troops left Afghanistan in February 1989" (New York Times). -
Afghanistan in chaos
Afghanistan fell into hard times "by the summer of 1994, power was anarchically divided among competing warlords and individual fiefdoms" (New York Times). -
Under Taliban Control
Out of the chaos "The Taliban by 1996 had control over Afghanistan" (New York Times). -
Osama bin Laden arrives
The Taliban gave safety to "Mr. bin laden... arrived by chartered jet at Jalalabad Airport in May, 1996" (New York Times). -
Taliban overthrown
After the fall of the Taliban, "Hamid Karzai... replaced the defeated Taliban, making him leader of the country" (New York Times). -
Amir arrives home with Sohrab
Amir says "We arrived home about seven months ago, on a warm day in August 2001" (Hosseini 357). The significance of bringing Sohrab to the US is huge because of everything they went through in Pakistan. It also allows Amir and Soraya to become the parents they wanted to be. -
Rahim Khan tells Amir to visit him
Rahim Khan told Amir "I'm a dying man and I will not be insulted" (Hosseini 2210). Rahim Khan displays his power and demands respect from Amir. He tells him to go find Hassan's son who Amir finds out to be his nephew. -
Period: to
US military involvement in Afghanistan
The New York Times say, "1979-1996: The Soviet Union and After" (New York Times). -
Sohrab smiles
Amir says "Then, four days ago, on a cool rainy day in March 2002,a small, wondrous thing happened" (Hosseini 363). After returning to the US, Sohrab has not spoken a word. This all smile means everything to Amir especially because it was done during a Kite tournament which made Amir remember Hassan. -
The US deploys soldiers
During a speech "Mr. Obama announced his plan to deploy 300,000 additional troops" 9New York Times).