-
Hassan is born
Hassan, on of the main characters, is "born in the winter of 1964, one year after my mother died giving birth to me" (6). Hassan is best friends with Amir, the main character, and without Hassan, the story would have gone down a lot differently. Hassan's birth was the start of his and Amir's journey. -
Soldiers made fun of Hassan
When making fun of Hassan, "the soldiers laughed. One of them made a squealing sound" (7). These soldiers were being very rude to Hassan. While this was, a turning point in the book and crucial for character development because of how it showed many different personalities, with the comforting Amir, the emotional Hassan, and the sinful Sanuabar. -
Hassan threatens Assef
The neighborhood bully, Assef, who has just threatened Amir and Hassan, gets called out by Hassan when he says "If you make a move, they'll have to change your name to Assef 'the Ear Eater' to 'One Eyed Assef'" (42). The bullies did not expect Hassan to do this because of hi slack of power compared to the bullies, which left the bullies in shock. This quote is foreshadowing for later in the book. -
Hassan gets his hare lip fixed
When talking about Hassan's hare lip surgery, Baba says "'It's an unusual present, I know.' Baba said. 'And this present will last you forever'" (46). Hassan was born with a hare lip, and for his birthday, Baba got it fixed by a surgeon. This quote is foreshadowing for events that come later in the book, and Hassan will never be the same, showing the importance of the event. -
Hassan gets raped
Amir witnesses a traumatic experience as his childhood friend is raped. It is referred to as "what happened in the alley" (78). This is the most violent event in the book and the one that stands out the most. The extreme guilt from Amir influences his actions late in the book. -
Amir wins a kite-fighting tournament
Hassan is ecstatic as Amir cuts the final kite and he says"'You won, Amir agha! You won!'" (66). Amir is not only happy that he won, he is also very happy that he has pleased his father. This is important because it was a very happy moment for Amir and his family. -
Amir's thirteenth birthday
Amir had a successful birthday when he "turned thirteen that summer of 1976, Afghanistan's next to last summer of peace and anonymity." (93). Amir's birthday is spoiled by his guilt, but it is still important because of the change in attitude from Amir. Amir seems to be becoming less and less friends with Hassan. -
Period: to
Soviet Invasion and After
-
First Soviet Troops Parachute into Kabul
They did this to assist Babrak Karmal, who had become president within the Afghan communist leadership. -
Hassan and Ali leave Baba and Amir
Baba is shocked as Ali says, "'we are leaving, Agha sahib'" (106). This is crucial because nor, Amir does not have closure with Hassan or get to confront him about the incident. Amir will be left the guilt for a long time after Hassan leaves. -
Baba and Amir move to America
After a long and painful journey, "Baba loved the idea of living in America" (125). This is the start of Amir and Baba's new life. An American life, with new opportunities. Soon, Amir and Baba will adjust to their new scenario. -
Amir meets Soraya
Amir works at the flea market and when serving his father, he meets "'Soraya Jan'" (140). She is "a slim-hipped beauty with velvety coal black hair, an open thermos and Styrofoam cup in her hand" (140). Amir is interested in this girl. A new, main character has now been introduced. -
Amir gets married
Soraya and Amir get married, Before, Amir said "Soraya and I never went out alone together while preparations for the wedding proceeded" (169). Amir's marriage was a big event. Amir has made Baba proud and has found happiness in his new life. -
Baba dies of cancer
After Amir gets married, Baba asked for help to be put to bed, "Baba never woke up" (173). Baba was suffering from cancer and would have pain every night. When he decides to not take his medicine, he passed away. Baba was a main character in the book and his impact on Amir was crucial to plot development. -
Last Soviet Troops Leave Afghanistan
The United Nations pleaded for peace until "[t]he last Soviet troops left Afghanistan in February 1989," (NYT, 2011). -
Mullah Omar had Nearly 12,000 followers
Mullah Omar, a Pashtun and a veteran of the soviet war, gathered "nearly 12,000 followers and was rolling up the warlords to the north and east" (NYT, 2011). -
Period: to
The Taliban Takeover
-
Hassan and Farzana are killed
Rahim retells the horrific story of Hassan's demise when he says "'--and shot him in the back of the head.' '--Farzana came screaming and attacked them--' '--shot her too.'" (119). This sad tale was the end of the most loyal, caring character in the book. The poor man was discriminated his whole life because of his race and never complained. It is a shame he went died in such a harsh way. -
Hamid Karzai Named Chairman of Post-Taliban Government
A relative and supporter of Mohammad Zahir Shah, Hamid Karzai, "was named chairman of an interim government that replaced the defeated Taliban" (NYT, 2011). -
Sohrab atttempts suicide
Sohrab thinks he is being put in an orphanage, so he tries to commit suicide. Amir "was still screaming when the ambulance arrived" (343). This boy, you his technically Amir's nephew, was about to kill himself instead of living in an orphanage. If Sohrab had died, Amir may have never felt closure with what happened in his past, and all of his efforts would have been wasted. -
Period: to
Post 9/11 Invasion
-
Attack on World Trade Center
The famous, horrifying event, 9/11, was an "attack on the World Trade Center in New York on Sept. 11, 2001" (NYT, 2011). -
Sohrab smiles
Sohrab has not been talking or smiling. After he kite-fights with Amir, Amir sees "A smile. lopsided." This made Amir very happy to see that he had succeeded in bringing joy to his new son. This event brought closure to the story, as everything was coming together. -
Obama made a Speech about Deploying Additional Troops
Obama said that he had a "plan to deploy 30,000 additional troops" (NYT, 2011). -
Period: to
Obama's War