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War of Independence
As: ¨The British are defeated in the Third British-Afghan War (1919-21)," the end World War l establishes Afghanistan becoming an independent nation. -
A New Monarchy
Afghanistan is declared a monarchy (said by Amanullah): "rather than an empire," and announces himself king. He sets out new modern plans for the empire in attempt to limit the power of the Loya Jirga (National Council). Frustrated with the new laws, critics take up arms in 1928, forcing the king to leave the country by 1929. -
New King
Zahir Shah becomes the new king of Afghanistan. Shah; "brings a semblance of stability to the country," as he rules for the following 40 years. -
A Sign of Recognition
America officially and "formally" recognizes Afghanistan. -
Withdrawn Nations
As Britain withdraws itself from India, it sets India as a; "predominantly Hindu but secular state of India and the Islamic state of Pakistan." The separation leads to Pakistan and Afghanistan sharing a: "long, largely uncontrollable border." -
New Prime Minister
The cousin of the king (pro-Soviet General Mohammed Daoud Khan) becomes the prime minister and: "looks to the communist nation for economic and military assistance." Additionally, he brings a new perspective on social reforms, for example giving women a more public presence and in take. -
Alliances
Soviet Union and Afghanistan become close allies as the: "Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev agrees to help Afghanistan." -
Women's Rights Evolve
Women are officially allowed/permitted to attend university and join the workforce, "as part of Daoud's reforms." -
Friends from Birth
Both Amir & Hassan are born & Amir introduces Hassan saying, "I became what I am today in the winter of 1975, at the age of 12," (1). Foreshadowing is portrayed here, introducing the winter of 1975 & what happened with him & Hassan. This starts the main plot of the novel & their friendship. -
Hassan's Birthday
Hassan's mother (Sanaubar) gave birth to him, "in the winter of 1964, just one year after my mother died giving birth to me." (6) This is the day Hassan was brought into the world. To add on, it defines the age gap between Hassan and Amir. -
Start of Afghan Communist Party
Babrak Karmal and Nur Mohammad Taraki (the principal leaders) contribute to forming the, "Afghan Communist Party," in secret. -
Last King Overruled
Khan's government (the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan) take over and come to power after Khan overthrows Mohammed Zahir Shah, the last king, in a military takeover. The monarchy is abolished and Khan names and establishes himself president. As the Republic of Afghanistan is set, it organizes firm ties with the USSR. -
Innocence Ripped Away
In the alley way, Hassan is brutal rapped by Assef, & Amir runs like a coward. Amir says, "I ran, I ran because I was a coward," (75). Amir betrayed his best friend. The guilt trails Amir through ought the rest of the novel. -
Last Innocent Memory
The last kite that Hassan runs for is cut. Amir recolectes, "That was the last time I saw Hassan run a kite," (67). The scene symbolizes a simple game of Amir and Hassan's childhood that was taken away later explained in foreshadowing. Here, there is insight given that there will be a drastic change in the novel. -
Fleeing Afghanistan
Amir & Baba secretly escape/leave Kabul & Amir reveals this when he says, "Baba loved the idea of America. It was living in America that gave him an ulcer," (125). This indicates Amir & Baba immigrating to America & how Baba would later adjust to the new life. A power shift plays a huge role when the two move to America. -
Graduation
During graduation day Amir thinks to himself, "That summer of 1983, I graduated high school. I was by far the oldest," (131). This shows Amir was determined to finish high school, even when he switched countries. The move did not stop Amir from pursuing his drive & determination to graduate high school. -
Lesson about American Customs
When a store owner politely asks Baba for his Id after writing a check, Baba freaks out & lashes out at the owner. He screams, "Does he think I'm a thief? What kind of country is this?" (128). Amir explains to Baba the new US customs, teaching him a valuable lesson, helping him adjust to the new America life. This displays a power shift in the novel as Amir is more of a guidance to Baba in America. -
Father-Son Bonding
During the Summer, Baba & Amir become closer as they travel around throughout their new home. Amir says, " Baba sold his Buick & bought a dilapidated 71' Volkswagen bus," (137). In America Baba finally shows his affection towards Amir. The bus ultimately brought Baba & Amir closer as it was a hobby both had partaken in together. -
Finding Hassan
Rahim Khan travels to Hazarajat in search of Hassan. While explaining his story to Amir he tells him, "The biggest reason I went, Allah forgive me, is because I was lonely," (203). Because he was sick & lonely, Rahim Khan wanted to find Hassan as it was one of his last moments talking & meeting up with someone so close to him. -
Newly Wed Couple with a New Life
As Amir & Soraya purchase a house together in San Francisco, Amir says, "We placed a down payment on a pretty two bedroom victorian house in San Francisco," (188). The reason behind Soraya wanting to move is because she felt as though she needed a change of scenery after finding out the new of being infertile. As guilty of a person Amir is, he decided the least he could do is shift his family to a new area. -
No Child
Amir & Soraya find out the heartbreaking news that they are not able to have children. They argue & Amir lashes out saying, "'Sometimes, it take a while!'... 'A year isn't a while Amir!'" (184). It's obvious there is a problem, but Amir avoids the negativity & stays positive while Soraya knows there is an issue. Later, they were told they had "unexplained fertility". -
The War Somewhat Ends
As the Taliban stopped constant fighting in Kabul, Rahim Khan comforts Hassan saying, "The War is over! No more killing! No more funerals!" (213). The reason Baba & Amir fled Afghanistan was to distance themselves from the wars & fighting. Now, the violence & terror disbanded from the Middle East. -
Kite Flying Banned
As the Taliban ban kite flying after the end of the war, Rahim Khan says, "A few weeks later, they banned kite flying," (213). Kite flying was every child's favorite activity when they were growing up, & it was stripped away. Memories come back & Amir recollects on all the activities & times him & Hassan shared together. -
A Completed Novel
Amir completes his first written novel & describes it as, "a father son story set in Kabul," (182). The novel clearly expresses his wish that his childhood contained affection from Baba. His novel was dominantly based around a father son duo &instead of not receiving much affection, the two (in the novel) are practically best friends.
