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The Orphanage
During the 1960s, Baba decided to build his own orphanage, despite skeptics urging "...him to stop his foolishness and hire an architect"(13). At this point in the story, Baba's character is shown to be one of perseverance, and not caring what others tell him to do. It demonstrates how he wants to help those around him to his best ability. -
A shooting
While Baba was out, the sounds of shots echoed through Amir's house, and "...a siren went off in the distance"(35). During this time, Hassan ran to his father who was comforting and empathetic, unlike Amir's father. This event started the begining of Amir's envy towards Hassan. -
Hassan Runs for the Last Time
During Amir's winter break, he went to a kite tournament with Hassan, but it was the last time that "...Hassan (would) run a kite"(55). As once Amir cut down the final kite to win, Assef raped Hassan as Amir secretly watched, driving Amir's guilt throughout the book. This affected many of Amir's thoughts and actions in the future. -
Amir's Birthday
During the summer of 1976, Amir turned thirteen and his dad threw a lavish party as his motto was "...Invite the whole world or it's not a party"(93). During the party, Amir has a horrible time as he knows nobody, and the boy who raped his best friend was there. All he wanted was some care and attention from his father. -
The Soviets
The soviet military "parachuted into Kabul" (New York Times) Afghanistan to help out president Babrak Karmal, who had sent out a plea for help. -
Escape to Pakistan
After Hassan and Ali leave, Baba and Amir leave to Pakistan because of the Russian occupation in Afghanistan; however while traveling, "...the truck broke down..."(119). Once this happens, Baba becomes very impatient and aggressive as he wants to leave, but a new truck won't come to pick him and Amir up. This period of time helped Baba and Amir grow closer together, and bond as a father and son. -
Baba's Outburst
Amir and Baba are buying groceries from a gas station in the spring of 1983, when Baba goes on a rant about how the owners had "...to see (his) license"(127). Baba's rant showed how poorly he was adjusting to his new life in Fremont, despite already being there for two years. It shows that despite his character being very kind and generous, he is not suitable for major changes that might come his way. -
Amir Graduates
In the summer of 1983, Amir finally graduates college at the age of 20, and Baba says that is "...moftakhir...Proud"(131). This is seen in Amir's eyes as a new beginning in their relationship, as Baba has never told Amir that he was proud. It shows that despite there past relationship with each other, there is always room to grow and improve. -
Amir's First Crush
Amir is at a flea market in San Jose, when he sees a girl with "...black hair...thick black eyebrows...(and) Her eyes, walnut brown..."(140). Although, Amir couldn't find the courage to speak to her, showing that even when it came to girl, Amir has no confidence. His past of not being able to stand up for himself has reflected on his current love life, and could create problems in the future. -
Amir's Talks
On the weekends, Baba and Amir sell things at a flea market in San Jose, which is where Amir met Soraya, the daughter of "...the general..."(144). So one day Amir finally mustered up the courage to finally speak to her after many months simply gazing in her direction. It shows that even though Amir is not one to be brave, his encounter with her proves that he has courage and bravery within his heart, even though he does not believe it. -
Soviet Airforce
Due to the U.S.'s advanced missiles, "the Soviet Air Force was also rendered largely useless..." (New York Times). *no specific date just 1986 -
Amir's Book
In the summer of 1988, Amir finished his first novel, "...a father-son story set in Kabul..."(182), and six months later, an agent offered to represent him. This shows that despite someone telling you to be someone you aren't, you mustn't listen to them, as they do not control your life. For Baba wanted Amir to be more of a man like him, yet Amir did not listen to him, and instead went on to become a published novelist. -
Goodbye Soviets
The UN had many many peace talks with the Soviets, and "the last Soviet troops left Afghanistan"(New York Times). -
Bad News
After months of trying to get pregnant, Soraya is informed by her doctor that she might have to consider "...adoption..."(186). This breaks her heart because it is custom in Afghan families to have children of your own. However in this moment, Amir becomes and loving and caring husband, and helps her decide on what to do, bringing out another quality in him he never knew he had. -
Split Nation
After the Soviets left, the attempt to gain power was fought between "warlords and individual fiefdoms(New York Times). *no specific date just summer of 1994 -
The Taliban
A leader named Mullah Omar received money and supplies which helped him and his group, the Taliban, take "control of Afghanistan"(New York Times). -
Amir Returns to Pakistan
Amir receives a phone call from Rahim Khan, whom "...is very sick..."(191), and this means that Amir must go to Pakistan. In Pakistan, Amir learns about Hassan's death; however he also finds out about Hassan's son who is in an orphanage in Kabul. Amir, persuaded by Rahim Khan, decides to get the boy and place him in a better orphanage. By going to Kabul, Amir is proving himself worthy of atonement and respect, as he his making up for the sins he committed during the winter of 1975. -
A Fight
In order to get Sohrab, Amir must fight a childhood bully named Assef; however Amir is being completely crushed, so Sohrab shoots Assef in his "...left eye..."(291) with his slingshot. This allowed Amir and Sohrab to escape from the Taliban house, and escape in Fahrid's car. By fighting for Amir, Sohrab shows himself to be a selfless and brave character, just like his father, and that he would never let anyone get hurt. -
Amir and Sohrab Return
Finally, after about a month in the Middle East, Amir and Sohrab return back to Fremont, yet the "...light was gone..."(356) in Sohrab's eyes. For he no longer trusted Amir, and was sad and lonely inside. This shows that Amir had changed over the month that he was in Afghanistan, as before, Amir would not have cared for the boy, but because of what they went through, Amir would do anything in the world to make Sohrab happy again. -
The Attack
The Taliban make an "attack on the World Trade Center"(New York Times) in New York City, causing many people to die. -
A New Government
A man named Hamid Karzai takes over the government and replaces "the defeated Taliban"(New York Times). -
A Glimmer of Hope
Amir, Sohrab, and Soraya and her family go to a Afghan New Years party in Fremont, where Sohrab finally smiled, "Hardly there. But there"(371). So after many months of being a silent, unspontaneous kid, Sohrab smiled for the first time. This showed Amir that atonement for his sins could be reached throughout patience and time, even if it comes in small portions at a time. -
Election
Karzai promises peace in Afghanistan give "the country much-needed international aid"(New York Times), which resulted in him being elected to a five year term. -
Military Involvement
President Obama announces a "plan to deploy 30,000 additional troops"(New York Times) to help lead the war effort. -
A Promise Unkept
Obama states that his deadline for the troops coming home will have to be moved to "the end of 2014"(New York Times).