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Amir Doesn't Like People Criticizing his Stories
At the tree, Amir reads his story. Hassan's points out a plot hole and Amir is angry, "What does [Hassan] know, that illiterate Hazara? He'll never be anything but a cook"(Hosseini 34). This is a very important moment for the two boys' relationship. It reveals how much Hassan pays attention to details and how much Amir takes his stories seriously. -
Hassan Undergoes Surgery
For his birthday, Baba arranges surgery for Hassan to fix the cleft lip, "It's an unusual present, I know," Baba said. "And probably not what you had in mind, but this present will last you forever" (Hosseini 46). It is a very big life changing experience. This way, Baba truly shows his appreciation for Hassan and his father's work. -
Winter of 1975
Amir's life and relationship with Hassan changes forever after, "Assef knelt behind Hassan" (Hosseini 75). Hassan was humilitated and Amir's realization that he is a coward only made it worse for the two boys. This ultimately ended their relationship. -
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Soviet Invasion and After
"The first Soviet troops parachuted into Kabul on Dec. 27, 1979" (New York Times). -
New Ruler Under Soviet Protection
The article states that after the Soviet invaded Afghanistan, "Babrak Karmal installed as ruler, backed by Soviet troops. But opposition intensifies with various mujahideen groups fighting Soviet forces" (BBC). -
Amir and Baba Decide to Leave Kabul
After their painful loss of Ali and Hassan, Amir and Baba decide to leave Afghanistan and move to America, "We'd left Kabul just after two in the morning" (Hosseini 110). It was yet another big change in their life. However, this one was intentional. -
California
Amir and Baba are finally in California where, "Baba loved the idea of America" (Hosseini 125). They have just begun the journey in getting used to the Western world. Baba has trouble adjusting. -
Baba Dies
Soraya read Amir's stories to Baba the night before his death, "Traced [his] fingers along the gold-stitched boarders. I remembered...the night Rahim Khan had given it to me, the night of [Amir's] thirteenth birthday...Baba dragged his head off the pillow. I put her up to it. I hope you don't mind'"(Hosseini 172). For the first time Amir felt that Baba was content with him. It was a good way to say goodbye to Baba. -
Amir Meets Rahim Khan and Sets Out for Sohrab
Amir feels obliged to accompany his old friend in the few days left and is convinced to help a young child, Hassan's child, "Children are fragile Amir jan. Kabul is already full of broken children and I don't want Sohrab to become another" (Hosseini 220). Amir helps his dying friend in an honorable way. He also takes this oppurtiny to makeup for all of Hassan's sacrifices for him. -
Amir is Almost Killed by Assef
Amir is brutally beaten by Assef, but starts to laugh, "It hurt to laugh...but I was l laughing and laughing...I'd been looking forward to this...I remembered... I had pelted Hassan with pomegranates and tried to provoke him...I hadn't been happy...but I [was] now" (Hosseini 289). Amir was sacrificing his remaining will power for Sohrab. It helped relieve the pain he had contained since the winter of Hassan's rape. -
Sohrab Almost Dies
Amir finds out about this event when he, "pushed the door open. Stepped into the bathroom. Suddenly [he] was on my knees screaming. Screaming through [his] clenched teeth"(Hosseini 343). Amir truely expressed his emotions for Sohrab in that moment. Never had Amir gotten the chance to see Sohrab's suffering, so this event was traumatizing for him. -
Hassan and His Wife are Executed by the Taliban
Amir finds out that the Taliban, "took [Hassan] to the street...ordered him to kneel...and shot him in the back of the head...Farzana came screaming and attacked them..shot her too. Self-defense they claimed later..." (Hosseini 219). It was a devastating blow for Amir. His only brother, who always stood up and protected Amir, is killed by these terrible people. -
Amir marries Soraya
After Baba approved the marriage and "spent $35,000, nearly the balance of his life savings" (Hosseini 169), on his wedding. It goes to show just how important families are to Amir's culture. This was a huge change in his life. -
Sanaubar's Return
Saunabar returns from a life of poverty after she ran after Hassan's birth, "She lived to see him turn four, and then, one morning, she just did not wake up. She looked calm, at peace, like she did not mind dying now..."(Hosseini 211). She had wanted to meet him before she died. She felt fulfilled and died a peaceful death. -
Durand Line Treaty
The page states, "The Durand line Treaty is expired and all Afghans lands are supposed to be returned but Pakistan refuses to" (Wikipedia). -
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The Taliban Takeover
"By 1996 had taken control of Afghanistan, imposing strict enforcement of fundamentalist Islamic law" (New York Times). -
Taliban Recognized as Legitimate Rulers
After they demonstrated their power, "Taliban recognized as legitimate rulers by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. They now control about two-thirds of country" (BBC). -
The US Responds Quickly
President Bush waits no time to respond, "US-led bombing of Afghanistan begins following the September 11 attacks on the United States. Anti-Taliban Northern Alliance forces enter Kabul shortly afterwards" (BBC). -
Deal in Bonn for Interim Government
A new rule is formed when, "Hamid Karzai is sworn in as head of an interim power-sharing government" (BBC). -
Sohrab Shines Some Hope
Sohrab finally shows some positive emotions when the, "corner of his mouth had curled up just so. A smile. Hardly there. But there" (Hosseini 371). Sohrab showed some improvement from his depressing life in Afghanistan. It gave Amir some hope that things will end up good. -
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Post 9/11 Invasion
"president George W. Bush gave the Taliban an ultimatum to hand over Mr. Bin Laden" (New York Times). -
9/11: World Trade Center
The World Trade Center is destroyed by Al Qaeda. -
9/11 Through Amir's Eyes
Amir remembers the terrible event in New York where, "the Twin Towers came crumbling down and, overnight, the world changed" (Hosseini 362). A very important moment in his life where he realizes that he cannot run from his problems. The terrorists came to his new home as well. -
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Obama's War
"Mr. Obama tapped Gen. Petraeus to lead the war effort there" (New York Times).