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Portrayal of Amir and Baba's relationship
As the story begins, Amir sits in his dad's lap and thinks, "I couldn't decide whether I wanted to hug [Baba] or leap from his lap in mortal fear"(16). Here, Amir is conflicted between what he thinks of his dad. This quote is significant because it sparks one of the main internal conflicts Amir has throughout the book: trying to make his dad proud. -
Amir wins the Kite Flying Tournament
When Amir wins the kite flying tournament, he says, "'We won! We won!'...And that right there was the single greatest moment of my twelve years of life, seeing Baba on that roof, proud of me at last"(Hosseini 66). Here, Amir wins the kite flying tournament and makes his dad proud at last. In doing so, Amir and Baba have a healthy relationship for the first time in the book, creating joy for Amir. -
Hassan gets raped
Amir thinks to himself, "I could step into that alley, stand up for Hassan... In the end, I ran"(Hosseini 77). As Amir watches his friend get raped, he decides to run away. This is significant because it is where another one of Amir's internal conflicts develop; guilt. -
Ali and Hassan leave
Ali informs Baba, "'We are leaving, Agha Sahib'"(Hosseini 106). Here, Ali and Hassan tell Amir and his dad that they are moving away. This is significant because it strikes more guilt into Amir's life. Additionally, one of Amir's and Baba's lifelong friends leave forever. -
Soviet Union attacks Afghanistan
The article informs, "Afghanistan... has known little peace since 1979, when the Soviet Union invaded" (New York Times 1). -
Amir and Baba move to America
In addition to titling the chapter with "Fremont, California", he signals that Baba and Amir move to America, "Baba loved the idea of America"(125). Here, Amir and Baba move to America to escape the dangers of Kabul and the loneliness caused by the departure of Ali and Hassan. This quote demonstrates a huge change in Amir's lifestyle. -
Soviet Union competes with Britain
The article informs, "In the 19th century, the imperial Russian government vied with Britain for influence in Central Asia..."(New York Times 2). -
Baba gets sick
Six years into their life in America, "Baba [catches] a cold. Then two weeks later, [Amir] caught him coughing a wad of blood-stained phlegm into the toilet"(Hosseini 153). Here, Amir's dad catches a cold, though Amir realizes it may be more than just a cold. This quote is significant because it marks the start of Amir's beginning of independence and not having anyone to heavily rely upon. -
US Weapon Advancement diminishes Soviet Union's power
The article informs, "After 1986, the Soviet Union Air Force was also rendered largely useless by advanced Stinger antiaircraft missiles supported by the United States to the rebels"(New York Times 2). -
Amir marries Soraya
After knowing each other for a while, "[Amir] married into [Soraya's] family"(Hosseini 176). -
Baba dies
After denying painkillers, Baba went to sleep, though "Baba never work up"(Hosseini 173). Here, Amir's father dies after being sick for many months. This quote is significant because it marks Amir's beginning of independence. -
Soviet Union leaves Afghanistan
Eventually, "the last Soviet troops left Afghanistan in February 1989"(New York Times 2). -
Amir publishes his first novel
As the story continues, "[Amir's first] novel was released in the summer of that following year"(Hosseini 182). Here, Amir publishes his first book which sparks his writing career. This quote is significant because it shows Amir's true passion and a way for Amir to escape from his internal conflicts. -
Soviet Union Departure and Anarchy among Afghanistan
Once the Soviet Union departed from Afghanistan, "power was anarchically divided among competing warlords and individual fiefdom"(New York Times 2). -
Mullah Omar gains power
After a while of anarchy in Afghanistan, "Mullah Omar had nearly 12,000 followers and was rolling up the warlords who had raped a girl and shaved her head"(New York Times 2). -
Taliban gains control
"the Taliban, the extremist Islamic group that had seized control in 1996 after years of the civil war"(New York Times 1). -
Amir visits Rahim Khan
After many years, Amir visits his old friend, Rahim Khan, who tells him about Hassan, "Then Rahim Khan sipped some more tea. Re sted, his head against the wall and spoke"(Hosseini 202). Here, Amir is explained what happened to his childhood friend. This quote is significant because it increases Amir's guilt after knowing that Hassan was dead; Amir had not been able to atone for his sin. -
Amir visits the orphanage
While looking for Hassan's son, Sohrab, Amir visits an orphanage that he is meant to be staying at, "Farid, [Amir's driver and friend], led me to a dilapidated one-story house and knocked on the wood-plank door"(Hosseini 234). Here, Amir shows his dedication to finding Hassan's brother by traversing through Afghanistan until finding Sohrab's(Amir's son's) orphanage. This quote is significant because it is the beginning of Amir's attempt to atone for his sins by caring for his friend's son. -
Amir "reunites" with Assef
It takes a while for Amir to realize who he is talking to, "His name escaped my lips: "Assef"(Hosseini 281). Here, After many years apart, Amir and his enemy, Assef, stand next to each other. Assef as a Talib and Amir as a man looking for his nephew. This is significant because it is when Amir confronts the man who raped his friend. Here, we see him attempt to atone for his sins. -
Amir atones by getting revenge on Assef
As Amir gets mauled by Assef, he begins to laugh and think, "What was so funny was that, for the first time since the winter of 1975, I felt at peace"(Hosseini 289). Here, Amir, surprisingly, feels at peace with himself while half-dead. This quote is the most significant in the book because it is when Amir finally has revenge on the man who raped his friend. The first time, he did not stand up to stop Assef, this time, he did. This moment is when, in Amir's mind, he atones for his sins. -
Al Qaeda Attacks and US Invasion
The article explains, "[Afghanistan] led an invasion after the Sept. 11 attacks by Al Qaeda"(New York Times 1). -
Sohrab attempts suicide
Although it is not specifically stated when Sohrab attempts suicide, the author writes, "I pushed open the door. Stepped into the bathroom. Suddenly I was on my knees, screaming"(343). Here, Amir walks into the bathroom to see Sohrab horribly bloodied. This quote characterizes Sohrab as unwilling to live, though later in the book, his will is revived. -
Amir runs a kit for Sohrab
As the story ends, Amir and Sohrab go to a kite flying tournament. When they cut a kite, Amir asks, "'Do you want me to run that kite for you?'"*(Hosseini 371). When Sohrab nods, Amir repeats the words of Hassan, "'For you, a thousand times over'"(Hosseini 371). Here, Amir runs a kite for Sohrab and repeats the words that his friend had told him. These words are significant because they emphasize Hassan's loyalty and Amir's attempt at atoning for his sins by being like his betrayed friend. -
Hamid Karzai becomes interim president
In the article, the author explains, "[Hamid Karzai] took office as interim president in June 2002, saying he hoped to secure peace for Afghanistan"(New York Times 3) -
Hamid Karzai becomes president for 5 years
After gaining popularity, "Mr. Karzai was elected to a five-term as president in 2004"(New York Times 3).