The Kite Runner Chapter 19-20

In chapter nineteen Amir begins his journey to Kabul in hopes of rescuing Sohrab. Amir notes that it was important for him to leave quickly because he feared that he would change his mind and run back to America. This is yet another example of Amir's cowardice behavior. It can also still be seen that Amir does not want to upset anyone so when his driver Farid offered to give him a lemon for his car sickness. Even though he knew that it would not help Amir takes the lemon and tells states that "You were right. I feel better," I lied. As an Afghan, I knew it was better to be miserable than rude. I forced a weak smile." page 229. Another reason Amir says this is because he wants to make some sort of connection with Farid since it is clear that Farid is not very fond of him. When Amir sees how much Afghanistan has changed since he was last there he remarks that he feels like a tourist in his own country. Farid snickers at this comment and Amir asks him to explain why. Farid goes on to speculate about the childhood that Amir had in Afghanistan. Basically stating that he lead a pampered life and was sheltered from seeing the real Afghanistan. He goes on to say "That's the real Afghanistan, Agha sahib. That's the Afghanistan I know. You? You've always been a tourist here, you just didn't know it." page 232. This comment really brings to light the fact that Amir lead a completely different life from majority of the other people in his homeland.

Amir and Farid make it to Farid's brother, Wahid's house where they spend the night. Farid does not hide his discontent concerning Amir and his brother scolds him because of it. It is at this point that Amir reveals his reason for returning to Kabul. Farid's whole demeanor toward Amir changes and he his brother Wahid states that "You are an honorable man, Amir agha. A true Afghan." page 238. This praise makes Amir cringe inside because he knows that is the last thing he should be described as. Later on that night Farid "apologizes" for being rude to Amir earlier and even offers to help him look for Sohrab once they reach Kabul. Farid says "It was wrong of me to assume." page 239. Amir tells him "Don't worry. You were more right than you know." page 239. Through this exchange it can be seen that Amir agrees with the assumptions that Farid came to concerning him. Later on that night Amir takes a walk out near the house and over hears Wahid and his wife talking. It turns out that they had went hungry in order to feed Amir since he was their guest. This revelation leads him to understand that earlier the children had not been staring at his watch like he had first suspected, but instead they had been looking at his food. Before Amir and Farid Amir leaves a wad of crumpled bills under the mattress. This repeated action is symbolic since he did this same thing years ago concerning Hassan. However this time there is no malice behind his actions, there is simply care.

Everyone warns Amir about the state that Kabul is in. However, it is still shocking to him when he sees it with his own eyes. Farid tries to comfort Amir and even goes as far to pat him the shoulder. What strikes Amir the hardest is the number of beggars and how much rubble there is. The thing about the beggars that is the most upsetting is that they are mostly children with their mothers. Amir is overcome by an intense sadness. "Returning to Kabul was like running into an old, forgotten friend and seeing that life hadn't been good to him, that he'd become homeless and destitute." page 246. This quote sums up Amir's feelings towards coming home to Kabul. Upon arriving in Kabul Amir sees the Taliban for the first time. He is horrified by this experience. Once they drive past Farid asks "What's the matter with you?" page 247. This is because Amir had made eye contact with them. Farid informs him that it is best not to make eye contact because they are just looking for an excuse to cause trouble and hurt someone. An old beggar on the street confirms what Farid is saying. It turns out this old beggar use to know Amir's mother and gives him some information about her. This is a ray of hope amongst all the hardship that Amir has had to face recently. Once they reach the orphanage they learn that once or twice a month Talib officer comes takes one of the children but leaves money behind. The director informs them that last month he took Sohrab. The director tells Amir and Farid where they can go to find the officer in hopes that they can rescue Sohrab.

The Kite Runner Chapter 17-18

After declaring that the Taliban had murdered the Hazaras in Mazar-i-Sharif in the previous chapter, Rahim Khan took a break from telling his story. It is during the break in the story that Amir has time to think about all that Rahim Khan has told him. "It hit me again, the enormity of what I had done that winter and that following summer." page 214. From this quote it can be seen that this visit with Rahim Khan is forcing Amir to face demons that he had tired to bury long ago. Trying to drag himself out of his self reflection, Amir inquires on whether or not Hassan is still living in their old house. Rahim Khan's  response is to hand Amir a letter. Rahim Khan's failure to answer Amir's question suggests that something bad may have happened to Hassan. Amir does not press Rahim Khan any further and instead goes on to read Hassan's letter. Contained within it is a picture of  Hassan and his son Sohrab. Amir comments on how Rahim Khan was right ant that he "... would have recognized him if I had bumped into him on the street." page 215.

From reading Hassan's letter it can be seen that harbors not ill will toward Amir for the things he had done. Hassan had ended the letter by stating that "And I dream that someday you will return to Kabul to revisit the land of our childhood. If you do, you will find an old faithful friend waiting for you." page 218.  This statement shows that Hassan is still just as faithful as he always was and still feels for Amir that same way he did when they were kids, before that horrific incident ever took place. After reading the letter Amir once again asks Rahim Khan about Hassan; this time he asks how he is doing. It is at this point that Rahim Khan reveals that Hassan is dead. Hassan was killed because he refused to leave the house when the Talibs accused him of trespassing. Hassan argued that he was living with Rahim Khan and that he was just away, but the Talibs would hear nothing of it and shot Hassan in the back of the head. When his wife, Farzana heard the commotion she ran outside and they shot her too, claiming that it was self defense.

Amir is devastated by the news of Hassan's death. When he is able to collect himself he asks what happened to Hassan's son, Sohrab. Rahim Khan informs him that he was placed in an orphanage. This is when Rahim Khan reveals the other reason he asked Amir to come and visit him and it is that he wants him to go find Sohrab and bring him back to Peshawar where there is a safe place for him to go. Amir slips back into his old nature of being self absorbed and thinking of no one other than himself and refuses to go and asks why does it have to be him. Rahim Khan says, "And why you? I think we both know why it has to be you, don't we?" page 221.  This statement alludes back to the fact that Rahim Khan is aware of the situation that occurred between Hassan and Amir when they were boys. Rahim tries to guilt Amir into doing it, but when that does not work he reveals a big secret. The secret is that Hassan is in fact Amir's brother. Shocked by this revelation, Amir storms out of Rahim Khan's apartment.

Once out of Rahim Khan's apartment, Amir goes to a samovar house where he reflects upon all the events of his life. He realizes that there have been signs all along that indicated that Hassan was his brother. Some of which were that his Baba had fixed Hassan's harelip or that he never missed Hassan's birthday. Also the conversation that they had when Amir had asked his Baba if they could hire new servants. "Hassan's not going anywhere, he'd barked. He's staying right here with us, where he belongs. This is his home and we're his family." page 225. Then he also remembered how his father had wept when Ali and Hassan had left. However, one could not have come to the conclusion with these examples alone that Hassan was Amir's brother, but they can be used as evidence to support that fact. Amir goes on to realize that him and his father were more alike than he ever thought, "We had both betrayed the people who would have given their lives for us." page 226. It is at this point that Amir decides that he will go and find Sohrab, believing that "...Rahim Khan had summoned me here to atone not just for my sins but for Baba's too." page 226.

The Kite Runner Chapter 15-16

In chapter fifteen Amir arrives in Peshawar he says that he still remembers the city from the time he and his Baba spent there when they were waiting to go to America. When Amir sees Rahim Khan for the first time he remarks that "Then, a thing mad of skin and bones pretending to be Rahim Khan opened the door." page 197. This statement goes to show that Rahim Khan is in a very bad state. Amir regards this situation as the "elephant in the room" and avoids mentioning it at first. So instead they have general conversation, Amir tells Rahim about his marriage and Rahim tells about how the situation in Kabul has deteriorated even further since he and his Baba left and also about what he has been doing since they left as well. Rahim tells all about the hardships and horror the citizens of Kabul had to face daily during the 1992 to 1996 when the Northern Alliance took over. Gunfire and rocket explosions were a common place. He even informs him that they destroyed his Baba's orphanage. Then the Taliban came and liberated them and people were hopeful for the first time in a long time.

It is at this point in the story that Amir and Rahim finally address the fact that he is seriously ill. It is implied that Rahim has cancer and he informs Amir that he does not believe that he will live out the summer. It is extremely ironic that Rahim is suffering from cancer when this is the aliment that eventually killed Amir's Baba as well. Amir offers to take him back to America with him so that he can find Rahim a doctor. Rahim replies that "I see America Has infused you with the optimism that has mad her so great. That's very good." page 201. Then Rahim goes on to respectfully decline Amir's offer stating that he believes that it is "God's will." Amir clearly disagrees but does not argue with Rahim any further. Rahim tells Amir that he wants him to do one thing for him but first he wants him to listen to what he has to tell him about Hassan. Amir agrees and Rahim begins relating his story.

Rahim had been living in Amir's old house; Amir's Baba had arranged it so that he technically sold the house to Rahim when they fled Kabul and then was planning on getting it back when things settled down. However, things never settled down and that dream never became a reality. Rahim admits that he went looking for Hassan for a number of reasons, one of which being that he was lonely. Another was that he was getting older and was finding it more and more difficult to take care of the house. Rahim found Hassan living in a small village outside of  Bamiyan. It turns out that Hassan has made a new life for himself and is even married to a soft spoken Hazara woman, Farzana. It appears as if Hassan is very happy with his life and is extremely content, he's even expecting his first child. The reader learns that Ali has passed away in a very tragic situation. Ali and his cousin had been killed by a land mine two years prior to Rahim coming to find them. Rahim notes that it was about halfway through the visit before Hassan asked about Amir. Rahim tells Amir that "Hassan had so many questions about you." page 207. This statement implies that Hassan forgave Amir long ago and simply wishes to have some sort of relationship with him. Initially when Rahim asks Hassan to come back with him and help him to take care of the house he declines, but when he learns about Amir's Baba's death he changes his mind and comes back with Rahim. It can be seen that Hassan is still very insightful at this point in the novel. At the time that the Taliban take over and liberate Afghanistan, Hassan states "God help the Hazaras now, Rahim Khan sahib." page 213. It says something that Hassan was able to see that the Taliban spelled trouble when others could not.

The Kite Runner Chapter 13-14

In chapter thirteen more about the Afghan culture is revealed; that is due to the fact that this is the chapter in which Amir marries Soraya. The chapter starts off with Amir and his Baba arriving at the Taheris' house for the lafz, which is the ceremony of "giving word." Amir's father comments that "It's the happiest day of my life, Amir," page 166. This is the type of praise that Amir has been waiting his entire life to hear. However, considering the circumstances it is still somewhat bitter sweet. Amir and Soraya decided to forgo the Shirini-khori ceremony and the engagement period which would usually last several months. They do this because they know Amir's Baba is not going to last for much longer. It is somewhat ironic that during the wedding Amir relates relates the singing of the wedding song with the Russian soldier singing it all those years ago when he and his Baba had left Kabul. Also the fact that he thinks of Hassan at this moment is extremely revealing as well. He begins to speculate about Hassan's life and states "And I remember wondering if Hassan too had married. And if so, whose face he had seen in the mirror under the veil? Whose henna-painted hands had he held?" page 171. It appears as if Amir is unable to allow himself a moment of pure happiness. Whenever he is close his mind will drift to Hassan or all of the bad things he has done.

During the first month of marriage Amir and Soraya live together with Amir's Baba. Soraya dedicates all of her time to taking care of Amir's Baba. About a month after the wedding some of Soraya's family came to have dinner with her, Amir, and his Baba. Amir states that on that night "I could see his internal smile, as wide as the skies of Kabul on nights when the poplars shivered and the sound of crickets swelled in the gardens." page 173. It is on this night that Amir's father passes away. From that last statement it can be inferred that Amir's Baba died content, that he was in fact proud of his son and had finally accepted him. During the funeral Amir reflects on his father's life and states that "Baba had wrestled bears his whole life...In the end, a bear had come that he couldn't best." page 174. This relates back to the story told previously in the novel about how it was thought that Amir's Baba had wrestled a bear. From these statements it is even clear just how much Amir respected an looked up to his father, but in his death Amir realized that his father was still in fact human.

In this chapter Amir publishes his first novel and becomes earns some celebrity within the Afghan community. On the night that Amir learns of this good news his thoughts drift to Hassan. Particularly to when he said "Some day, Inshallah, you will be a great writer, he had said once, and people all over the world will read your stories." page 183. This is another example of how whenever Amir is happy his thoughts will turn to Hassan. Even he speculates on the fact of whether or not he actually deserves to be happy. It is also during this time that Amir and Soraya begin to try and have children. However they are unable to, so they seek medical help. After a plethora of tests it is discovered that they are unable to conceive children due to "Unexplained Infertility." The doctor suggests adoption as an alternative for them. After some discussion they decline this as an option. Amir states that they both had their reasons for being against adoption and he felt as if his was that "...perhaps something, someone, somewhere, had decided to deny me fatherhood for the things I had done. Maybe this was my punishment , and perhaps justly so." page 188. Chapter fourteen is relatively short however it reveals the fact that Rahim Khan is severely ill and Amir must travel to Pakistan to visit him. Also it is revealed from the following statement that Rahim Khan always had known about what Amir had done "Come. There is a way to be good again." page 192. This shows that Rahim Khan still represents the voice of reason and is extremely insightful.

The Kite Runner Chapter 11-12

In these chapters Amir and his Baba undergo two major changes. The first being the adjustment to living in America and the second being his Baba's lung cancer. The very first statement of chapter eleven is "Baba loved the idea of America." which is then followed by "It was living in America that gave him an ulcer." page 125. The fact that "idea" is italicized is very revealing, it shows that in theory America sounded good to Baba, but in actuality it was not what he expected. This idea is strengthened by the the follow-up statement that life in America gave Baba a ulcer. The incident concerning the Nguyen's provides even more evidence that Amir's Baba is not adjusting well to his life in America. Baba writes a check to pay for his purchases and they ask to see his ID and Baba is highly offended by this. He believes that after two years of service the Nguyen's should trust him and not have asked to see his ID. Amir ends up having to apologize for his father and smooth over the situation. The following quote sums up Baba's  attitude toward his current situation "Baba was like the widower who remarries but can't let go of his dead wife. He missed the sugarcane fields of Jalalabad and the gardens of Paghman...." page 129. Everything Amir's Baba had worked so hard for, everything he had done to prove people wrong about him is now gone and he is mourning that lose.

When Amir graduates in the summer of 1983 at the age of twenty, his Baba tells him "I am moftakhir, Amir." page 131. This means that he is proud of Amir and he gives Amir a look.  Amir comments on how he "liked being on the receiving end of that look." page 131. To celebrate Amir's Baba takes him to an Afghan kabob house and then to a bar. While at the bar his Baba makes friends with everyone buying rounds and whatnot and for that night a spark of his old personality comes back. For Amir's present his Baba buys him a Ford Grand Torino and while they sat together in the car his Baba remarks that he wished Hassan could have been with them on that day. Amir says that "A pair of steel hands closed around my windpipe at the sound of Hassan's name." page 134. This shows that he still feels an tremendous amount of guilt concerning the situation with Hassan. However, it is seen that Amir is maturing somewhat when he refuses to sacrifice anything else for his Baba's approval and insists on majoring in English. Amir goes on to tell of the practice him and his father have of going to yard sales on Saturdays and then reselling all of the stuff on Sunday's at the flea market to make a profit. It was at the flea market that Amir met Soraya, the daughter of General Taheri.

At the beginning of chapter twelve Amir begins to build a relationship with Soraya. Mostly he talks with her in the company of her mother so that rumors will not start. However, there are instances when he gets to talk with her alone as well. It is also in this chapter that Amir learns that his Baba has lung cancer, Oat Cell Carinoma and it was advanced and inoperable. Amir's Baba refuses to do chemotherapy and forbids Amir to tell anyone about the cancer. Even Amir marvels at his father's resistance and comments that "For a while, even cancer couldn't keep Baba from the flea market." page 157. However, his health began to quickly deteriorate until his collapsed one day at the flea market and had to be hospitalized. When is his released after yet again refusing treatment, Amir ask him to ask General Taheri if he can marry Soraya. General Taheri agrees but Soraya first wants to tell him her secret. Which is that at age of eighteen she ran off with a boy and they lived together for about a month. The boy was into drugs and her father had to come find her and make her come back home. Amir says that does not matter and that he still wants to marry her. However, it is hard to ignore that fact that Amir misses this opportunity to also reveal his secret about the situation with Hassan so that he and Soraya will not have any secrets in their relationship.

The Kite Runner Chapter 9-10

Chapter nine starts off on the day after Amir's birthday party. Amir is going through all of his presents but is disinterested in them. He states that "I didn't want any of it - it was all blood money; Baba would have never thrown me a party like that if I hadn't won the tournament." page 101. Through this statement Amir is letting his guilt show. However he is still unable to admit to anyone the horrific event that he allowed to take place. Finally he comes to a conclusion which is, "Either way, this much had become clear: One of us had to go." page 102. Amir's only concern in easing his own suffering. He tries to pretend that he is also concerned with Hassan's well being and that his leaving will be beneficial to both of them. However the truth of the matter is that if he really wanted to help Hassan he would have told someone about what he had seen. Deep down inside Amir realizes what he truly is though. This can be told from this statement, "I wanted to tell Ali it was not the book, but I who was unworthy." page 103.

Amir's plan to get rid of Hassan was to hid his watch and some of the money he received for his birthday under Hassan's mattress. Then he told his father about it, who in turn went and talked to Ali. Amir's father returns to the house and tells Amir that everyone is going to sit down and discuss the situation together. It was almost thirty minutes before Ali and Hassan join Amir and his Baba in the study and when they enter it can be seen that they had both been crying. Amir's Baba asks Hassan if he had stolen the money and he lies and says yes. Amir believes that Hassan lies in order to protect him one last time because Amir knows that if Hassan had said no then his father would have believed him. Amir's Baba shocks him by stating that he forgives Hassan. Ali announces however that he and Hassan are leaving anyway. Amir's Baba begs them to stay but they refuse. Amir knows that this means that Hassan told Ali what happened and that he indeed did know that he had been in the alley the whole time. Amir's Baba begs them to at least tell them why they have to leave and again they say nothing. Finally Amir's Baba agrees to drive Ali and Hassan to where they want to go, but he starts to cry. The fact that Amir's Baba is crying is very reveling; it shows that he truly loves Ali and Hassan and definitely thinks of them as more than just servants. 

Chapter 10 starts out five years later and Amir and his Baba are traveling in a truck with other refugees. It can be inferred that there has been a Russian take over in their home town and the only chance at survival was for them to leave. There is a point in which on of the Russian soldiers tries to take advantage of one of the women refugees. Amir's Baba stands up for her and refuses to allow such an action to take place. He does not stand down even when the guard threatens to shoot him. Amir thinks to himself "Do you have to always be the hero? Can't you just let it go for once?" page 115. From this statement it can be seen that he wants his father to do the same thing he did concerning Hassan's situation; turn and run away and let what ever is going to happen, to happen. Fortunately Amir's Baba does not back down and another Russian soldier comes and intervenes before anything drastic takes place.

The Kite Runner Chapter 7-8

Chapter seven starts off on the morning of the kite tournament. Hassan explains to Amir a dream he had about there being a monster at Ghargha Lake. In the end there turns out that there was not a monster at all and Hassan and Amir are praised for discovering this fact. It appears as if this dream might be foreshadowing some event that is coming in the near future. Once again Hassan intelligence is displayed when he comforts Amir, who is having second thoughts about participating in the kite tournament. Hassan tells him"Remember, Amir agha. There's no monster, just a beautiful day." page 61. Amir marvels at the fact that Hassan is able to read him so well. He states that "That was a little unsettling, but also sort of comforting to have someone who always knew what you needed." page 61-62.This just goes to show that Hassan is always thinking of Amir, although Amir rarely thinks about what he could do nice for Hassan.

Amir and Hassan end up winning the kite tournament and Hassan runs for Amir's winning kite. When Hassan does not return, Amir goes looking for him. After talking to several people Amir finds Hassan, but he has been cornered by Assef and his two followers. Assef tells Hassan that he will let him go if he gives him the blue kite. Hassan argues that "Amir agha won the tournament and I ran this kite for him. I ran it fairly. This is his kite." page 72. Assef tells him that he is loyal to a fault and does he really think that Amir would do the same thing for him. It means something when even the neighborhood bully realizes that Amir treats Hassan unfairly. However, Hassan insists that Amir is his friend. Before the situation takes a turn for the worse Amir has the chance to say something however he chooses to remain silent. Hassan ends up being raped by Assef and Amir runs away instead of trying to help Hassan.

Amir meets up with Hassan and pretends that he had not seen anything. Amir feels extremely guilty so he is unable to determine whether or not Hassan knows that he could have helped him. Hassan and Amir end up returning home and Hassan never mentions what happened. When they get home Amir's Baba embraces him and congratulates him on winning the tournament. Amir states that "In his arms, I forgot what I'd done. And that was good." page 79. This shows that Amir is trying to slip into a state of denial. Amir is offered another chance to do the right thing when Hassan's father Ali asks him is he knows what is wrong with Hassan. However, once again Amir takes the cowards way out and omits any knowledge. Amir is unable to enjoy his new found relationship with his father because he is ridden with guilt. Also he takes to lashing out at Hassan whenever he suggest that they do something together. Amir even ruins his new relationship with his father when he asks if they can get new servants. Amir's Baba is highly angered by this suggest and forbids Amir from ever saying anything of the sort again.  Amir succeeds in alienating Hassan when he pelts him with pomegranate urging him to fight back, instead Hassan takes one final pomegranate and hits himself in the face asking "Are you satisfied? Do you feel better?" page 93. Then he turns and leaves. This statement alludes to the fact that Hassan might know that Amir was there when the incident took place.

The Kite Runner Chapter 5-6

In these chapters the event that caused Afghanistan to change forever is described. On July 17, 1973 Daoud Khan ended monarchy and  took over Afghanistan from his cousin Zahir Shah. Zahir Shah was vacationing in Italy at the time of the coup. On the night of the coup Amir, Hassan, and Ali stayed huddled together until morning and even at a time of great peril Amir is jealous of the relationship Hassan has with Ali, his father. Amir states, "Later, I would tell myself I hadn't felt envious of Hassan. Not at all." page 35. This shows that Amir is slightly in denial; he knows what the truth is but does not want to truly admit it to himself. However, in this time of fear it appears that the family is thrown closer together. When Amir's father returns the next morning Amir notes that this is the first time he has seen fear on his father's face. He father gathers him and Hassan into a warm embrace and tells them how worried he was about them. Amir says that "... for a brief insane moment, I was glad about whatever had happened that night." page 36. This just goes to show how starved for attention Amir is. It also seems as if this new found affection Amir's father is showing him will be short lived.

These chapters also show that Hassan is very insightful. For someone that most people consider to be unintelligent, Hassan is able to quickly read a situation and interpret whether or not something good or bad is ready to occur. For instance on the morning after the coup Hassan and Amir are listening to the news outside of Amir's father's study and they keep hearing the word "republic." Hassan asks Amir what the word means and whether or not he and his father will be sent away. Amir reassures him that everything will be alright. However, this shows that Hassan has very good insight, he realizes that this new leader might be bad for him and his father and any other Hazaras. This could also be foreshadowing and event to come later in the novel. Also the fact that Amir's Baba's birthday present to Hassan is plastic surgery to fix his harelip, could be another sign that things are going to be bad for the Hazaras. It could be that Amir's Baba is trying to draw as much attention away fro Hassan as possible so that there is less chance of him being persecuted later on.   Another instance of Hassan's foresight is his ability to be able to tell what Amir is thinking and know exactly what he needs. This also shows that he is a really good friend.

The events that take place with Assef show that there is some warrant to Hassan's fear that things are going to get bad for the Hazaras. Assef states his feelings that he believes that "Afghanistan is for Pashtuns," and that it's "Too late for Hitler. But now for us." page 40. This parallel between Hitler and his persecution of the Jewish people and Assef wish for Daoud Khan to persecute gives a reference point for just how bad things might get for the Shi'a. Then when Assef turns his anger toward Amir and berates him for being friends with Hassan his first thought is "But he's not my friend!.....He's my servant!" page 41. Although Amir does not state this out loud this thought is one of  the first time he realizes that he views his friendship with Hassan differently than his friendship with other people. This also reveals yet another layer of Hassan and Amir's friendship. Another aspect is revealed when Amir decides to "toy" with Hassan when he asks him whether or not Amir would he ever he ever lie to him. Amir asks him "Would you?" and Hassan responds he would rather eat dirt. Amir asks him whether or not he would eat dirt if he told him to. There is a moment when Amir and Hassan just look at each other. It is at this moment that Amir says that " Hassan's face changed.... I was looking at two faces, the one I knew, the one that was my first memory, and another, a second face, this one lurking just beneath the surface." page 54.  This "second face" that Amir sees, shows him that Hassan is not as simple as he thinks he is but that he is capable of deeper thought and knows when he is not treating him right.

The Kite Runner Chapter 3-4

In chapter three the reader learns more about Amir's father. It is clear that Amir is starved for attention from his father. Amir relates the story of his father building an orphanage and tells of the day before the opening when his father takes him to Ghargha Lake. Amir's father told him to bring Hassan along too, but Amir lied and said that he could not come. This shows just how desperate Amir is to spend time with his father and it also shows that he is a little jealous of Hassan. He tells of the time when Hassan had accompanied them on an outing before and had managed to gain his father's approval. It can be seen that there is a twinge of jealousy there because Hassan was able to accomplish something that he has been striving for his whole life. However, Amir's attempt to have quality time with his father fails and Amir's father basically spends he whole time they are at the lake ignoring him and preparing for his speech the following day.

The reasoning behind why Amir's father is the way is he is revealed in this chapter as well. It is stated that "...despite Bab's successes, people were always doubting him." page 15. His father was told that he could not run a business but he became "one of the riches merchants in Kabul." It was also said that he would never marry well but he married one of the most educated and well-off women who also was a royal descendant. Amir feels as if his father has the ability to "mold the world around him to his liking." and that he only saw the world as black and white. This quote shows Amir's feelings about that aspect of his father, "You can't love a person who lives that way without fearing him too. Maybe even hating him a little." page 15. In short this means that Amir's feelings about his father are extremely complicated. It also can be seen that Rahim Khan represents the voice of reason within the novel. He comes to logical conclusions about situations and tries to keep the peace.

Chapter four reveals more about Hassan and Amir's friendships. Amir admits that he never really thought of Hassan as his friend. This is due to the fact that they belong to two separate social classes. Amir is of a higher rank and Hassan is his servant. Also there is the fact of their religions. Amir states that "In the end, I was Pashtun and he was a Hazara, I was Sunni and he was Shi'a, and nothing was ever going to change that. Nothing." page 25. However, as kids they are inseparable. They spend all of their summer days together and work out a routine for the school year where they can still spend all of their free time together. More about Amir's character is revealed through his interactions with Hassan. For instance the fact that he stopped reading riddles to him when he found out that he was better at them than him, shows that Amir has an extreme jealous streak. Also the fact that Amir makes fun of Hassan when he does not know certain words show's that he has a cruel side. However, the fact that he feels guilty afterward and tries to make up for it by giving him his old stuff shows that he does have conscious. Another instance of Amir showing tenderness toward Hassan is when Hassan complemented him on the story he had made up and Amir told him that "You're a prince, Hassan. You're a prince and I love you." page 30. This shows that in his own way Amir truly does care for Hassan. Chapter four ends with a cliffhanger, making the reader wonder what will happen next. "Because suddenly Afghanistan changed forever." page 34.

The Kite Runner Chapter 1-2

Thus far the first two chapter has given background information about the main character Amir. In the first chapter the reader is introduced to the main character who is reminiscing about his past. He states that ".... it's wrong what they say about the past, I've learned, about how you can bury it. Because the past claws its way out." page 1. This one quote sets the mood for the remaining of the chapter and alludes to the fact there is some dark secret in Amir's past. Amir relates the encounter he had with his friend Rahim Khan that had called him the previous summer. This situation provides another clue that there is possibly something dark and dangerous hidden in Amir's past.The fact that Amir decides to sit underneath a willow in order to reflect about  his past is extremely symbolic.

Chapter two goes back to Amir's childhood. He discusses how he use to spend his days with his friend Hassan. Amir uses a multitude of similes in order to describe Hassan's physical appearance. For example "...on his almost perfectly round face, a face like a a Chinese doll chiseled from hardwood: his flat , broad nose and slanting , narrow eyes like bamboo leaves." page 3. It can be seen that Hassan is a loyal friend, this is due to the fact that when Amir and Hassan got caught shining mirrors on the neighbors or shooting walnuts at the neighbors dog, he would always take the blame. He would never mention that it was in fact Amir's idea. Amir is very well off this can be seen from where he lives. On page 4 it states "Everyone agreed that my father, my Baba, had built the most beautiful house in the Wazir Akbar Khan district," this shows that Amir had a lot of money and was very affluent. Hassan and his father Ali live in the servants house behind Amir's house. So this shows that Amir and Hassan belong to two different social classes but are still friends.

The relationship between Amir and his father is strained. Whenever Amir would ask if he could sit with his father and his friends in his study, his father would tell him that it was "grown-ups' time."It can be seen that Amir is sadden by this because he states "He'd close the door, leaving me to wonder why it was always grown-ups' time with him." page 5. This shows that Amir's dad rarely, if at all, spends time with him. Amir tells of a picture of his father holding him as a baby "looking tired and grim" but although Amir's Baba is the one holding him, Amir is holding on to Rahim Khan's ( his father's best friend) finger. This shows that the distancing between father and son began at birth. This chapter also goes into a detailed account of how the Hazaras are treated and have been treated. This might possibly mean that at some point during the novel this conflict might come to an unfortunate ending.

The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 19-20

In chapter nineteen it seems as if Dorian is seeking some for of redemption. Dorian tells Lord Henry that he believes that he has done too many horribly things in his life and wants to make a change for the better. Lord Henry argues that Dorian is perfect as he is and does not need to change at all. Dorian insists that this is not the case and that tells Lord Henry of his first good deed. Dorian had been in the country and had fallen in love with a girl there. However, instead of pursuing her Dorian decided to "leave her as flowerlike as [he] had found her." page 230. Henry completely dismisses this action and says that by leaving her Dorian has also caused her harm by saying that now she will never be happy with anyone of her own class and that when she does get married she will grow to resent her husband. He even makes a reference to Hamlet by stating "....how do you know that Hetty isn't floating at the present moment in some starlit mill pond, with lovely water lilies round her, like Ophelia?"

Fed up with Lord Henry dismissing everything he says Dorian tries to change the subject but Lord Henry ends up talking about Basil's disappearance. Not only that but he revels that Alan Campbell has committed suicide and that he is getting a divorce from his wife. Dorian surprising  himself with the ease of which he is able to talk about Basil. Dorian even goes as far to ask Lord Henry what he would think if he told him that it was him that killed Basil. Once again Basil completely dismisses this notion stating "Crime belongs exclusively to the lower orders." page 233. So the topic of conversation is changed once more and eventually Dorian grows tired of going back and forth with Lord Henry and announces that he is tired and takes his leave.

In chapter twenty Dorian reflects upon his good deed and why it is that he fell in love with Hetty in the first place. His conclusion can be seen in this quote, "She knew noting, but she had everything that he had lost."page 240. Basically she had everything that he wished he still possessed. The more he thinks about his good deed, the more Dorian begins to question whether or not it truly a good deed to begin with. He finally realizes that he still acted selfishly and that it was no good deed at all to leave Hetty. It can be seen in this chapter the Dorian has grown tired. This sense of defeat is probably what causes him to act irrationally and stab the portrait of himself thus ending his own life. All he truly wanted was a chance at a new life, instead he only succeeded in ending it; answering for all of the sins he had committed.

The End

The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 17-18

Chapter seventeen takes place a week after Dorian's encounter with James Vane, Sybil's brother. He is sitting in the conservatory at Selby Rose, having a conversation with Lord Henry and the Duchess of Monmouth. On the surface, this chapter seems somewhat irrelevant to the flow of the novel. However the witty dialogue within this chapter goes toward exhibiting the style of the author. The somewhat light-hearted banter going on between the characters is similar to that which was in displayed in "The Importance of Being Ernest." The end of the chapter is extremely important because it is at this point that Dorian faints because he sees James Vane watching him from the window.

Chapter eighteen shows the struggle that Dorian goes through with is own conscious. He comes to a realization and states that "It was the imagination that set remorse to dog the feet of sin." page 218. This basically means that he thinks there is no order within actual life, but that the imagination holds all the order by which the world must function. It takes Dorian three days in order to pull himself together enough to leave the house. When he does leave the house he goes to take a walk with the Duchess and it is at this point that his mood shifts. "He was dominated by the carelessness of happiness, by the high indifference of joy." page 220.

As usual though, this mood does not last long. When a rabbit hops past he tells Sir Geoffry not to shot it. Instead Sir Geoffry ends of shooting a random man, this man ends up dying. After the shooting Dorian reveals to Lord Henry that he feels as if "It is a bad omen, Harry. I feel as if something horrible were going to happen to some of us." page 222. This statement is foreshadowing some tragic even that is going to occur before the conclusion of the novel. Toward the end of the chapter Dorian finds out that the man that was shoot earlier that day was in fact James Vane. Dorian cries tears of relief and happiness believing that he is now safe. However there is still a sense of foreboding as if something awful is still going to occur.

The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 15-16

In chapter fifteen Dorian heads to a party hosted by Lady Narborough. It speaks volumes that he is able to go out and socialize after the crime he has committed. Dorian even marvels as this fact, at first it concerns him then he is states that he "felt keenly the terrible pleasure of a double life." page 191. Dorian slowly begins to regret coming to the party and considers leaving. That is until he learns that Lord Henry arrives. However, even Lord Henry's presence is not enough to completely shake the mode he is in. He scarcely eats and when Lord Henry asks him what is the matter, Lady Narborough suggests that he is in love. This gets the whole party on the subject of marriage and distracts from Dorian's strange behavior.

Later during the party Lord Henry causally inquires about Dorian's whereabouts the night before. Dorian's guilty conscious clearly shines through when he answers defensively and gets angered by the question. Dorian apologizes for getting angry but still insists on leaving the party early. Dorian goes home and destroys Basil's belongings by burning them in the fire. Feeling restless after having destroyed the evidence Dorian leaves his home and heads to an opium den stating "To cure the soul by means of the senses, and the senses by means of the soul." page 201. This basically means that if he can not deal with is guilty conscious, the only other option is to forget his sins. And at the opium dens "one could buy oblivion." page 201.

While at the opium den Dorian runs across Sybil's brother James; however he is not aware of this fact. He is busy reflecting on whether or not it was truly his fault for how Adrian Singleton ended up but then comes to the conclusion that he can not be responsible for others sins. Instead decides that "Destiny never [closes] her accounts." page 207. This statement is extremely ironic coming from Dorian, since destiny seems to be ready to catch up with him. James confronts Dorian but Dorian is able to talk his way out of the confrontation by stating there is no way he could be the person he's looking for since it has been eighteen years and he still looks youthful. James lets Dorian go and is immediately confronted by a woman he informs him that Dorian has been coming there for eighteen years and his appearance has changed in all of that time. James goes in search of Dorian but he has disappeared.

The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 13-14

Chapter thirteen starts with Dorian leading Basil up to the room where the portrait is. Before opening the door Dorian states "You are the one man in the world who is entitled to know everything about me. You have more to do with my life than you think." page 169. This is a clever way for Dorian to "tell" Basil about the painting without actually revealing anything. Dorian reveals the painting to Basil and Basil is extremely taken aback. It takes a while for Basil to actually come to terms with the truth of the matter. Which is that the painting is indeed the one that he had made years ago. When Basil asks how it can be possible, Dorian reminds him of the wish he made years ago when he was first introduced to Lord Henry.

Basil takes the blame how Dorian's situation turned out he states, "I worshiped you too much. I am punished for it. You worshiped yourself too much. We are both punished."page 172. With this statement you can see that Basil feels guilty for how Dorian turned out. He believes that if he had not put so much importance on Dorian's beauty, then none of this would have happened. Dorian is suddenly seized by an extreme hatred toward Basil and stabs him to death. At this point Dorian seems to disconnect from reality. His attitude toward the whole crime is similar to the one he had toward Sybil's suicide. "The secret of the whole thing was not to realize the situation." page 174. Basically he plans to ignore the whole situation in hopes that it all goes away.

The next morning Dorian awakes perfectly calm and happy, that is until the realization of the events of the previous night comes back to him. He sends for Alan Campbell to come to his aid. While he awaits him, he tries to distract himself by reading and then he reflects on his former friendship with Alan. It is unclear as to why they no longer associate with one another, but it is safe to assume that Dorian is the cause. There was a time when they were inseparable then there came a time when Alan wanted nothing to do with him. Alan reluctantly comes to Dorian's aid and when Dorian reveals the true nature of his crime Alan wants nothing to do with it. Dorian ends up blackmailing Alan forcing him to dispose of the body. It is unknown what Dorian has on Alan, but it must be something extremely bad to convince Alan to dispose of the body. Also, when Dorian went to cover up the portrait it is seem that it has once again changed. There is blood on the hands, showing that it reflects his most recent crime.

The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 11-12

Chapter eleven focuses on the different endeavors that Dorian indulges in. Years have gone by since the novel originally began and the change within Dorian is extremely evident. Dorian also, has become extremely obsessed with that novel that Lord Henry gave him. This novel is just another tool for which Lord Henry can use to indirectly control Dorian, even more than he already does. The dream that Dorian has on page 143 seems to be foreshadowing some horrible even that he will soon have to face. It seems as if Dorian is becoming bored with his lifestyle; he is jumping from one hobby to the next, surrounding himself with beautiful things.

On page 153 it becomes clear that Dorian is driven by fear. He is unable to stay away from London for long periods of time, because he thinks someone might discover his portrait. He even went as far as to have bars placed on the door to the room where the portrait was hidden. Even though he was the only one who possessed a key to enter the room. Those that he associates with are being to notice this change within Dorian and start to regard him with suspicion. They "look at him with cold, searching eyes, as though they were determined to discover his secret."

In chapter twelve it has been eighteen years since the start of the novel and Dorian is being confronted by Basil. Basil comes to talk to him about the rumors that have been circulating around the community about him. It seems as if Dorian has become poisonous to everyone around him. He takes those that are pure and innocent and tarnish their reputation because of his negative influence. There is a bit of irony when Basil states "Mind you, I don't believe these rumors at all. At least I can't believe them when I see you. Sin is a thing that writes itself across a man's face." page 164. The reason this is ironic is due to the fact that Basil is basing his judgment on Dorian's outward appearance when if he could see the portrait, which is the true mirror to his soul, he would have a completely different opinion. The chapter ends with Dorian agreeing to show Basil the portrait; this action could possibly cause tremendous problems in the near future for Dorian.

The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 9-10

The dramatic change which Dorian's personality has undergone is much clearer in chapter nine. He even goes as far as to start quoting Lord Henry.  He states that "If one doesn't talk about a thing, it has never happened. It is simply expression, as Harry says, that gives reality to things." page 118. The fact that this is the response of which Dorian gives when Basil is simply trying to comfort him speaks volumes. It shows that he has a sort of detachment from the whole situation. Dorian comes across as being cold and somewhat callous. He tries to justify his behavior but his reasoning is severely flawed. The fact that he was able to go to the Opera and have a good time shows that his innocent nature has completely seeped away.

Chapter nine also shows that Dorian is not disillusioned about Lord Henry, that in fact he sees him quite clearly. Basil is berating him, saying that something has changed within him and that it is because of Lord Henry's influence. Dorian goes on to tell him that "Of course I am very fond of Harry. But I know that you are better than he is. You are not stronger - you are too much afraid of life - but you are better." In this scene Dorian acknowledges that Basil is the better person and that Lord Henry can not be trusted. However, it is also clear that Dorian has no intention to stop associating with Lord Henry.

Another instance of Dorian's cruelty is when Basil confesses his true feelings to him and Dorian's only response is "It was a very disappointing confession." That was an extremely rude statement for Dorian to say. Then once Basil leaves Dorian revels in the fact that he was able to manipulate him into revealing his secret while managing to keep his own. This shows that Dorian is turning into a manipulator just like Lord Henry. Chapter ten basically just describes Dorian struggle to move the portrait of himself to a location where no one may happen upon it. Then toward the end of the chapter Lord Henry sends Dorian two things, a newspaper story about Sybil's suicide and a book. Dorian is enraptured by this novel and the chapter ends with him meeting up with Lord Henry to discuss the book. It seems as if this book may have a deeper meaning throughout the development of the rest of the novel.

The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 7-8

In chapter seven, Dorian brings Basil and Lord Henry to the theater so that they can see Sybil in action for themselves. There is a brief moment when it appears as if Dorian might being seeing Lord Henry for what he truly is. This can be seen in the quote that states "Harry is so cynical, he terrifies me." However, then he goes on to comment on the orchestra so it is as if he dismisses this revelation as soon as he has it. Sybil's performance does not live up to what Dorian built it up to be and he is horribly disappointed. So much that he asks both Basil and Lord Henry to leave.

After the show Dorian goes to talk to with Sybil and she explains that the reason she acted so horribly was because now that she loves him so knows what real emotion feels like. That she does not want to fake emotion any longer and that they should run away together. Dorian's response to this is less than pleasant. He is horribly cruel to her and basically tells her that she wants nothing to do with her. When he gets back home he realizes that the portrait of himself has changed. The portrait is going to reflect the changes of of his soul. Dorian states that "... the face appeared to him to be a little changed. The expression looked different. One would have said that there was a touch of cruelty in the mouth." page 99. This first change shows the cruelty that he displayed to Sybil.

Dorian comes to the realization that he no longer what to have anything to do with Lord Henry; that he has in fact poisoned his life. That is until he finds out about Sybil's suicide. Dorian's response the news is not what he expected it would be and even comments on this fact. He says "Why is it that I cannot feel this tragedy as much as I want to? I don't think I am heartless. Do you?" Lord Henry is able to convince Dorian that there is nothing wrong with the way he is feeling. Dorian even goes as far as to say "You have explained me to myself, Harry... But we will not talk again of what has happened. It has been a marvelous experience. That is all." page 113. This quote reveals that Dorian has had a complete change of character. Lord Henry has been able to completely convince him to think as he wants him to. From this change of attitude Dorian even comes to see the portrait in a new light. He believes that it is a good thing rather than fearing it as he previously had.

The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 5-6

Chapter 5 introduces the reader to the character of Sybil. It can be seen that her mother is a skeptic of love. At the beginning of the chapter Sybil repeatedly proclaims her love for Dorian and her mother's responses reveal exactly what she thinks of love. Her mother is solely focused on Sybil's acting career and ensuring that their debt to Mr. Isaac is paid off. She states that "My child, you are far too young to think of falling in love. Besides, what do you know of this young man? You don't even know his name." page 68. Her mother makes a very valid point about not knowing Dorian's name. In her own way she is suggesting that things between Dorian and Sybil might be moving to fast.

Also in this chapter the reader meets James, Sybil's brother. James appears to represent the voice of reason. He genuinely cares about about his sister's well being and has absolutely no patience for his mother's dramatics. James sees his mother for who she truly is, which is a superficial older woman who is trying to recapture her youth by living through her daughter. James is determined that nothing bad will happen to his sister and makes their mother promise to watch over her. However, even when she makes this promise James is not satisfied because he believes that she has allowed this romance between Dorian and Sybil to go on for too long. However, toward the end of the chapter the James and his mother come to somewhat better understand each other. Whether or not this understanding will last is yet to be seen.

Chapter six reveals further examples of Lord Henry's manipulative ways. He brashly informs Basil of Dorian's engagement to Sybil, just so that he may watch his reaction. Then when Basil asks his opinion about the wedding his response is "I never approve, or disapprove, of anything now..... We are not sent into the world to air our moral prejudices. I never take any notice of what common people say, and I never interfere with what charming people do." page 81. This whole statement is simply absurd. All Lord Henry ever does is air his moral prejudices and interfere with what "charming people" do. Lord Henry is nothing more than a walking contradiction. At the end of the chapter Basil comes to a realization, which is that the Dorian he once knew is lost to him forever. Due to the actions of Lord Henry Dorian changed and has lost the boy-like innocence he once possessed.

The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 3-4

In these chapters the point of view shifts to that of Lord Henry. He is on his way to visit his uncle Lord Fermor in order to gain more knowledge about Dorian. Through the course of this visit he learns about Dorian's parents and the tragic story that surrounds them. Both of Dorian's parents are dead and he had to grow up with a bitter old man. It appears as though these tragedies have not affected Dorian, based on the previous descriptions of his personality. It is as if in spite of these tragedies Dorian was able to maintain his innocence. Lord Henry expresses his thoughts about this in the following quote "Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic." This shows that he believes that a beautiful exterior only hides a dark past.

These chapters also introduce many new characters. Whether or not these characters will play a major role within the plot of the novel is still yet to be seen. However, the scene at Lord Henry's aunt's house provides a perfect example of how easily he is able to manipulate people. By the end of the conversation Lord Henry has the majority of the guest agreeing with his views. The guest encourage him to keep voicing his opinions and eat up everything he says. Lord Henry has a "puppet master" type personality and this may prove to be a negative characteristic as the novel progresses. One negative outcome that has already ensued is that he has "stolen" Dorian away from Basil; if this behavior continues, there is no telling what the end result might be.

Chapter four starts off with a detailed description of the library in Lord Henry's home. Once again this type of description allows the reader to thoroughly visual the setting of the scene. The chapter also introduces another character, Sibyl Vane. However, it is clear that this character will play a large role in the plot of the novel. Dorian's fascination with Sibyl might end up causing conflict with his relationship with Lord Henry, even though Lord Henry states that he feels no jealously toward the situation. Also, it might cause an even bigger rift between Dorian and Basil. Another revelation is that Lord Henry views Dorian as a type of science project and this creates a whole new dynamic to be evaluated throughout the rest of the novel.

The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 1-2

After reading the first two chapters of the novel, it has become evident that Oscar Wilde employs the use of details to enhance his writing. On the very first page he explains the surroundings of the studio even commenting on "the rich odor of roses" and "the light summer wind" which "stirred amidst the trees of the garden." These details allow the reader to imagine the setting and with all of their senses. There are also many references to Greek mythology. One of which is on page 5 which states "Why, my dear Basil, he is a Narcissus and you - well, of course you have an intellectual expression and all that." This reference is implying that Dorian Gray is as beautiful and the Greek character Narcissus was. Other references include those to Atinous and Hermes.

The character of Lord Henry appears to be a manipulator. He likes to interfere in others lives and warp the concepts that they believe in. For instance when he was talking to Basil he was telling him that those who are "ugly" are the lucky ones in life. However, when he talks with Dorian he tells him that beauty is all that matters. He appears to either be trying to drive a wedge between Basil and Dorian. Or he just enjoys causing people to go through emotional turmoil and then watching what the consequences of such actions will be.  Lord Henry might become a larger source of conflict in the future.

 There is a lot of emphasis put on nature as well. On page 8 descriptions of nature are used to show a pause in the conversation. The actions of the grasshopper to the dragonfly are explained and create a sense of apprehension. The apprehension directly correlate to how the character Basil is feeling, since he has been asked to answer a question that he rather not. Nature is used again as a "place holder" when Dorian goes out into the garden after his conversation with Lord Henry. It states on page 24 "Lord Henry went out to the garden and found Dorian Gray burying his face in the great cool lilac blossoms, feverishly drinking in their perfume as if it had been wine." This quote shows Oscar Wilde's use of descriptions of nature in order to relate to the reader the emotions of the characters.