The Kite Runner Khaled Hosseini

About the Author: Khaled Hosseini Born 1965 in Kabul, Afghanistan Father was an Afghan Ambassador Moved to the USA in 1980 Attended Santa Clara University, Cal. Graduated from UC San Diego School of Medicine in 1996

Background First novel to be written in English Semi-autobiographical story of family secrets and atonement Title is derived from an old Afghan hobby Gudiparan Bazi or Kite Flying It is a unique Afghan pastime during windy spring season

The Setting: Afghanistan

Politics of Afghanistan In the 19th century, Afghanistan ceded many territories to Great Britain. In 1919, the Anglo-Afghan wars returned the ruling power to the Afghani monarchy. In 1973, the king’s brother staged a coup to create a Republic. In 1978, communists overthrew the ruler and took over the government. In 1979, the Soviet Union sent troops to Afghanistan to bolster the communist regime.

Politics of Afghanistan The Soviet occupation resulted in a mass exodus from Afghanistan. Over 5 million people left the country and settled mainly in Pakistan. However, the world-wide push against communism was considerable, and the Soviet Union finally left the country in 1989 after much opposition from rebel groups inside Afghanistan. The chaos that was left by the Soviet withdrawal spawned the rise of the Taliban, and it seized Kabul in 1996.

After Communism Mujahideen assumed power from the last Afghan Communist in April 1992. Mujahideen could not agree among themselves about the sharing of power. They turned their guns against each other and the country became engulfed in a civil war and was divided in several independent zones, each with its own warlord. Kabul was also divided into zones of occupations and turned it into an armed camps. Country was in turmoil and the Taliban took over.

The Taliban They banished warlords and forced them to the northeastern corner the country where they formed the Northern Alliance Restored law and order but through rigorous enforcement of Islamic punishment: public beating, flogging, amputation of hands, and stoning to death. In 1997, the Taliban were recognized as legitimate rulers by some countries. They issued strict religious decrees that denied people the right to freedom of expression, association, the right to work, and the right to education. Under the Taliban’s rule, human rights and civil liberties were slowly peeled away. The Taliban instituted cruel and inhumane treatment of those who opposed them in order to solidify their power over Afghanistan’s citizens.

Taliban Rules No one can listen to music. No one can watch television, movies or videos. No citizen can have a non-Islamic name. Men may not shave or trim their beards. No one may fly kites. In any sporting event, no one may clap. Anyone who converts from Islam to any other religion will be executed. No burying of anyone who was killed by the Taliban. Bodies must remain in the streets as examples to other ‘wrongdoers’.

How Does This Relate? • In the beginning of The Kite Runner, the monarchy is still in place and the country is relatively calm. However, chaos starts to erupt as the king is overthrown by his brother. • In the second half of The Kite Runner, the Taliban is in power, creating a much more volatile and dangerous Afghanistan.

Islam A religion based on the interpretations of God’s word by the prophet Muhammad found in the Qu’ran (sometimes spelled Koran) Followers of Islam, Muslims, are devoted to daily prayer (five times a day facing Mecca, the holy city). • There are several tenets of Islam, but there are three mentioned early on in the book: • Zakat – charitable giving • Hadj – pilgrimage to Mecca http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzAJIXwc49A • Namaz – five daily prayers facing Mecca

Divisions of Islam • Islam is divided into two denominations, Shia and Sunni. Because of the differing views of these two groups, they maintain a rather tense and hostile relationship. • The Pashtun (majority) are typically Sunni, and the Hazara (minority) are typically Shia. • Thus, the racial differences are compounded by the religious differences.

Racial Conflict: Pashtun The distinct racial division in Afghanistan occurs between the Hazara and the Pashtun. The Pashtun are the majority race, and discrimination against the Hazara is widespread.

Racial Conflict: Hazara The Hazaras are most easily identified by their tendency to have light colored and almond shaped eyes and round faces. They are possibly direct descendents of Genghis Khan, who invaded Afghanistan in the 13th century. Thus, they are seen as “invaders” and not true Afghanis.

The Hazaras typically function as the servant class and partake in few of the freedoms enjoyed by the Pashtun upper-class.

Tribal Traditions Tribalism is the most important traditional institution Tribes provide a sense of solidarity, security, and political power to their members For most ethnic groups, especially Pashtuns, tribal identity and loyalty precede national identity and national consciousness Tribes follow and live by their own tribal code. Pashtuns call their tribal code Pashtunwali Pashtunwali sets the limits of acceptable behavior and governs the relations between tribes.

Pashtun Tribal Code Jirga or council of a form of local government and makes decisions in all disputes. Badal or revenge is based on the principle of “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” It gives everyone the right to balance justice. Melmastia or hospitality requires that a traveler must be received and cared for and the host must protect him from his enemies even at the cost of the host’s life. Nanawati or asylum must be given to the deadliest enemy who has voluntarily placed himself in one’s power and requested a safe haven. Nang or honor or bravery or one’s self-esteem. All offenses committed against one’s honor will be dealt with.

Characters • Amir: the main character; narrator; Pashtun • Baba: Amir’s father; wealthy Afghani; Pashtun • Rahim Khan: Baba’s best friend and business partner; an uncle to Amir; Pashtun • Hassan: Amir’s best friend; servant; Hazara; has cleft lip • Ali: Hassan’s father; Hazara