The Kite Runner Chapters 10 - 12

Chapter 10 Summary . “War doesn’t negate decency. It demands it…“ We jump forward in time to 1981. Amir is now 18. He and Baba are fleeing Kabul. Afghanistan is not a trustworthy place. When a Russian guard threatens to rape one of Baba and Amir‘s fellow refugees, Baba steps in and stands up for her despite almost getting shot. In a basement, waiting to take the final journey, Amir meets Assef‘s friend Kamal who, he learns, was also raped. He later dies and his father shoots himself after their final journey in the fuel tank.

WRITE THIS INTO YOUR NOTEBOOK! Commentary – ch. 10 Baba still commands respect despite his new impoverished position. This chapter is important as it offers new perspectives on or dimensions for Baba and Amir‘s relationship. Watch for the change in style and structure in this chapter – short paragraphs, uppercase words, italics, short sentences etc.

WRITE THIS INTO YOUR NOTEBOOK! Baba‘s idea of what a man is is explored further here and Amir fails twice to prove it. Kamal‘s death and his father‘s subsequent suicide contrasts sharply with Baba and Amir‘s relationship. Kamal‘s father‘s willingness to share Kamal‘s rape with Baba, shows the reader that Hassan‘s experience was not an isolated event, nor was it something so shameful that it couldn‘t be admitted or discussed.

Chapter 11 Summary . “America was a place to bury memories.“ Baba and Amir settle in California. Baba cannot adjust to life in the US where he is poor and works in a gas station. Amir graduated from high school at the age of twenty, when Baba was fifty. After the ceremony, Baba took Amir to a bar, where he bought drinks for other patrons and became the life of his own impromptu party. When they drove home, Amir was shocked to find that Baba had bought him a Ford Torino to drive himself to junior college. When they went inside, Baba said he wished Hassan was there. Amir's throat closed up with guilt.

WRITE THIS INTO YOUR NOTEBOOK! Commentary – ch. 11 Baba‘s anti-religion stance is further highlighted here when we are told about his pro-Israel stance. He is pro-success. He is critical of America‘s political tactics – “Wha wha… I won‘t come swim in your pool!“ - until Regan arrives. It is ironic that he is pro-Republican when they are so Christian. But he favours them for their capitalism. We are told that tree branches were used as credit cards in Afghanistan. We are told that life in America is a gift that Baba has given to Amir. Someone, once again, sacrifices their happiness for the sake of Amir‘s. Amir decides to study English, thus, finally accepting that he cannot fulfil his father‘s dreams.

Commentary Finally, we have a glimmer of hope and happiness… Amir falls in love with Soraya.

Chapter 12 Summary . “…there’s no one you’d rather have on your side than a Pashtun.“ Amir is tormented by his love for Soraya. He eventually begins talking to her. At one point she tells Amir how, as a child in Kabul, she taught her illiterate housekeeper, Ziba, how to read. Amir was ashamed, remembering how he had lorded his literacy over the oblivious Hassan. Her father is a former general who still commands respect. When Baba is diagnosed with terminal cancer, Amir asks him to ask the General for Soraya‘s hand in marriage. The General gives his consent. Soraya tells Amir that she once ran off with a man. Though disappointed that she is not a virgin like him, Amir does not judge her as he too has sinned.

WRITE THIS INTO YOUR NOTEBOOK! Commentary – ch. 12 His attraction to Soraya coincides with more of an interest in his culture and religious feeling. “every night of the week became a yelda for me.“ This is ironic as though he becomes more independent in his new American life he also embraces his culture and folklore more as an adult.

WRITE THIS INTO YOUR NOTEBOOK! Commentary . Ch.12 At the end of Chapter Twelve, Amir's guilt reappears. As he listens to Soraya's story, he pities her because he knows she is subject to a sexual double standard. But once Soraya is betrothed to Amir, her parents can stop worrying that no one will ever want to marry her. Amir envies Soraya for freeing herself from her guilt and for being a braver and better person than him. Her sin may be smaller than his, but she has the strength to admit to it at the risk of losing him.