Introduction and Context The Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini

About the Author Khaled Hosseini was born in Kabul, Afghanistan in His mother was a teacher and his father a diplomat. His family left Afghanistan for a posting in Paris in 1976, well before the Communist coup and the Soviet invasion. They intended to return, but sought political asylum in the US in He now lives in California, where he works as a doctor. (Sherman 2006, p.5) Source: Khaled Hosseini Website accessed 17 February

About The Kite Runner “largely fictional“ “autobiographical elements“ “assimilating into a new culture“

About The Kite Runner Hosseini ‘wanted to write about Afghanistan before the Soviet war because that is largely a forgotten period in modern Afghan history. For many people in the west, Afghanistan is synonymous with the Soviet war and the Taliban.’ He explains: ‘I wanted to remind people that Afghans had managed to live in peaceful anonymity for decades, that the history of the Afghans in the twentieth century has been largely peaceful and harmonious.’ (Newsline Publications 2001 in Sherman 2006, p. 5)

About The Kite Runner “big parties“ “famine“ “Cinema Park“ “war“ “long school days in summer“ “kite fighting“ “landmines“ “picnics“ Afghanistan after Soviet Occupation Afghanistan before Soviet Occupation

Afghanistan Source: Accessed 17 February

Terrain – rocky and dry, mountainous in the central part of the country Climate – hot summers, cold winters Geography – borders Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikstan Geography

Introduction to Afghanistan An ethnically diverse country. Pashtu and Dari are considered the official languages of Afghanistan and are spoken by 85% of the people.

Numbers.... PopulationPopulation estimate 30,419, census 15.5 million

Politics – A very simple timeline! Soviets invade Mujahideen take power Taliban come to power Civil WarNATO arrive

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. The Taliban

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. How does this relate?

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The people of Afghanistan About 99% of the population is Muslim, and of these Muslims, 84% belong to the Sunni sect. There has been a long history of an ethnic hierarchy within Afghanistan. It has created imbalances in wealth, influence and education within its society. Traditionally Pashtuns have dominated the country because they are the presumed majority of the population. As a result, many of the other ethnic groups have not had a strong voice within the society. (Amnesty International USA The Kite Runner Companion Curriculum. Accessed on 17 February 2008)

Ethnic Groups Pashtuns Majority ethnic group at 42% Tajiks 27% of population Hazaras A minority ethnic group 9% of Afghanistan’s population

Other Ethnic Groups 12% of the population is comprised or the Turkmen (3%) and Uzbeks (9%). The remaining 10% of the population is comprised of the Nuristans, an ancient people of Mediterranean descent, the Fariswan, the ethnic Shi’a Persians, the relatively few in number Baluchis of the south and the scattered members of the Kuchi and Aimaq nomads.

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 13 th century. Thus, they are seen as “invaders” and not true Afghanis. Hazara

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

jan – a term of endearment often used after a person’s name: Baba jan agha – leader, ruler, master, lord sahib – friend (original), lord naan – bread Afghani Words in the book

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

Using context in your analysis When reading the book make sure you pay attention to the cultural and historical details. how Amir is informed by his Afghan heiritage and changed by his adopted US home. How do these conflicting cultures influence events and characters in the book?

Is it ever appropriate or necessary to remain a silent bystander when someone is being hurt (physically or emotionally)? Is it possible to atone (make amends) for our wrongdoings? Do we have an obligation to be loyal and truthful to our friends and family members? As you read, consider the following...

Homework Read Chapters 1 to 3