1. The Kite Runner
Theme Work

2. One question….
What is the theme?

3. Start with Topic A general idea that exists in a piece of literature
Topics generally allow the reader to relate
Topics can be one word
A novel may address several topics

4. Topics in the Kite Runner
Friendship
Brotherhood
Loyalty
Fathers and sons
Lies and Secrets
Guilt and Redemption
Courage
Atonement
Choices
Faith
Human Nature
Class differences
The roles of women
Good Vs Evil
Inhumanity
Value and morals
The role of a Mother
Honor

5. Theme Main idea or concept within a literary work
Often universal and relatable
Usually relates to the topics presented
Must look at the piece of literature as a whole to determine the theme
Theme must be a concept that is fully developed
Cannot be one word
Themes allow the reader to have greater understanding of the text and beyond

7. Determining Theme
To determine theme, look at the literature in it’s entirety
1. Ask questions about the specific topics
2. Find evidence that supports the idea
3. Address the theme in a full phrase/sentence

8. Determining Theme Topic Question Evidence Theme Example:
Lies How do lies impact the lives of the characters?
Amir does not know Hassan is his brother and treats him badly throughout his youth. He greatly regrets this and his guilt over this treatment of Hassan. This guilt shapes his life.
Theme– Lies told by others can shape a person’s decisions and life.

9. Theme Work
Remember, when determining theme, ask yourself questions about the topic.
Theme should demonstrate depth, understanding, and express a complex idea.
Dig deep.

10. Theme Work Activity
In groups, you will be creating themes for our novel.
You will be given a topic. Start by discussing the questions, look for examples in the text, and then determine the theme. Finally, record your thoughts and prepare to share.
As a group, you will share with the class the theme you found and the evidence you found.
Your chart paper should state:
Topic: ________________________
Evidence:______________________________
Theme: _______________________________
Count off by 7….

11. Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic 1: Guilt
What role does guilt play in this novel?
How does guilt shape Amir’s life?
How does guilt shape Baba’s life?
What impact can guilt have?

12. Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic 2: The Past
Does your past define you?
Can you change your past?
What effect can past have on character integrity?

13. Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic 3: Father and Son Relationships
Rahim Khan and Baba both act as father figures to Amir. How do each of these men influence Amir?
Which of these men (Baba, Rahim Khan, Ali) are better father figures? Why?
How do fathers influence sons?

14. Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic 4: Honor
What makes a man honorable?
Who is most honorable: Baba, Amir, Hassan? Why?
How does honor shape a person’s choices?
Can a person become honorable?

15. Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic 5 : Inhumanity
What are some inhumane acts found in the novel?
Assef often hurts others without remorse: what does this tell us about his character?
Amir hurts others and is plagued with guilt: what does this tell us about this character?
Compare Amir and Assef in terms of their inhumane acts and their reactions– what can you conclude?

16. Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic 6: Secrets
Who are the characters that keep secrets, and what are the secrets they keep?
Why do these characters keep their secrets (intent)?
What is the result of the secrets that are kept (result)?
How do we judge the character- on the intent or the result?

17. Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic 7: Forgiveness
Can a person be forgiven for their sins?
Are certain sins unforgivable?
Whose sin is the most unforgivable?
Should everyone be offered a chance for redemption?

18. Remember
Your chart paper should state:
Topic: ________________________
Evidence:______________________________
Theme: _______________________________
Be prepared to share and explain your rationale as to how you arrived at your theme.

19. Questions?