1. Themes The journey or quest- self-discovery
The importance of family, fathers, and fatherhood
Ancestry and heritage
Assimilation and acculturation
The abuse of power
Man’s inhumanity to man

2. Main Theme
Strength of character and the resilience of the human spirit
“There is a way to be good again”
“A man who has no conscience, no goodness, does not suffer.”
Amir’s inner strength allows him to find and free Sohrab
Sohrab falls into a great depressions, but he finds his way to happiness agains

3. Chapter 23- more parallels
Amir has a dream of wrestling the bear like his father- he has become the man his father was
Amir’s lip is cut in half- he becomes Hassan at this point, suffering at the hands of Assef, but still standing up for injustice

4. Rahim’s final words Baba was a tormented soul just like Amir
True redemption comes when guilt leads to goodness
Why did he lie about the Caldwells? What was his real plan?

5. Chapter 24
Why does Sohrab try to commit suicide? How did Amir break his promise to him?

6. The end of the book
In the hospital, what does Amir do for the first time in years? Why does he do this?
Why does Amir feel such guilt about Sohrab’s attempted suicide?

7. How did Sohrab respond to Amir when he asked him to move to America?
What happens when Soraya’s parents come to Amir’s house and meet Sohrab?
Describe Sohrab’s silence.
After 9/11, what does Amir state about America’s response? What does he begin to hear on TV and in the streets?

8. What finally happens to the General?
How does Amir finally win over Sohrab?
What is the significance of the blood on his hands?
What is the significance that Amir is the kite runner now?
What is significant about the title of this novel?