Literary Analysis #2

Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseni


1. Briefly summarize the plot of the novel you read according to the elements of plot you've learned in past courses (exposition, inciting incident, etc.).  Explain how the narrative fulfills the author's purpose (based on your well-informed interpretation of same).
This story takes place from 1975-2001 mainly in Kabul, Afghanistan. We follow the story through the eyes of Amir, starting when he was a young boy all the way until about his mid-40s. We witness how his relationships with his 'best' friend and father change based on certain events and how this affects his personality and overall course of life. I believe Hosseni was trying to convey human nature with his story and basically it is us against ourselves, we are the only one holding ourselves back. He achieves this purpose by the story of Amir. Amir lets his instincts overtake him, he takes the easy road out on whatever the cause, trying not to face his fear. In the end Amir is swallowed up by his guilt and cannot fully live his life because of it.
2. Succinctly describe the theme of the novel. Avoid cliches.
As stated above I believe the theme of this novel his.
Humans vs. Themselves.
We are our own worst enemy (CLICHE. I know. I know.) But it's true in the fact that we only complicate our lives. Take for instance Amir's father. Baba lives his life in debt forever to his servants which is extremely ironic. Baba cast this upon himself when he slept the his servants wife and she had a child who also became his servant. This forced Baba to focus less of his time on his son and more on repaying his servants for his wrongs which ultimately leads to Amir believing he is not good enough of a son and spending his life trying to prove himself to his father.
3. Describe the author's tone. Include a minimum of three excerpts that illustrate your point(s).
I believe the author uses a very forgiving tone throughout the story as shown in these quotes:
"There is a way to be good again"
(Rahim Khan says this to Amir in his phone conversation with him.)
"I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering it things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night."
"Forgive your father if you can. Forgive me if you wish. But most importantly, forgive yourself."
4. Describe a minimum of ten literary elements/techniques you observed that strengthened your understanding of the author's purpose, the text's theme and/or your sense of the tone. For each, please include textual support to help illustrate the point for your readers. (Please include edition and page numbers for easy reference.)
I am not going to answer this question so I can spend more time working on inlocopolitico

CHARACTERIZATION
1. Describe two examples of direct characterization and two examples of indirect characterization.  Why does the author use both approaches, and to what end (i.e., what is your lasting impression of the character as a result)?
An example of indirect characterization is when Amir witnesses Assef assault Hassan and does nothing about it, this shows he is a coward and afraid.
Another example is when Amir says this quote, “I was going to win, and I was going to run that last kite, Then I’d bring it home and show it to Baba. Show him once and all that his son was worthy” This quote shows Amir constant pleading for his Father's approval.
An example of direct characterization is:
"I can still see his tiny, low-set ears and that pointed stub of a chin, a meaty appendage that look like it was added as a mere afterthought. And the cleft lip, just left of mid line, where the Chinese doll maker's instrument may have slipped, or perhaps he had grown tired and careless"
and
"Born to a German mother and an Afghan father, the blond, blue eyed Assef towered over the other kids"
2. Does the author's syntax and/or diction change when s/he focuses on character?  How?  Example(s)?
I don't believe so. The author's tone does change though. For example when Hassan is talking the tone is suddenly for calm and joyful while when Amir is talking it's often frantic and condescending.
3. Is the protagonist static or dynamic?  Flat or round?  Explain.
Amir is a Dynamic and Round character. We watch Amir avenge his guilt by adopting Sohrab and in the end realizing he never should've had the guilt the in the first place, that he was not a bad son. We also witness Amir as he is obedient around his father, fearful around Assef, and powerful towards Hassan.
4. After reading the book did you come away feeling like you'd met a person or read a character?  Analyze one textual example that illustrates your reaction.
Yes I have met a character. We witness the story through Amir's eyes. When he has a major event happen to him we are with him when it happens and for the most part we react the same way he does. I will end this Literary Analysis with my favorite quote from the story:

""She said, 'I'm so afraid.' And I said, "Why?,' and she said, "Because I'm so profoundly happy, Dr. Rasul. Happiness like this is frightening.' I asked her why and she said, 'They only let you be this happy if they're preparing to take something from you,' and I said, 'Hush up, now. Enough of this silliness.'"