Lit Circle 2, Characterization Assignment

1.     “That was a long time ago, but it’s wrong what they say about the past, I’ve learned, about how you can bury it. Because the past claws its way out. Looking back now, I realize I have been peeking into that deserted alley for the last twenty-six years.” This quote reveals that Amir regrets his actions in the past and he is aware that the wronging’s he did in the past are beginning to creep up on him. The guilt he feels from allowing his best friend, Hassan, to be raped, is becoming overwhelming and uncontrollable to deal with!

2.     “Huddled together in the dining room and waiting for the sun to rise, none of us had any notion that a way of life had ended.” (p. 36) Amir says this as they hide inside from the gunfire they hear in the street that signals the coup by Daoud Khan. This quote shows that Amir realizes his life will no longer revolve around the luxury of flying kites, going to school, and playing with his friends. This starts the realization that the book is no longer about the happiness shared between young kite flyers. This initiation sets the theme for which the book is based primarily on. 

This licence plate may be the title of the book, however, it is our first introduction into the relationship between Amir and Hassan, one which the novel revolves around. Both boys spend all waking hours of the day flying kites and practicing for the kite competition. When the war begins, the devastation of not being able to fly their kites begins to take its toll on the innocent children, whom are only looking for a way our of the bloody, and seemingly endless revolution.