What is the significance of Hassan’s dream?
The significance of Hassan’s dream is that it symbolises the strong friendship and teamwork that Hassan and Amir will show in the Kite Tournament. As well as this, the dream reinforces how much Hassan trusts and depends on Amir as he follows him into the water which exaggerates the contrast between the two characters. Additionally, the moment in the dream where they realize that there is no monster is ironic as later Amir presents himself as the true monster as he shows selfish and cowardly aspects.
How does the writer generate excitement and suspense in his descriptions of the kite tournament?
Hosseini uses post modifying adjectives such as “the streets glistened” and “sky was blameless blue” to create a beautiful image for the audience therefore setting the scene. As well as this, Hosseini uses language techniques such as similes to emphasise the excitement and suspense of the kite tournament for example, “two dozen kites already hung in the sky, like paper sharks roaming for prey.” [F1] This suggests that like the other kites, Amir and Hassan will also be prey. This foreshadows the events later to follow in this scene when Hassan is seen as prey in the eyes of Assef.
What figurative language does the writer use to describe the kites?
The figurative language of “paper sharks roaming for prey” suggests the true feelings of Amir and his personal fright for the acceptance Amir desires from his father. [F2] As well as this, Hosseini describes the kites as ‘shooting stars’. The simile represents the confidence Amir develops as he excels at the competition and recognises that Baba will finally be proud of him when he wins.
How does Assef taunt Hassan?
One way in which Assef taunts Hassan is how he constantly refers to him as a Hazara. He portrays Hassan as this as he realises that he will not fight back as he is vulnerable and inferior to himself. As well as this, Assef refers to Hassan as a ‘dog’ therefore de-humanizing him and treating Hassan as inferior to himself. However, the rape is the crucial taunt as it thieves himself of his innocence and previous friendly, brave persona.
Why does the narrative become fragmented and dream-like when discussing the violence wrought upon Hassan by Assef?
The narrative becomes dream-like when discussing the violence brought upon Hassan as it exaggerates how dramatic and unnatural the event is. The metaphor “I cry for help but the wind drowns my cries” emphasize the distraught atmosphere in the event as it suggests that he is powerless over the situation happening. This is also reinforced by the simile “hope fading like my footprints”. This supports the image of a terrifying, hopeless event happening[F3] .
How are Hassan, Amir and Assef presented in the “rape” scene?
Hassan: Vulnerable, brave, defenseless, violated
Amir: Coward, weak,
Assef: Cruel, evil, viscous, twisted[F4]
Why does Amir find it difficult to accept his own behaviour?
Amir finds it difficult to accept his own behaviour as he is unsure of the reason of why he ran and left Hassan there. He wishes that he did it because he was a coward and frightened of what Assef would do to him yet he thinks he may have done it purely for the prize of Baba’s pride.[F5]
Your answers show a good understanding of the story, but you need to “PEE” in more depth, and provide more analysis of the language to take your work a step higher.
[F1]Analyse the effect of this simile??
[F2]Possibly, but I think there are other interpretations as well on this .
[F3]You need to analyse the author’s techniques here in more depth
[F4]You need to “PEE” here, providing textual evidence and analysis.
[F5]Again, find quotation to back up your points, and analyse the author’s techniques.
The Kite Runner Reloaded 