Literature Analysis #2 - The Kite Runner

1. The plot of The Kite Runner is centered around a man named Amir.  The story begins in two half brothers, Amir and Hassan's, childhood. Growing up in Afghanistan, Amir and Hassan were friends. However, a big part of their friendship consisted of Hassan sticking up for Amir, but Amir not returning the gesture.  On one occasion, Amir had the perfect opportunity to stand up for Hassan who was in trouble, but he abandoned him.  This caused them to drift apart, and to eventually not talk at all.  Amir's adult life is ridden with guilt because he feels he acted cowardly, and should have stood up for Hassan.  In order to redeem himself, Amir goes through many challenges to rescue Hassan's son who is living in Kabul's current turmoil.  Eventually, he saves him and adopts the boy.
2. The theme of the novel is redemption.  Even early in Amir's life, he felt guilty because his mother died giving birth to him.  He feels he must impress his father as a way to redeem himself.  Also, Amir's quest to save Hassan's son was driven by redemption.  He felt the only way to redeem himself for his past, cowardly actions towards Hassan was to rescue his son.
3. The author's tone is remorseful.  Throughout the novel, Amir reflects on and regrets his actions.
“Looking back now, I realize I have been peeking into that deserted alley for the last twenty-six years.” Amir said this about remembering the alley in which Hassan was raped/assaulted, and he did nothing to help.  “There is a way to be good again.” Rahim Kahn said this to Amir on a phone call to offer him a chance to redeem himself. “A boy who won’t stand up for himself becomes a man who can’t stand up to anything.” Amir expressing his remorse over who he was as a child, and how it shaped him as a man.
4.  Foreshadowing:
- Baba questions whether Amir will gain courage, and be able to stand up for what is right when the time comes.
- Baba worries that Afghanistan will one day be controlled by dictators.
- Assef claims he will get revenge on Amir.
    Diction:
- use of foreign Afghan terms: "babalu" (boogeyman) "Inshallah" (god willing)
- colloquial words: "piss"
   Symbols:
- pomegranate tree: represents being carefree
- cleft chin: represents Hassan and Amir's memories of him
- kites: represent Amir's goals as a child
   Syntax:
- casual, informal style
- "I piss on the beards of all those self-righteous monkeys."

- "I grew up in Michigan. Came out here for medical school. Once you get used to that California sunshine.."
   Imagery:
- "I cried all the way back home. I remeber how Baba's hands clenched around the steering wheel.  Clenched and unclenched. Mostly, I will never forget Baba's valiant efforts to conceal the disgusted look on his face as he drove in silence."
-" I put the kite down and walked into his thick hairy arms. I buried my face in the warmth of his chest and wept. Baba held me close to him, rocking me back and forth."
- "Baba would buy us each three identical kites and spool of glass string.  If I changed my mind and asked for a bigger and fancier kite, Baba would buy it for me- but then he'd buy it for Hassan too."

Tools That Change the Way We Think

The internet/media/technology have all influenced how I think. The internet has made it so quick and easy to find information. This factor has had an impact on my ability to focus, and manage my time effectively. For example, since the internet does not require me to focus for a long period of time to find information, it is becoming increasingly harder for me to concentrate in other aspects of my life. Also, the internet tends to ruin my sense of priorities because I know I will be able to go onto Google and find the answer I need in minutes. I know I do not need to manage my time because finding the answer will hardly take up any time. My parents did not have the internet, so they most likely have better developed their time management and ability to focus. While I'm finding answers in minutes, they had to search thoroughly through a book for quite some time. Which required both focus, as well as time management. The internet/media/technology is, in a way, hindering this generation from their full potential.

In Search Of

My experience of watching the video is that is makes me think differently about the information I see online because now I will always be wondering what I could be missing out on due to these "filter bubbles." I redid the Shakespeare search by searching different topics about Shakespeare, not only so that I will get more specified results, but so that my filter will broaden.

Notes on Hamlet

My thinking about the play has evolved from the time we began reading to the end of Act III.  In the beginning of the play, I had no understanding about any of the characters.  Now, since I have gained information about the characters, I am able to better understand their thoughts, actions, and the play as a whole.  I am also better equipped to make inferences about future events in the play.  For example, due to Hamlet's passion about avenging his father, I believe he will eventually kill Claudius. 

Who was Shakespeare?

I went to Google, typed in "Who was Shakespeare" and clicked on the wikipedia link. 

I found out Shakespeare is regarded as the greatest writer in the English language, and is often called England's national poet.  He earned this title because his plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.  His earlier works consisted mostly of comedies and histories, and his later works, tragedy.  We are left to wonder what Shakespeare's private life was like.  Few records of his private life survive.  Shakespeare is perceived by students as an author that is difficult to read and understand his work.  His pieces are often foreign, and even intimidating due to the old English style of writing.  I have learned when reading Shakespeare, it is vital to read the footnotes.  Also, don't focus on every word and try to understand each line, but rather take it in bigger portions.

To Facebook or Not to Facebook?

When I got a Facebook, about 2 years ago, my initial impression was that is was a way to share and communicate information with others. Also, to keep in touch with family or friends that you don't see that often.  It also seemed more safe than Myspace, but I don't really know why.  The benefits of Facebook are how easily it allows users to communicate and keep in touch with others.  The risks of Facebook are sharing information that you hadn't intended to. Which I learned that 94% of college students reported having done this in the article I read. Also, I learned in class how easily it is for computer savvy people to hack into private Facebook accounts. I find that very disturbing- what else can people hack in to?

(Don't) Be Hamlet

Hamlet's soliloquy shows his thoughts about the dilemma he is faced with.  He is conflicted about whether he should commit suicide or not.  Hamlet meticulously weighs out the pros and cons of taking his life, and feels he is a coward for doing so.  Hamlet feels by ending his life it would "end the heartache, and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to."  However, Hamlet is also scared of what the "undiscovered country" holds after death.  In the end, Hamlet questioning his thoughts is what saved his life.  

I agree with Hamlet's decision, but not with his reasoning.  Hamlet should not kill himself, simply because running away from his problems is not the solution.  The best way to overcome his challenges is to face them- and Hamlet knows it. "Or to take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing end them."  Everyone has problems, and how the person handles them and grows from them determines their character.

Hamlet should not end his life because he has purpose to live.  He has not finished the task asked of him,  which was to avenge his father.  Doesn't he feel it is his obligation and responsibility to honor his father and obey him?  Also, if Hamlet died, he would be separated from Ophelia.  He would have no chance of winning her over, and living a happy life with her. 

Hamlet has many reasons to not commit suicide.  Some of the reasons, he has even thought of himself.  Thinking about the pros and cons of suicide shows Hamlet is wise, and not impulsive. Hamlet should not give up, and things will get better.