Kite Runner ISP - Notes PDF

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How does irony play a major role in this novel? The literary device of irony is used throughout the progression of the novel to foreshadow the outcome of future events. Multiple times irony has been established in a past events and reflected upon in the present recount. It also serves as a rising action to resolution. In this novel we see that irony has: rekindled relationships, brought about new revelations, and repeatedly proven the traits of characters. There are three impactful scenes of irony in the novel that developed the plot, characters, and theme. The first example of irony in chapter 7 following Hassan’s rape. Baba is proud of Amir for winning the Kite Tournament, in turn earning the affection and forgiveness he craved. However if Baba knew the circumstances of Amir’s choice to permit the rape, it would shame his values. It’s ironic Amir decides to neglect stopping the rape after eavesdropping on Rahim and Baba questioning his valor, but also predictable after learning his character. It’s ironic to Baba’s quote: "In the hour of need, believe me that there's no one you'd rather have at your side than a Pashtun." The second event of irony is Baba stating his values to Amir that “There is only one sin, only one. And that is theft. Every other sin is a variation of theft…” He says this knowing he deceitfully withheld the truth about Hassan’s relation as his half-brother. Amir then recognizes he and his father were more alike with the secrecy of their sinful actions. It shows Baba’s character is more humane and flawed than perceived and gives an understanding of Baba’s teachings and preached values. Baba did not want Amir to result in his own faults; which he similarly did. The last irony is of Amir in a lethal combat with Assef. It’s an ironic event in continuation from years ago upon the hill by the pomegranate tree. In this context, Sohrab embodied the living image of his father by defending Amir with the threat of releasing his slingshot. Except to resolve the event, Sohrab has the courage to release the cup and blind Assef. It shows how Amir’s actions had amended his wrongs by saving Sohrab and therefore a second chance to a virtuous life. It also shows Sohrab’s values were passed down by Hassan, assuming his moral code. Irony has set the plot for the conflict and resolution of Amir developing his bravery and growth of character. His maturity in his later years through ironic events are crucial to show redemption,and moral consciousness. What religious views are presented in the book that influence character’s decisions/actions? Throughout the novel, Amir questions his faith. From early childhood, religious practices and belief in God is persuaded by his mullah (Mullah Fatiullah Khan), challenged by his father, and lightly suggested by father-figure Rahim. Although Amir does state he is Muslim, he can’t truly define if it’s a strong belief and practice that is true to his values.

The first mention of religion is when Amir confronts Baba “that Islam considered drinking a terrible sin” taught by his teacher. Baba lectures Amir that the only sin is stealing and denigrates the mullah saying "God help us all if Afghanistan ever falls into their hands." From this quote, we see the reflection of Baba’s Westernized American lifestyle and continuation to sin; keeping the truth from Hassan, Amir, and Ali. In some instances, religion has propelled people to take on leadership. We see this in Assef explains "it had been a message from God: He was on my side. He wanted me to live for a reason." during imprisonment by the Soviet. Since that time, his faith in God had influenced Assef to harvest his power and use it to gain control of the Taliban. We later learned that Hassan was also strongly religious as he attended Mosque. These values passed down to Sohrab as he left the hotel room to visit the mosque. Sohrab confesses to Amir the events of Assef’s sins in his time of attainment. Due to his fear of more sins being committed against him and the fear of being in another orphanage, Sohrab attempts suicide. In the novel, Baba's best friend Rahim Khan, is a strong believer of religious practices. Given the positive relation with Amir he struggles with his belief in God. We witness Rahim's religious morals giving Amir the chance to correct his sin and find “a way to be good again”. Finally, Amir comes to the decision of his faith as he prays for Sohrab’s life. He creates a makeshift praying mat from the hospital’s blankets, thinking “I see now that Baba was wrong, there is a God, there always had been”. There in the waiting room, we see the true pleed of mercy as Amir promises complete orthodox in trade for Sohrab’s life. We see that he believes in a higher power when situations are beyond his control. In the end, we see Amir is as Sohrab’s new father. What procedures are set in place today for adopting children from Afghanistan? The conflict with adoption in Afghanistan started when the development of the Islamic law (Shariah law) abolished legal institution of adoption in 1988 (DESA, 26). Afghanis no longer recognize the institution of adoption, as the law prohibits adoptive fathers to have “rights on a child born of an illicit relationship accede legal rights and responsibilities of a child’s legal father” (DESA, 26). However, the Shariah law does allow for kafala /“guardianship”which is limited to Muslim couples married over 3 years, but does not automatically grant the child’s inheritance (Latifi). Although adoption was encouraged in the pre-Islamic Arabic era, due to prophet of Mohammed adopting Zayd (his slave), it is not permitted under Western style today (Richards ,405). They fear “there may be a break of Afghan customs of the orphaned child.” There is also the lack of understanding of Western and Islamic adoptions (Lafiti) .The essential Islamic adoption practice is for the child to know who his/her biological father is, in contrast to “closed adoptions” in North America. In the Koran, it's of utmost importance to remain related in blood and kinship (DESA, 26). Currently, adoption is forbidden in Afghan, until current political situations improve, however not impossible. Persistence is needed to

adopt a child. A precedent case is of Sammir and Helena Abassi finally adopting a child from Kabul (Latifi). After four years of Sammir staying in Afghan entitling her kafala, the US granted adoption (Latifi).

What threats do the Taliban still pose to us today? What events are significant? The Taliban (“religious students”) (Johns) are a “fundamentalist” (believers that statements of the bible are literally true) political movement in Afghanistan” originated from one of the mujahideen groups during war against the Soviets. They ruled from 1996 until 2001. While in power, they re-united Afghanistan but did not commence help employment, accessibility to clean water, food, or improve cities. The Taliban enforced strict Islamic laws of punishment, executions, restrictions on leisure activities, dress code, and treatment of women (Johns).They began resurgence in 2003, and still exists today (Hayes, Brunner, and Rowen). The Taliban rose to power in 1989, after the Soviets withdrew from Afghan after signing the Geneva Accords (findingDulcinea). In the mid-1990s, Afghan was politically divided and compelled the Taliban to dominate in 1996 with leader Mullah Omar (Aljazeera). The Afghan Civil War resulted in Kabul’s destruction. After the war, they seized 90% control of Afghan and sheltered Osama bin Laden, al-Qaeda's leader, after fighting off against the Soviets (Hayes, Brunner, and Rowen). Historical accounts of the Taliban are often violent. For example, in March 2001, the Taliban destroyed the two 1700 year old Buddha statues with dynamite located in the Bamiyan Valley of central Afghanistan because it contradicted their Islamic beliefs (Rashid). After, came the attack of the Twin Towers in New York and the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001 (Aljazeera) as alQaeda’s response of America's support of Israel's stance in the Persian Gulf War and military in the Middle East (The Associated Post) . And in 2005 and 2006, the Taliban continued its resurgence. They invaded Afghan attacking Afghan and US troops. There are multiple threats the Taliban still pose to us today. Pakistan still maintains close relations to the Taliban allied with al-Qaeda (Johns). The Taliban stays in lawless zones to train new recruitments and build up support to fight opposition NATO and Afghan troops like the Soviets (Johns). In 2006, 100 suicide bombings occurred within that year. They have not ceased cross-border attacks despite agreements and the Taliban’s influence is on the rise, fueled by opium and money (Johns). In July 2015, it was confirmed Taliban leader Mullah Omar had died, but is replaced by leader Mullah Muhammed meaning the continuation of their terrorist actions (Hayes, Brunner, and Rowen).

Works Cited Aljazeera. “Timeline: Taliban in Afghanistan Key events and developments related to Taliban”. Aljazeera July 2009. Web. October 17, 2015. Department of Economic and Social Affairs. “Child Adoption: Trends and Policies; Islamic law”. United Nations Publication, 2009. PDF. October 15, 2015. findingDulcinea Staff. “On This Day: Soviet Troops Leave Afghanistan”. findingDulcinea. February 2011. Web. October 17, 2015. Hayes, Brunner, and Rowen. “Who Are the Taliban?” I© 2000–2015 Sandbox Networks, Inc., publishing as Infoplease, n.d. Web. October 17, 2015. History.com staff. “9/11 Attacks”. A+E Networks. 2010. Web. November 3, 2015. Hosseini, Khaled. The Kite Runner. Toronto: Anchor Canada, 2004. Print. Johns, Dave. “Who are the Taliban?” Frontline World, n.d. Web. October 17, 2015. Latifi, M. Ali. “The Challenges of Adopting Afghan Children”. Generation Progress, August 2010. Web. October 15, 2015. Rashid, Ahmed. “After 1,700 years, Buddhas falls to Taliban dynamite”. The Telegraph, March 2001. Web. November 3, 2015. Richards, Alice. “Bombs and Babies: The Intercountry Adoption of Afghanistan’s and Iraq’s War Orphans; Islamic Shari’a Law and Its Effect on Family Law”. 2013. PDF. October 15, 2015. The Associated Press. “Major events in the life of Taliban leader Mullah Omar”. The Big Story. July 2015. Web. October 17, 2015....