The Kite Runner Halfway Blog Post

1.     What is the setting of the novel?  Is the setting important or could the novel happen anywhere?  Why?  Would it change the plot? In what way?

The setting of the novel "The Kite Runner" changes dramatically throughout the first half of the novel. Throughout the first quarter, the setting of the novel is in Kabul, Afghanistan. Here, Amir has a trustworthy Baba who has immense wealth. Amir also has Hassan, who always solves Amir's problems for him and takes care of him. This made Amir spoiled; this eventually made Amir turn his back on Hassan. In the second quarter of the novel, Amir and Baba flee to America. Here, things turn 180 degrees for Amir. Baba has to make a living in a gas station and Hassan is no longer there to help him. In these difficult conditions, Amir grows up to become an understanding and mature man. The setting plays a crucial role in this novel. Two completely opposite places, Afghanistan and America, contrast each other to show why Amir was narrow-minded and selfish  then grew up to become understanding and selfless. Had it not been for this setting, the plot would have changed so that Amir would undergo other events to mature and change his personality.



2.     Describe a problem faced by the main character.  Explain how the main character deals with the problem.  Make a personal connection to this (either your own experience or that of someone you know).

Amir confronts several problems through out the first half this novel. The two most major conflicts Amir encounters is when he forsakes Hassan and when he must escape Afghanistan and adapt to America. As for the first problem where Amir runs into Hassan getting raped by Assef, Amir deals with it by simply running away. Considering the fact that Hassan always helped Amir selflessly and got into a trouble while trying to assist Amir, Amir turning his back on Hassan was an unforgivable act. However, I have had a similar experience in my elementary school days where my friend was being verbally harassed by others at school. I could have stood up for him, but fearing that I would become the next target, I ignored the problem. Therefore when I was reading the novel, rather than feeling anger towards Amir's actions, I felt sympathy. In the second problem where Amir must evacuate from Afghanistan, he again does not contribute much. He relies on Baba for his safety. This is where Amir truly learns his powerlessness and realizes that he must stand up for himself, as Baba did.