THE KITE RUNNERby Khaled Hosseini

Unit Introduction

Can a flawed hero seek redemption?

How does our history impact our stories?

Khaled Hosseini Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 1965,

the son of a diplomat and a teacher. Lived in Tehran, Iran, and Paris, France,

for parts of his childhood. In 1980, granted political asylum and moved to

California. Graduated from high school, college

and medical school in California. Practiced medicine and now a writer.

The Kite Runner was his first novel, published 2003.

Works with the United Nations Refugee Agency, as a goodwill envoy.

Inspiration…

Relationship: Khaled taught Hussein Khan, his family’s ethnic

Hazara cook to read and write despite the social injustice and racial bias

imposed by their society. Memories: Fond recollections of pre-

Soviet era childhood in Afghanistan. Literature: Persian stories and poems,

characters and themes presented in John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath.

Where is Afghanistan?

A Brief History of Afghanistan

A landlocked country located in central Asia, focal point of regional trade and

migration. 1800-1900s: Buffer state in rivalry

between British Indian Empire and Russia. 1919, 1924: Declared full independence

and first constitution is established. Through 1970s: Ruled by monarchy

then constitutional monarchy. 1933 – 1973: King Mohammad Zahir Shah

reigned during the longest period of stability.

Afghanistan duringThe Kite Runner

• 1973: King’s brother-in-law waged a coup and declared a republic.

• 1978: People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan organized an coup,

promoted freedom of religion and women’s rights.

• 1979: USSR invaded, killed the president and up to 2 million civilians.

Over 5 million fled the country. • 1989: U.S. sent aid to the mujahadeen

to stop communist expansion, Soviets withdrew.

Historical Perspective Since 1979, Afghanistan has been in a

continuous state of open warfare.

There are various ethnic groups: Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras and others. Pashtu and Dari are considered the official languages.

Approximately 99% of the population is Muslim; of those 84% are of the Sunni sect.

There has been a long history of an ethnic hierarchy. Traditionally, Pashtuns have dominated the country.

Let’s begin the book!

http://khaledhosseini.com/podcasts/

What is the setting and time frame of the opening of he novel? What history is referenced?

How are we introduced to friendship?

When are kites mentioned and how?

Day 1 Exit Ticket

Write on ONE of the topics below:

• How are writers influenced by their own relationships?

• Can our memories persuade us to tell our stories?

• How does historical context effect the perspective we have?