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Hassan Ran his Last Kite After Winning Event
During "the winter of 1975, [Amir] saw Hassan run a kite for the last time" (55). This forshadowing for a future event demonstrated how something tragic would soon occur. After the winter, Hassan's relationships with everyone, including himself, were negatively influenced by his rape. This event put a halt to the fun he and Amir enjoyed when running kites. -
Hassan was Raped
As he turned away, "[Amir] could hear Assef's quick, rhythmic grunts" (77). The rape of Hassan greatly affected both their relationships with eachother. They grew apart and Amir was forced to live with the guilt of acting as a bystander for the rest of his life, until he sees an opportunity to atone for his mistake. -
Ali and Hassan Left
Ali said, "'We are leaving, Agha Sahib'" (108). After Hassan was raped, Amir did everything he could in order to get Hassan and Ali out of their lives because the guilt was too much to cope with. This included blaming Hassan for stealing his money and watch. When Hassan and Ali left, it was too much for Baba to bare, and Amir didn't understad why. -
Amir Throws Pomegranates at Hassan
When throwing pomegranates at Hassan, one "struck him in the chest, exploded in a spray of red pulp" (92). This act of violence towards Hassan was a result of the guilt Amir felt. He thought the only way to atone for his mistakes was by letting Hassan get revenge with the pomegranates, asking Hassan to hit him back. -
Soviet Union Invaded Afghanistan
The Soviet troops first "parachuted into Kabul... to assist Babrak Karmal" (The New York Times). -
Amir and Baba Leave for Pakistan
Baba, Amir, and many others left "Shorawi-occupied Kabul to the relative safety of Pakistan" (111). When the threat of the Taliban and war had spread to Kabul, many decided it was time to leave to increase their chances of survival. This move was a very important part of Baba and Amir's lives because this was an essential part of their home that they were leaving behind, and now they must start fresh in a new place. -
Amir and Baba go to America
Before moving, "Baba loved the idea of America" (125). The move to America was obviously an immense change of culture compared to the culture of Afghanistan. They had to learn a new language and adjust to the overall differences in America. -
Amir Graduates from Highschool
In 1983, "[Amir] graduated from highschool at the age of 20" (131). This was a big accomplishment for Amir because he didn't speak English as well as the other kids. This represented how he was adapting to America and how this was a significant event in his new life. -
Amir and Soraya get Married
Amir reflected on "waling toward the stage, now in [his] tuxedo, [their] hands locked" (170). The marriage of the two began a new chapter in both of their lives. They both now had someone that had gone through similar situations as the other, as well as the support and love of a married couple. -
Baba Dies
Amir had a lot to deal with "shortly after Baba's death" (180). Baba was such an influential role in Amir's life that it greatly impacted him after his father's death. Amir now had to live without the comfort of his father and find the strength to move on. -
Amir Receives a Call from Rahim Khan
On the phone, Rahim Khan said, "Come. There is a way to be good again." (192). This phone call would change Amir's life forever. This would be the reason he travels to see Rahim Khan one last time before he dies and learns about the secrets Baba had kept from him. In addition, Amir learns the way to atone for his mistakes. -
Hassan Dies
In addition to the death of Baba, Amir now had to deal with the death of Hassan when the Taliban "shot him in the back of the head" (219). Similar to Baba, Hassan was a very important character in Amir's life. With Hassan gone, Amir didn't know how to make up for what he did to him when they were younger, leaving him in distress. -
Amir Rescues Sohrab
Amir went to rescue Sohrab because they didn't "want Sohrab to become another [broken child]" (220). This demonstrated how terrible the living situations were in Kabul, and how Sohrab needed to be rescued. This action was Amir's way of atoning for his mistakes as well as Baba's -
Sohrab Attempts Suicide
After he saw Sohrab, Amir “was still screaming when the ambulance arrived” (343). The reason Sohrab decided to attempt suicide was the fact that he may have to go to another orphanage. The abuse he had to endure in the past created a fear of orphanages and all Sohrab wanted was to stay with Amir and be comforted by his safety -
Mullah Omar's Popularity was Growing
At "the end of 1994 Mullah Omar had nearly 12,000 followers." (The New Yorker). -
Power In Afghanistan was Divided
In 1994, "power was anarchically divided among competing warlords and individual fiefdoms." (The New York Times). -
Mullah Omar Began to Gain Supplies
In 1994, "Pakistani intelligence officers began funneling arms, money, and supplies to Mullah Omar's men, as well as military advisers to help guide them in battle." (The New Yorker). -
Taliban Takes Control
The Taliban "had seized control in 1996 after years of civil war." (The New York Times). -
Hamid Karzai Named Chairman
In 2001, "Hamid Karzai, a supporter and relative of Mohammad Zahir Shah, the exiled former king of Afghanistan, was named chairman of an interim government that replaced the defeated Taliban, making him leader of the country." (The New Yorker). -
Taliban Defeated
The Taliban faced a "defeat in 2001" (The New Yorker). -
Amir and Sohrab Arrive Home
The two “arrived home... on a warm day in August 2001” (357). This was an important new beginning to both Sohrab and Amir. Amir now had a son to take care of and Sohrab was now free of the danger and abuse that took place in Afghanistan. -
Attack
An influential attack was "the attack on the World Trade Center" (The New Yorker). -
Sohrab Smiled
After winning the kite competition, “one corner of [Sohrab’s] mouth had curled up” (370). This small smile was a simple way of telling Amir how he appreciated him. It was also a sign of hope, representing how everything could get better, and things were already improving. -
Generak Petraeus Takes Charge of United States Central Command Center
The Iraq commander General Petraeus "received much of the credit for the success of the surge there, had taken charge of the United States Central Command Center... with responsibilities for military operations in Iraq" (The New Yorker). -
Obama Announces Plan
On the first of December, Obama "announced his plan to deploy 30,000 additional troops" (The New Yorker).