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A New King
According to the article, "Zahir Shah becomes king. The new king brings a semblance of stability to the country and he rules for the next 40 years." -
Close Allies
In 1956, "Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev agrees to help Afghanistan, and the two countries become close allies." -
Khan Comes to Power
Later on, "Khan overthrows the last king, Mohammed Zahir Shah, in a military coup. Khan’s regime, the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan, comes to power. Khan abolishes the monarchy and names himself president." -
Amir Throws Pomegranates at Hassan
After throwing pomegranates at him, Amir angrily orders Hassan to hit him back, wishing "he'd give [him] the punishment [he] craved, so maybe [he] could finally sleep at night" (92). By his need to be hurt by Hassan, Amir's desire to atone for his sin's is revealed. Amir's thoughts show the immense amount of guilt he feels after Hassan's rape. -
Amir and Hassan Win the Kite Flying Competition
After a long day of flying kites, Amir cuts the last kite string with the help of Hassan. Amir then turns ands sees "Baba standing on the edge, pumpping both of his fists. And [acknowledges] it as the single greatest moment of [his] twelve years of life, seeing Baba on that roof, proud of [him] at last" (56). Amir's reaction illustrates his strong value of Baba's approval. Because he has finally gained it, he will stop at nothing to keep his acceptance. -
Assef Rapes Hassan
Witnessing Assef begin to rape Hassan, Amir is faced with the decision of standing "up for Hassan...or [he] could run. In the end, [he] ran" (77). Amir's decision reflects his inital value of himself over his friend. It illustrates he is willing to sacrifice Hassan in order to gain acceptance from Baba. His actions in this event play a major part in his actions and emotions in the future. -
Amir's 13th Birthday Celebration
The night of Amir's birthday party, the fireworks flash and he notices "Assef grinning, kneading Hassan in the chest with a knuckle" (100). Assef's actions highlight the power he has over Hassan. This quote illustrates the importance of social class in Afghanistan. -
Hassan and Ali Resign
Following Hassan and Ali's departure from the house, Amir sees "Baba do something he had never seen him done before: He cried" (107). Baba's actions illuminate his close relationship with Ali and Hassan. This portrays how much he cares about the two of them, and their significant influence on his life. -
Ambassador Killed
The article reveals that "American Ambassador Adolph Dubs is killed. The United States cuts off assistance to Afghanistan." -
Afghans Flee from War
The article states that "2.8 million Afghans have fled from the war to Pakistan, and another 1.5 million have fled to Iran. Afghan guerrillas gain control of rural areas, and Soviet troops hold urban areas." -
Baba Gets Angered in America
After being asked for his ID at a grocery store, Baba angrily says "Almost two years we've bought his damn fruits and put money in his pocket and the son of a dog wants to see my license" (127). This quote illustrates how Baba is not as well respected in America. His response to the event portrays how he is still not used to the cultural differences between America and Pakistan. -
Amir Graduates High School
After Amir graduates high school, Baba takes him to a bar and announces "'Tonight I am too much happy...Tonight I am drinking with my son"" (132). Baba's words reflect how he is finally proud of Amir and given him his acceptance. This illustrates the improvement between his and Amir's relationship and how they have bonded in America. -
Amir and Soraya Get Married
Preceding the ceremony, Amir asks Baba if he feels alright, in to which he responds, "'Up to this? It's the happiest day of my life'" (166). Baba's reply expresses how proud he is of Amir, and how he has finally accepted him. This shows the positive development of their relationship from the beginning of the story. -
Baba Dies in His Sleep
A month after the wedding, several family members are over at Amir and Soraya's home. Amir acknowledges that Baba seems to be smiling a lot, and when asking him if he needs his meds, he replies "'Not Tonight...There is no pain tonight.' Baba never woke up" (173). This quote illustrates Baba's happiness and content with his family. It shows he has finally come at peace with himself. -
Al-Qaida is Formed
In September, the group Al-Qaida is formed, and later "claim[s] victory in their first battle, but also begin to shift their focus to America, saying the remaining superpower is the main obstacle to the establishment of a state based on Islam. -
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More Flee to Pakistan
The text states that "continuing drought devastates farmers and makes many rural areas uninhabitable. More than 1 million Afghans flee to neighboring Pakistan, where they languish in squalid refugee camps." -
Missile Attempts
According to the text, "following al-Qaida’s bombings of two American embassies in Africa, President Clinton orders cruise missile attacks against bin Laden’s training camps in Afghanistan. The attacks miss the Saudi and other leaders of the terrorist group." -
Hassan is Murdered
Hassan is murdered by a pair Talib officials after they tell him to get out of Amir's old house and "'he protested. Hassan protested again'" (219). Hassan's protesting expresses his loyalty to Baba and Amir. His care for the house is illustrated through his willingness to die in order to protect it. This shows his bravery and ability to stand up for his beliefs. -
Amir Fights Assef
During his attempt to save Sohrab, Amir is challenged to a fight with Assef. Sometime during the fight Amir begins to laugh, recalling that "for the first time since the winter of 1975, [he] felt at peace. [He] laughed because...[he's] even been looking forward for this" (289). Amir's thoughts show how he believes he is finally atoning for his sins. This demonstrates his internal conflict and guilt he held since witnessing Hassan's rape. -
Sohrab Attempts Suicide
Sohrab's suicide attempt occurs after Amir suggests he stay in an orphanage, in which he replies "'Please no! I'm scared of that place. They'll hurt me...They always say they won't but they lie'" (341). This quote illustrates his apprehension and fear of orphanages. It shows the negative effects and trauma that have resulted from his time spent in one. -
Hamid Karzai Becomes Leader
Hamid Karzai, a royalist and ethnic Pashtun, is sworn in as the leader of the interim government in Afghanistan. Karzai entered Afghanistan after living in exile for years in neighboring Pakistan. At the U.N.-sponsored conference to determine an interim government, Karzai already has the support of the United States and by the end of the conference is elected leader of the six-month governmen -
Amir Returns to Pakistan
Amir decides to visit Pakistan after recieveing a call from Rahim Khan, telling Soraya that "'When [he] was a kid, [he] was the first grown-up I ever thought of as a friend'" (191). Amir's memory of Rahim Khan, shows the positive impact he had on his life. This quote illustrates their strong relationship that has remained close ever since Amir's childhood. -
Hasssan Stands Up for Sohrab
During dinner, General Sahib asks why Amir has adopted a Hazara boy, who replies "'You see, General Sahib, my father slept with his servant's wife. She bore him a son named Hassan...That boy is Hassan's son...You will never refer to him as 'Hazara boy' in my presence'" (361). Amir's stance against the general demonstrates his respect for Hassan, and how he does not want to hide his identity. This quote shows Amir's development from ashamed of being Hassan's friend to embracing him for who he is. -
9/11 Terrorist Attack
On September 11th, "Hijackers commandeer four commercial airplanes and crash them into the World Trade Center Towers in New York, the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C., and a Pennsylvania field, killing thousands. Days later, U.S. officials say bin Laden, the Saudi exile believed to be hiding in Afghanistan, is the prime suspect in the attack." -
Sohrab Smiles for the First Time
While flying kites with him, Amir notices that "One corner of [Sohrab's] mouth had curled up just so. A smile" (370). Sohrab's smile illustrates that he is becoming more comfortable in a foreign environment. This demonstrates progress in Amir's attempts to Atone for his sins.
