Answers
\nTextual Analysis of The Kite Runner, chapter 7 (answers)<\/p>\n
1. a) How does Hosseini\u2019s word choice in the opening paragraph create an unsettling mood on the morning of the kite tournament?<\/p>\n
The final sentence in the opening paragraph creates the unsettling mood as it tells us that there is a \u2018monster\u2019 in the lake and that it has been swimming at the bottom, \u2018waiting\u2019. The idea that there is a monster is already unsettling as we see these as something disturbing and not to be trusted. It is a malevolent being. It is made worse by the point that the monster is \u2018waiting\u2019. There is a sense that it is lurking there, biding its time before it launches an attack or take some innocent. <\/p>\n
b) Show how this mood changes in the telling of the rest of the dream.
\n\u00ac\u00ac\u00ac\u00ac\u00ac\u00ac
\nThe mood changes from unsettled to happy and exultant. The word choice demonstrates this \u2013 we read the people are \u2018clapping\u2019 for Amir and Hassan telling us they are applauded for their actions and therefore revered. The idea of them being revered and celebrated is also suggested in the name-change for the lake, it becomes the \u2018Lake of Amir and Hassan, Sultans\u2019. Here they are viewed as heroes and their actions catapults them to the highest rank in the land of ruler.
\nc) How does this dream mirror a later event in the chapter?
\nIn the dream Amir and Hassan work together to prove there is no monster in the lake and are applauded by the adoring crowd. In the kite tournament, Amir and Hassan win, and are congratulated by the tournament audience. The monster however, comes to represent Assef. He is the lurking danger in the two boys life and although he shouldn\u2019t really be a problem he is the thing that splits the two boys up. <\/p>\n
2. Comment on the significance of the description of the snow covered scene on p. 57 in terms of later events. Look closely at word choice and imagery. <\/p>\n
The snow in this scene is significant because it comes to represent purity and innocence. We are told that everything \u2018glistened with fresh snow\u2019 and that it was a \u2018blinding white\u2019. The snow should be seen to represent Hassan. The alliteration of the \u2018blameless blue\u2019 drags your attention to the odd word choice. The word choice suggests an event is going to happen for which someone should have taken responsibility. We know this event will be Amir\u2019s betrayal of Hassan.
\nBuilding on this Amir notes that Ali \u201calways said a prayer when his son left the house\u201d \u2013 Ali knows Hassan is in permanent danger of discrimination because he is a Hazara. It is important that this is mentioned now. It gives a sense of foreboding to the chapter.
\nBoth of these phrases are at odds with the purity image, suggesting something bad is going to happen. <\/p>\n
3. Explain how the writer conveys the thrill of kite flying on p. 60<\/p>\n
The section on kite flying conveys how thrilling it is in several ways. First of all Amir says a prayer \u2013 \u2018koran ayat\u2019 \u2013 before he plays. This is like a charm to protect himself. A series of similes are used to reinforce the thrill of kite-flying. He says the players are like Olympic athletes showing their gold medals. This suggests that they have gone through a tough competition to get where they are and suggests feelings of victory. The kites are also described as \u201cpaper sharks roaming for prey\u201d, this makes it sound like the game they are playing is deadly and dangerous, again ramping up the sense of adrenaline. The last simile is that the kites looked \u201clike shooting stars\u201d. This tells us how beautiful they were to watch. <\/p>\n
4. Show how sentence structure helps to reinforce how focused Amir is on winning both the tournament and his father\u2019s approval on p. 61<\/p>\n
There are a series of short sentences used which demonstrate Amir\u2019s focus like \u2018the blue kite\u2019. His thoughts are becoming very centred on winning. In particular he tells us and convinces himself that \u201cI was going to win\u201d. A colon is used to add information that the competition is near an end point and that now there is only two of them left.
\nParenthesis also adds that all Amir was thinking about was winning.
\nThe use of \u2018I\u2019 and \u2018me\u2019 at the start of sentences demonstrates Amir is aware of only himself and the tournament. <\/p>\n
5. Study Hosseini\u2019s description of Amir\u2019s \u2018out of body experience\u2019 on p. 62. How does this momentary pause motivate Amir into action?<\/p>\n
This pause allows Amir to see what he needs to do. He can see himself and he smiles at himself which pushes him onto victory. <\/p>\n
6. Comment on the effectiveness of the structure of the sentence beginning \u201cand that right there was the single greatest moment\u2026\u201d p. 63<\/p>\n
A list is used to build up a sense of Amir\u2019s emotions. The sentence begins with the conjunction \u2018and\u2019 which tags it on to the rest of the paragraph and emphasises that this is a separate but linked point which expresses this is the happiest Amir had been up until that point. The placement of \u201cat last\u201d at the end of the sentence emphasises just how long Amir had been waiting for Baba\u2019s approval.<\/p>\n
7. What is the significance of Hassan\u2019s final word to Amir on p.63<\/p>\n
Hassan\u2019s final words to Amir are \u201cfor you a thousand times over\u201d shows the extent of Hassan\u2019s devotion to Amir. Also becomes a motif throughout the novel of one\u2019s devotion to another.<\/p>\n
8. In light of later events, how do these words seem poignant?<\/p>\n
Hassan refuses to give up the kite, proving he meant what he said. Amir\u2019s loyalty to Hassan does not work like this though as he betrays Hassan by not stepping forward.<\/p>\n
9. How do word choice and sentence structure reinforce Amir\u2019s buoyant mood in the first paragraph on p. 64?<\/p>\n
colon \u2013 to expand on how he plans the scene in his head
\nOne word sentences \u2013 places a great deal of importance on these things. This shows how much Amir wants them from his father.
\nRhetorical questions \u2013 Amir doesn\u2019t know what else will happen. He has not planned beyond that point of celebration.
\nElipses \u2013 a moments pause whilst Amir and the reader envision the scene. <\/p>\n
\u201cwarrior\u201d, \u201chero\u201d \u2013 word choice, victorious champions of violence .
\n\u201cprized trophy\u201d \u2013 treasured reward for which one worked hard
\n\u201cbloodied hands\u201d \u2013 pride in his wounds, which prove his might
\n\u201cworthiness\u201d \u2013 deserving of his father\u2019s attention.
\n\u201cgrand entrance\u201d \u2013 dramatic scene
\n\u201cRostram and Sohrab\u201d – pictures a happy ending to the tale, over the sad.
\nVindication, salvation, redemption. \u2013 everything will be fine now<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Answers Textual Analysis of The Kite Runner, chapter 7 (answers) 1. a) How does Hosseini\u2019s word choice in the opening paragraph create an unsettling mood on the morning of the kite tournament? The final sentence in the opening paragraph creates the unsettling mood as it tells us that there is a \u2018monster\u2019 in the lake … Continue reading The Kite Runner – Chapter 7 textual analysis<\/span>