Dominic- The guy they killed in the soccer field was a man who committed adultry with another mans wife. That is a sin and they stoned him to death with the girl.
I would like to start by asking a question on symbolism. On page page 264 when Amir is looking at the old pomegranate tree where he and Hassan used to play he remembers how he was told by Hassan that the tree hadn't borne fruit in years. Does this symbolize something between their relationship or the state Afghanistan is in?
Cody- I also beleive that it is a sin to do things with another mans wife, which is why they killed him. They wasnted to show the family that there is rules that they have to live by.
Peter- I think the author did that because he wanted to show the reader that Amirs old life was a thing of his murky past. I think Babas old house is symbolic for change.
They show there power by killing people. Thats what they are good at. they kinda take the power of a police/ or priest. The man committed adultery with a wife. So the Taliban killed them both
Mason- Its shows how much has changed since Amir has been in Afghanistan. When he was a child the house was beautiful, but when he came back to a destroyed Afghanistan Amir came back to a destroyed house.
Brendan- I think it is the state that Afghanistan is in, because it was producing fruit when Amir and Hassan were growing up, and that was considered a good, productive, peaceful time in Afghanistan.
Justin- I think the people in the crowd knew something was going to happen because Zaman said that Amir would see the man he needed to talk to at halftime. So that probably means that something happens every game at halftime.
A series of conflicts is leading up to a climax and the climax is near. They have an appointment with the taliban leader. What do you think will happen next?
I think the reason the taliban executed the man during the soccer game was to show power but also to intimidate the people there. Imagine if you were at a soccer game or any sporting event for that matter and suddenly the game stops and a man is getting stoned to death in a big hole on the field. I for one wouldn't want to be anywhere near the group that executed him.
Cody- I disagree with that. I think that the Taliban was killing people not only for sin, but also because they get in their way. Like Mrs. Leclaire said, a woman could be killed by them if she left her house with out a male by her side. Which is exactly they keep killing people not only fo sins, but just because they could.
to brendan, The tree represents the fact that since the taliban had appeared more often, all the fruit or happiness had gone and been replaced by fear.
Brendan, i would say that tree not bearing fruit is a symbol of Afghanistan and how it is loosing its worth almost. And maybe the fruit could be considered as children and the tree or Afghanistan isnt properly forming and shaping that chiled or fruit into a proper member of society.
Jacob- I think Amir will meet with the taliban and something bad will happen like an argument or maybe Amir meets a old friend who does not like Amir and something shocking is going to happen.
Brendan- I would be terrified if the Taliban killed a man on a soccer field, in front of the whole crowd. I would leave the stadium as soon as i saw that, in order to spare my life.
Mason- I think it could be a symbol or metaphor for how Afghanistan is already in or is heading to chaos. During Amir's childhood that house was a symbol of peace but now it's destroyed.
at the start of chapter 21 Amir notices two men on a street corner negociating about a chalestatic leg. The man with the missing leg was trying to sell it to the other man. It is hard to believe such crucial economic times are taking place in Afghan. Its depressing how such a beautiful place can turn into a nightmare.
Brendan- defiantly, it would fit in with the Heroic journey. Assef seems like just the person who would commit those horrible acts or at least order them.
I agree completely. First we found out how Zaman was basically having to "sell" the children for food and now it's a man selling his one and only leg he will probably ever have, just so he can get food for his family to live another couple of weeks.
Sean- I think there will be death, but possibly to the bad side, not always the good guys suffer. But there is an ever-present dominance of the Taliban when reading this book, foreshadowing that there will be hardship for Amir
Thats a good thought Brendan. I think it would only make sense if the Taliban leader is Assef. It would go perfectly with the heros journey. I mean even earlier in the book growing up Assef was looked at as "the bad Guy".
Although this may be true, this book is not COMPLETELY true so I think the book would go against the facts about who was the true leader of the taliban just so it could fit with the story better.
Do you guys think that in the next chapter when Amir try's the boy that the boy will have been turned into someone in the Taliban. Maybe that is why the leader is buying kids to make them into future Taliban personnel.
Lance- i agree. Have you come across the thought that it would also make sense that Assef is the leader because he idolizes hitler? Earlier in class today we viewed quotes from the taliban and every single one was in relation to hitlers beliefs.
To Justin's comment, I think you're on to somthing with your comment. Amir might have a conflict with the taliban leader. A fight will take place and it could possibly be the llast event in the book. -Shadow
Does anyone else think Amirs hero's journey is different from an original hero? Amir seems to be timid and shy so do you think he will become stronger twords the end? how will this work out?
I think the Taliban are worse. They are trying to commit genocide on the Hazaras. They also control most of the government so there isn't anyone to oppose them.
Mason R I belive the Taliban are worse because they killed people who didn't share their religion, but the Russians didn't kill people with different beliefs.
Mason- I think it depends on who you are if you were a hazarra or a outsider in Afghanistan with the taliban you would probably be killed. But if you were a Hazarra and the Russians ruled i dont think they would care. So probably the Taliban would be worse.
That's a very good thought. It seems highly possible that they use kids to brainwash them and turn them into soldiers for their militia. Another thought is maybe Sohrab resisted and he is imprisoned.
ryans- i agree with you. Your statement reminds me of a quote im sure all of us have heard "wahat doesnt kill you only makes you stonger". so yes, i think Amir is growing stronger everyday, even becoming more like Baba.
Ryan- From your post to Andy, I think that the Taliban would enforce power to the people that made fun of them. which would lead to them being dead. so i agree with you.
It dumbfounds me that people that arint even fully educated can take control of a country and run it so ruthlessly. Why do curtain people feel like they have to take control for the evil of society?
Brendan- I disagree. the book has been pretty historically accurate, so i don't think they would just go and change what they have been doing the whole book. Who is Shadow?
Nathan I agree with you the Russians were bad but the Taliban is worse. The Taliban are like the Nazis as we have said so many times. They hate anyone who will not follow them.
Brenden- Maybe the man who took Sohrab knew that he was a Hazzara. Maybe he even found out that he was Hassans son. It would all make sense if that man turns out to be Assef.
The tree reminded me of the story that Amir would always read to Hassan: Shahnamah. It was that book where the father, Rostam, kills his nemesis but finds out that it's his son, Sohrab. If you were to put Amir in this story do you think he would be Rostam or Sohrab?
Ryan, I think Amir will be stronger toward the end. in ever hero story, there is a big fight where the hero fights his nemisis. Amir's is coming and he needs to be strong for it. Maybe his nemisis could be Assef.
Also connecting to my last comment, the Taliban started so innocently. They were just a group of orphans. Like the KKK it started as a group therapy thing for former confederate soldiers
Cody- what could possibly make Amir any angrier, his brother was killed, his nephew was taken, his father is dead, he had been lied to his whole life, and his country has been destroyed. If he isn't strong now, i don't see how he could suddenly become stronger.
Ryans- to my beliefs, when someone feels as if they need to run a country, they dont get the concept of life.They dont see that humans dont need imaganery lines to define who they are. Why should humans live this way? Why cant we just share the world for what it is. It was given to humans as a whole not divided by religion and artificial beliefs. They believe its all about politics and religion and a way of living. I think they need to understand that everyone is equal, even though the taliban say they are about equality they still show hipoctitisism.
Ryan- i do not have the correct answer to your question but i ask the same question why does the society let the taliban control them, when the taliban aren't well educated? My answer to your second question has me in many words but i think that the society lets the Taliban take control because they are not aware that the Taliban are not well eduacated. The people focus on the lives taken and the power that the Taliban enforce. So the power over rules them not being well educated.
Anthony- Thats a good point, Amir is probably more motivated now more than he ever was in his life, and he has a mission to channel that motivation into it.
I could not agree more. Almost everyone has died in Amir's life so what could make Assef happier and feel more powerful than to know that Amir is basically alone and that he controls the country.
I will ask you guys Why did the Taliban torture the man and then killed the man in the soccer field?
ReplyDeleteDominic- i'm pretty sure it is because he committed adulturey.
ReplyDeleteDominic- The guy they killed in the soccer field was a man who committed adultry with another mans wife. That is a sin and they stoned him to death with the girl.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGood comments.
ReplyDeleteWelcome everyone,
ReplyDeleteI would like to start by asking a question on symbolism. On page page 264 when Amir is looking at the old pomegranate tree where he and Hassan used to play he remembers how he was told by Hassan that the tree hadn't borne fruit in years. Does this symbolize something between their relationship or the state Afghanistan is in?
Did the people in the crowd know that there was going to be a stoning during that game?
ReplyDeleteThat way of life is probaly just the norm for most of the people in the kite runner.
ReplyDeleteYea guys why does the author go into such detail about the destroyed mansion.
ReplyDeleteDominic
ReplyDeleteThe Taliban killed them to show how they would kill anyone who got in their way or didn't follow their ideals.
The people who were killed didn't get in the Talibans way, they committed a major sin in the afghan culture.
ReplyDeleteCody-
ReplyDeleteI also beleive that it is a sin to do things with another mans wife, which is why they killed him. They wasnted to show the family that there is rules that they have to live by.
The taliban want to show that they're not to be messed with. they found a crime and by killing the guy, they showed power
ReplyDeletePeter- I think the author did that because he wanted to show the reader that Amirs old life was a thing of his murky past. I think Babas old house is symbolic for change.
ReplyDeleteThey show there power by killing people. Thats what they are good at. they kinda take the power of a police/ or priest. The man committed adultery with a wife. So the Taliban killed them both
ReplyDeleteThe man who DID the stoning was the man Amir was to meet with- the guy in dark lennon shades. What do you think his significance is?
ReplyDeleteMason-
ReplyDeleteIts shows how much has changed since Amir has been in Afghanistan. When he was a child the house was beautiful, but when he came back to a destroyed Afghanistan Amir came back to a destroyed house.
Brendan- I think it is the state that Afghanistan is in, because it was producing fruit when Amir and Hassan were growing up, and that was considered a good, productive, peaceful time in Afghanistan.
ReplyDeleteJustin B
ReplyDeleteThe way the guide talks about the stoning makes it seem like something to expect at those soccer games.
They got stoned because that was the punishment that fit the crime and that is how they do things over ther
ReplyDeleteJustin- I think the people in the crowd knew something was going to happen because Zaman said that Amir would see the man he needed to talk to at halftime. So that probably means that something happens every game at halftime.
ReplyDeleteA series of conflicts is leading up to a climax and the climax is near. They have an appointment with the taliban leader. What do you think will happen next?
ReplyDeleteI think the reason the taliban executed the man during the soccer game was to show power but also to intimidate the people there. Imagine if you were at a soccer game or any sporting event for that matter and suddenly the game stops and a man is getting stoned to death in a big hole on the field. I for one wouldn't want to be anywhere near the group that executed him.
ReplyDeleteCody- I disagree with that. I think that the Taliban was killing people not only for sin, but also because they get in their way. Like Mrs. Leclaire said, a woman could be killed by them if she left her house with out a male by her side. Which is exactly they keep killing people not only fo sins, but just because they could.
ReplyDeleteto brendan,
ReplyDeleteThe tree represents the fact that since the taliban had appeared more often, all the fruit or happiness had gone and been replaced by fear.
Brendan, i would say that tree not bearing fruit is a symbol of Afghanistan and how it is loosing its worth almost. And maybe the fruit could be considered as children and the tree or Afghanistan isnt properly forming and shaping that chiled or fruit into a proper member of society.
ReplyDeleteJustin- could it also be a metaphor? I think that is the right term, for all of Afghanistan? how everything is slowly going down?
ReplyDeleteAnthonyf2012
ReplyDeleteI agree. When the Russians came in and the following turmoil the pomegranate didn't bear fruit.
I think that the "final" struggle fight will happen when Amir meets the Taliban leader. It would fit in with the heroic journey.
ReplyDeleteJacob- I think Amir will meet with the taliban and something bad will happen like an argument or maybe Amir meets a old friend who does not like Amir and something shocking is going to happen.
ReplyDeleteBrendan-
ReplyDeleteI would be terrified if the Taliban killed a man on a soccer field, in front of the whole crowd. I would leave the stadium as soon as i saw that, in order to spare my life.
to Jacob2012,
ReplyDeleteI think somthing bad is going to happen when the appointment is met. i think there will be death.... yeah probably death
Justin i would agree with you on that... is there any ideas on who that taliban leader could be?
ReplyDeleteJustin
ReplyDeleteI don't think Amir will fight the Taliban leader. I think that Amir will ask for Sohrab very respectively and possibly bribe the leader.
So do you guys think that the man in the John Lennon glasses is Assef?
ReplyDeleteMason-
ReplyDeleteI think it could be a symbol or metaphor for how Afghanistan is already in or is heading to chaos. During Amir's childhood that house was a symbol of peace but now it's destroyed.
Justin-
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. I think that will happen as well. Why wouldn't happen. It would be the perfect battle or argument.
at the start of chapter 21 Amir notices two men on a street corner negociating about a chalestatic leg. The man with the missing leg was trying to sell it to the other man. It is hard to believe such crucial economic times are taking place in Afghan. Its depressing how such a beautiful place can turn into a nightmare.
ReplyDeleteRyan- I think the Taliban leader is going to be someone who is Amir's friend but i think that friend is not going to care about Amir.
ReplyDeleteRyan- Matt said that the taliban leader was osma bin ladin. i don't know if its true, but he seems to know his history so i believe him.
ReplyDeleteBrendan- defiantly, it would fit in with the Heroic journey. Assef seems like just the person who would commit those horrible acts or at least order them.
ReplyDeleteAsticka- what if when you left for not wanting to watch death and the Taliban saw that started to make fun of you and then possibly killed or maned u?
ReplyDeleteWhy do you think these flashbacks of Amir's childhood are becoming more frequent the closer he gets to Hassan's son?
ReplyDeleteConnor,
ReplyDeleteI agree completely. First we found out how Zaman was basically having to "sell" the children for food and now it's a man selling his one and only leg he will probably ever have, just so he can get food for his family to live another couple of weeks.
Brendan- yes i do. Assef has great pride for the Taliban. Even since he was a kid.
ReplyDeleteSean-
ReplyDeleteI think there will be death, but possibly to the bad side, not always the good guys suffer. But there is an ever-present dominance of the Taliban when reading this book, foreshadowing that there will be hardship for Amir
Actually Mullah Mohammed Omar is the leader of the taliban.
ReplyDeleteThats a good thought Brendan. I think it would only make sense if the Taliban leader is Assef. It would go perfectly with the heros journey. I mean even earlier in the book growing up Assef was looked at as "the bad Guy".
ReplyDeleteJustin B
ReplyDeleteI think the flashbacks to his childhood are becoming more common because he is seeing many things from his childhood.
Connecting to the history of this time, who do you guys think is worse. The atheist Russians or the fanatical Taliban.
ReplyDeleteAnthony,
ReplyDeleteAlthough this may be true, this book is not COMPLETELY true so I think the book would go against the facts about who was the true leader of the taliban just so it could fit with the story better.
Do you guys think that in the next chapter when Amir try's the boy that the boy will have been turned into someone in the Taliban. Maybe that is why the leader is buying kids to make them into future Taliban personnel.
ReplyDeleteLance- i agree. Have you come across the thought that it would also make sense that Assef is the leader because he idolizes hitler? Earlier in class today we viewed quotes from the taliban and every single one was in relation to hitlers beliefs.
ReplyDeleteNathan-
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the flashbacks. He is seeing more stuff from his childhood and is recognizing them more.
To Justin's comment,
ReplyDeleteI think you're on to somthing with your comment. Amir might have a conflict with the taliban leader. A fight will take place and it could possibly be the llast event in the book.
-Shadow
Does anyone else think Amirs hero's journey is different from an original hero? Amir seems to be timid and shy so do you think he will become stronger twords the end? how will this work out?
ReplyDeleteI think the Taliban are worse. They are trying to commit genocide on the Hazaras. They also control most of the government so there isn't anyone to oppose them.
ReplyDeleteMason- the russians because nobody liked them, The Taliban has many followers.
ReplyDeleteMason R
ReplyDeleteI belive the Taliban are worse because they killed people who didn't share their religion, but the Russians didn't kill people with different beliefs.
Mason- I think it depends on who you are if you were a hazarra or a outsider in Afghanistan with the taliban you would probably be killed. But if you were a Hazarra and the Russians ruled i dont think they would care. So probably the Taliban would be worse.
ReplyDeleteSorry to get off topic, but who is Shadow???
ReplyDeleteCody,
ReplyDeleteThat's a very good thought. It seems highly possible that they use kids to brainwash them and turn them into soldiers for their militia. Another thought is maybe Sohrab resisted and he is imprisoned.
ryans- i agree with you. Your statement reminds me of a quote im sure all of us have heard "wahat doesnt kill you only makes you stonger". so yes, i think Amir is growing stronger everyday, even becoming more like Baba.
ReplyDeleteRyan-
ReplyDeleteFrom your post to Andy, I think that the Taliban would enforce power to the people that made fun of them. which would lead to them being dead. so i agree with you.
It dumbfounds me that people that arint even fully educated can take control of a country and run it so ruthlessly. Why do curtain people feel like they have to take control for the evil of society?
ReplyDeleteBrendan- I disagree. the book has been pretty historically accurate, so i don't think they would just go and change what they have been doing the whole book.
ReplyDeleteWho is Shadow?
Nathan I agree with you the Russians were bad but the Taliban is worse. The Taliban are like the Nazis as we have said so many times. They hate anyone who will not follow them.
ReplyDeleteBrendan
ReplyDeleteSohrab was a Hazara so the Taliban may have killed him.
Ryan- Maybe something will anger Amir so much that he will become stronger and maybe avenge the thing that made him so angry?
ReplyDeleteYeah I'm sorry to get off topic but who is this shadow person?
ReplyDeleteBrenden- Maybe the man who took Sohrab knew that he was a Hazzara. Maybe he even found out that he was Hassans son. It would all make sense if that man turns out to be Assef.
ReplyDeleteThe tree reminded me of the story that Amir would always read to Hassan: Shahnamah. It was that book where the father, Rostam, kills his nemesis but finds out that it's his son, Sohrab. If you were to put Amir in this story do you think he would be Rostam or Sohrab?
ReplyDeleteRyan, I think Amir will be stronger toward the end. in ever hero story, there is a big fight where the hero fights his nemisis. Amir's is coming and he needs to be strong for it. Maybe his nemisis could be Assef.
ReplyDeleteCody-not to be mean or anything but is that last comment a question or a statement?
ReplyDeleteAlso connecting to my last comment, the Taliban started so innocently. They were just a group of orphans. Like the KKK it started as a group therapy thing for former confederate soldiers
ReplyDeleteCody- what could possibly make Amir any angrier, his brother was killed, his nephew was taken, his father is dead, he had been lied to his whole life, and his country has been destroyed. If he isn't strong now, i don't see how he could suddenly become stronger.
ReplyDeleteBrendan- I'm not sure but maybe shadow is one of the Taliban leaders.
ReplyDeleteLance,
ReplyDeleteYou're right what if the man who took Sohrab was Assef himself?
Seriously Cody?
ReplyDeleteRyans- to my beliefs, when someone feels as if they need to run a country, they dont get the concept of life.They dont see that humans dont need imaganery lines to define who they are. Why should humans live this way? Why cant we just share the world for what it is. It was given to humans as a whole not divided by religion and artificial beliefs. They believe its all about politics and religion and a way of living. I think they need to understand that everyone is equal, even though the taliban say they are about equality they still show hipoctitisism.
ReplyDeleteAnthony- I think that maybe something will happen to his wife like maybe she will come try to find him and end up getting shot.
ReplyDeleteCody,
ReplyDeleteHaha good comment.
Sean- I agree with you that he will be stronger but how so? physically stronger or mentally stronger?
ReplyDeleteWow Anthony great comment i can totally see where your coming from.
ReplyDeleteRyan-
ReplyDeletei do not have the correct answer to your question but i ask the same question why does the society let the taliban control them, when the taliban aren't well educated? My answer to your second question has me in many words but i think that the society lets the Taliban take control because they are not aware that the Taliban are not well eduacated. The people focus on the lives taken and the power that the Taliban enforce. So the power over rules them not being well educated.
Mason- I don't know im just making a guess.
ReplyDeleteLance I do not think that is far fetched at all. You are probably right. What better way to have a poetic confrontation than to face Assef?
ReplyDeleteSeanF... are you shadow??
ReplyDeleteAnthony- Thats a good point, Amir is probably more motivated now more than he ever was in his life, and he has a mission to channel that motivation into it.
ReplyDeleteCody -Its a person who was commenting on the blog
ReplyDeleteShadow-
ReplyDeleteThats possible, but we're no where near the end of the book- I think it may be the climax, for sure. What do you think would be the falling action?
Connor- good comment agreed. to bad the world cant be seen that way.
ReplyDeleteAnthony,
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more. Almost everyone has died in Amir's life so what could make Assef happier and feel more powerful than to know that Amir is basically alone and that he controls the country.