- Events that are metaphors for other events e.g the rape of Hassan as an allegorical for the rape of Afghanistan by the Soviets.
Chapter 7 –
The epicentre of the novel:
- Rape: Abuse of power, Amir who is haunted by the guilt. Amir who becomes passive. Hassan who becomes submissive. The loss of the passion. Decline of friendship
- But Amir and Baba’s relationship gets better.
- Develops Amir’s character, he challenges racial stereotypes, risks his life by challenging Assef
- Marriage to Soraya despite her flaws and becomes a writer.
The Dream
at the Beginning:
- The monster represents Assef. The dream that foreshadows the rape.
- An ironic dream mirrors the dream Amir has during the rape
- Sultans of Kabul – giving power to equality and unity
- Juxtaposition of dream vs reality.
Start of
Chapter 7:
- Cold weather signifies that something is going to happen
- Snow = purity. But ultimately shows that things have been frozen
- Amir is unable to move on.
- The kite tournament is a feeling of union-ship. The rape soils the kite competition and everything it stands for.
The Rape:
- Resistance against power
- Hassan’s body language that he must protect the kite. But Hosseni is trying to show that his defiance will ultimately cost him his life even at the end (protects Amir’s house)
- Connecting to Politics – Assef vs Daoud Khan
- Family betrayal – Amir is betraying Hassan
- Animalist imagery to describe Hassan showing his prey and predator manner.
- Assef is saying that he is inferior to Hassan and wants to dehumanise him. Strips him of his dignity
- The defiance of Hassan enables Assef to be powerful as it makes things worst for them. Amir should be fighting back as it’s the job of the rich and powerful to fight so the poor don’t suffer but Amir does not do this.
- Lexical field of violence.