Updated Prompts: Essay #2

Essay Assignment #2 – Literary Analysis of Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner

Write a 700-1000 word literary analysis essay on one topic from the list below. 

1. Discuss the significance of kites in the novel. Consider both the function and symbolic significance of the kites. How do the traditions and practices of kite fighting and kite running portrayed in The Kite Runner express cultural values and replicate aspects of Afghanistan’s ethnic caste system

2. Discuss the significance of giving and receiving gifts in The Kite Runner.  Consider both the function and symbolic significance of the gifts. How does the practice of giving gifts evolve over the course of the novel? How does the theme of gift giving enhance the main themes of the novel?

3. Compare and contrast the relationship between Soraya and her father with the relationship between Amir and his father. How do these relationships evolve from childhood through adulthood? How are these relationships affected by traditional attitudes about gender? Did they disappear after their marriage?

4. From a Western perspective, it’s tempting to think that Amir and Hassan could have bridged the gap between them if only Amir had been as loyal to Hassan as Hassan was to him. In fact, the cultural and class traditions of Afghanistan shaped both boys, making the kind of friendships we know impossible for either to conceive. Using examples from the text, show how those forces worked on each boy, how each viewed the other, and the roles each played as their relationship unwound.

5. Hassan’s death could be looked as a suicide. He left his son without a father, which – given the hurt that missing parents caused both he and Amir – seemed like a bewildering and even selfish act. Defend or argue against this statement, using examples to make your point: Hassan had no choice but to return to Baba’s house where in the end he refused to flee the Taliban.

Your essay 

- Should contain a clear thesis statement asserting your view, evaluation, or interpretation of a narrowly defined, focused aspect of your topic.

- Should abide by the conventions of writing about literature (e.g. use the present tense to describe fictional events and avoid attributing motive to the author).

- Should draw on detailed, concrete, specific evidence from the text of Kite Runner. Be sure to include in-text citations following direct quotations and specific text references. Example: According to Amir, “Winter was every kid’s favorite season in Kabul” (Hosseini 48).

- May include research material, as long as you cite your sources properly. However, you are not required to use research, and your evidence should consist primarily of your own analysis of the text.