A Common Enemy

Although Chapter 5 may open with gunfire, that threat is nothing compared to the bully of the Wazir Akbar Khan section of Kabul. With his stainless-steel brass knuckles, the tall, blond, blue-eyed Assef terrorizes the boys in the neighborhood, especially Amir and Hassan. Assef is truly a scary young man. Beyond the immediate physical threat he poses to the boys, what about his words and actions did you find the most frightening? Select one thing that is said by Assef, explain what about his words you found the most unnerving, and then connect it to some real world circumstance or event.

"Children Aren't Coloring Books" - Making a Text-to-Text/Self Connection

One of my favorite quotations in these first few chapters is the statement made by Rahim Kahn. When Baba, Amir's father, complains to Rahim that Amir is not the kind of boy he expected to have as a son, Rahim Kahn replies, "Children aren't coloring books. You don't get to fill them with your favorite colors." Parents are often guilty of this. They project their own wants or needs onto their children and rather than helping them find their own paths in life, they push their children along a path of their own design. This only makes people unhappy. The children either live lives that are not truly their own or they live their lives feeling they aren't really worthy of their parents' love and respect. Do you agree or disagree with Rahim Kahim? Please support your position with a text-to-text or text-to-self connection. Don't forget to use some specific details from both Kite Runner and another text or your own life.

Preparing to Read Kite Runner

On Friday, October 23, we begin reading the novel Kite Runner. Since the novel, set in Afghanistan, introduces the custom and art of kite fighting, please view the video clip attached to this blog and then click on the link below and read a short article that provides more specific information about it. I am sure you will find it very interesting.

http://www.afghana.com/Entertainment/Gudiparanbazi.htm

After viewing and reading, please share your thoughts or reactions to what you have learned.

Okonkwo Returns

Seven years have passed and Okonkwo has returned to Umuofia with his family. Although he has carefully crafted his return, things are not going as well as he hoped. First, things are not exactly the way he left them. Okonkwo has been replaced by another as a leader in the village and the white church has expanded its influence. Under the care and influence of Mr. Brown, the church has built a strong relationship with many of the prominent men in Umuofia and it has even built a school and hospital. Moreover, his plans for recapturing the attention and recognition of the clan has been postponed since his return is not aligned with the timing of titles. His sons cannot yet take the Ozo title and he cannot take the one he wanted. To make matters even worse, there is now a foreign government firmly established in the area, and it has hired native converts as court messengers who enforce its laws and punishments. There are too many changes and Okonkwo is not happy. In fact, he is angry and resentful. As you continue to read, think about what is happening. What effects are these changes having on the tribe and Okonkwo and his family? Select one significant event from Chapters 22-24 and explain why you think it is important.