The Kite Runner Theme Work

One question…. What is the theme?

Start with Topic A general idea that exists in a piece of literature Topics generally allow the reader to relate Topics can be one word A novel may address several topics

Topics in the Kite Runner Friendship Brotherhood Loyalty Fathers and sons Lies and Secrets Guilt and Redemption Courage Atonement Choices Faith Human Nature Class differences The roles of women Good Vs Evil Inhumanity Value and morals The role of a Mother Honor

Theme Main idea or concept within a literary work Often universal and relatable Usually relates to the topics presented Must look at the piece of literature as a whole to determine the theme Theme must be a concept that is fully developed Cannot be one word Themes allow the reader to have greater understanding of the text and beyond

Determining Theme To determine theme, look at the literature in it’s entirety 1. Ask questions about the specific topics 2. Find evidence that supports the idea 3. Address the theme in a full phrase/sentence

Determining Theme Topic Question Evidence Theme Example: Lies How do lies impact the lives of the characters? Amir does not know Hassan is his brother and treats him badly throughout his youth. He greatly regrets this and his guilt over this treatment of Hassan. This guilt shapes his life. Theme– Lies told by others can shape a person’s decisions and life.

Theme Work Remember, when determining theme, ask yourself questions about the topic. Theme should demonstrate depth, understanding, and express a complex idea. Dig deep.

Theme Work Activity In groups, you will be creating themes for our novel. You will be given a topic. Start by discussing the questions, look for examples in the text, and then determine the theme. Finally, record your thoughts and prepare to share. As a group, you will share with the class the theme you found and the evidence you found. Your chart paper should state: Topic: ________________________ Evidence:______________________________ Theme: _______________________________ Count off by 7….

Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner) Topic 1: Guilt What role does guilt play in this novel? How does guilt shape Amir’s life? How does guilt shape Baba’s life? What impact can guilt have?

Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner) Topic 2: The Past Does your past define you? Can you change your past? What effect can past have on character integrity?

Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner) Topic 3: Father and Son Relationships Rahim Khan and Baba both act as father figures to Amir. How do each of these men influence Amir? Which of these men (Baba, Rahim Khan, Ali) are better father figures? Why? How do fathers influence sons?

Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner) Topic 4: Honor What makes a man honorable? Who is most honorable: Baba, Amir, Hassan? Why? How does honor shape a person’s choices? Can a person become honorable?

Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner) Topic 5 : Inhumanity What are some inhumane acts found in the novel? Assef often hurts others without remorse: what does this tell us about his character? Amir hurts others and is plagued with guilt: what does this tell us about this character? Compare Amir and Assef in terms of their inhumane acts and their reactions– what can you conclude?

Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner) Topic 6: Secrets Who are the characters that keep secrets, and what are the secrets they keep? Why do these characters keep their secrets (intent)? What is the result of the secrets that are kept (result)? How do we judge the character- on the intent or the result?

Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner) Topic 7: Forgiveness Can a person be forgiven for their sins? Are certain sins unforgivable? Whose sin is the most unforgivable? Should everyone be offered a chance for redemption?

Remember Your chart paper should state: Topic: ________________________ Evidence:______________________________ Theme: _______________________________ Be prepared to share and explain your rationale as to how you arrived at your theme.

Questions?