1. Chapter 2
Amir discusses the fact Hassan is from a lower status ethnic group, the Hazara; Hazaras have been persecuted by the Pashtuns (Amir’s ethnicity) for many years.
He also remembers that Hassan would take the blame for Amir, whenever they got into trouble.
Imagery to describe Hassan and his ethnicity: “a face like a Chinese doll chiseled from hardwood...eyes that looked, depending on the light, gold, green, even sapphire” – Amir clearly loves Hassan.
Baba is a powerful man, but often dismisses his son, “read one of those books of yours”. He views Amir’s intellectual abilities as being a sign of weakness.
There is a lack of women – Amir’s mother died, Hassan’s left.

2. Chapter 3
The idea that Baba wrestled a bear creates an unrealistic role model for Amir – how can he ever live up to this?
Baba teaches Amir his own interpretations of religious scripture – that the only sin is theft. Amir believes he stole the life of his mother during child-birth and that is why his father hates him. Is this fair?
The mythological idea of Baba is furthered by his building of the orphanage. However – image can be deceiving – Baba is possibly just trying to alleviate his guilt about Hassan. It is more evidence however that Amir will always struggle to live up to the figure of his father, who he has placed firmly on a pedestal. But shouldn’t we always respect our parents?
Amir overhears his father’s disdain for him: “he never fights back...there is something missing in that boy”. How would he feel?
Foreshadowing future events, Amir deals with this by being cruel to Hassan and taking out his frustrations on his friend.

3. Chapter 4
We are given more background information about Baba and Ali’s history. The divisions are explored again: Baba and Amir are Sunni Pashtuns and Ali and Hassan are Shi’a Hazaras. What other similar conflicts can you think of, either in history or in our present day?
Amir and Hassan’s favourite place is an old cemetery, underneath a pomegranate tree. The pomegranate is symbolic of life; according to the Koran, pomegranates are one of the fruits which Muslims will find in the gardens of paradise – they are supposed to be a cure for envy and hatred. Where is the irony in that?
We learn of the their love of stories, especially Rostam and Sohrab.
The ability to read is a powerful tool – Amir’s mother used to be a teacher, using her skills to help others. It is significant that Amir chooses NOT to teach Hassan to read, therefore retaining his power and superiority over Hassan. He goes a step further – teaching him the wrong meanings for words and teasing him. Why does he do this?
Amir starts writing stories – his father is not interested, but Rahim Khan encourages him. When Hassan points out a possible hole in the story, Amir becomes angry – why?

4. Chapter 5
Setting is important and in this chapter, we are given the hints of conflict and terror. Gunfire is heard and there is a coup which overthrows the king of Afghanistan. It foreshadows what is to come.
Amir and Hassan are attacked by Assef and his gang. Hassan scares the bullies off with his slingshot and Assef promises revenge. This opens up the gap between Amir and Hassan as Amir thinks “he’s not my friend!...He’s my servant!”, foreshadowing how he will easily discard his friend. Can you think of any other instances where a friend is easily cast aside, to save one’s own skin?
Baba arranges for Hassan’s cleft lip to be surgically corrected – a symbol of healing and restitution. Baba is trying to salve his own conscience. However – all it does is create more jealousy from Amir towards Hassan. Would things have been different if Amir had known Hassan was his brother at this point?
Examine Assef’s love of Hitler and the way that the Pashtuns treat the Hazaras – what comparisons can be made?