1. The Kite Runner
Theme

2. Goal To begin to think about the themes in the Kite Runner
To determine some of the main messages the novel has provided us with

3. Topic A general idea that a piece of literature addresses.
Topics are usually universal and allow the reader to relate to.
Topics can be one word
A novel may address several topics.

4. 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
Honour

5. Theme A message or moral the literature provides the reader
Usually relates to the topics presented
Must look at the piece of literature as a whole to determine the theme
Cannot be one word

6. Theme Theme must be a concept that is fully developed
Themes are often universal
Themes allow the reader to have greater understanding of the text

7. Step to determining Theme
1. To determine theme look at the literature in it’s entirety
2. Ask questions about the specific topics
3. Find evidence that supports the idea
4. Phrase the theme in a sentence or series of sentence that specifically states the moral or message

8. Determining Theme
Topic Question(s) Evidence Theme

9. Example
Topic: Lies
Question: How do lies impact the lives of the characters?

10. Example
3. Evidence: Amir does not know Hassan is his brother because Baba never told him, Amir treats him badly throughout his youth. He does not admit he is his friend, teaches him the wrong meaning for words such as “imbecile”, he is jealous of him, frames him, etc.

11. Example
He greatly regrets this and is guilty over his treatment of Hassan. This guilt shapes his life– For example his return to Afghanistan, taking in Sohrab, his inability to tell Soraya about his past, etc. “There is away to be good again” is his motivation.

12. Example
Theme Lies told by others will shape a person’s actions and decisions for a lifetime.

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

14. Modeled Example
Topic: Friendship What makes a true friend? *We will discuss this example together to determine theme

15. Determining Theme Activity
You will now be divided into groups to use the questions provided to determine theme
Start by discussing the questions, then look for examples in the text, 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: _______________________________

16. Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic: Guilt
What impact does guilt have on the characters?

17. Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic: Choices
Can one choice shape a person’s life path? (Consider Amir, Baba, Soraya)

18. Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic: Father and Son Relationships
What impact does a Father figure have on the development of a boy? Consider: Baba, Ali and Rahim Khan

19. Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic: Honour
What makes a man honourable? Also consider why honour is important.

20. Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic : Inhumanity
Compare Amir and Assef in terms of their inhumane acts and their reactions– what can you conclude?

21. Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic: Secrets
Many characters keep secrets in the novel. Think about why (intent) they keep these secrets and what the result of keeping secrets is.
How do we judge the character- on the intent or the result?

22. Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner)
Topic: Loyalty
Many characters demonstrate loyalty in the novel. Consider Hassan, Baba, Amir, Sohrab and Rahim Khan.
What are the benefits and disadvantages of loyalty?