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The Kite Runner Intro 2015

This document provides biographical information about Khaled Hosseini, the author of The Kite Runner, as well as context about Afghanistan and its history, culture, and traditions. It notes that Hosseini was born in Kabul in 1965 and that his family relocated to Paris and later to California. It also summarizes that The Kite Runner takes place in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and America from the 1970s to 2000s and was Hosseini's first novel. Finally, it outlines some key aspects of Afghan culture like its tribal system, the practice of bacha bazi, the role of women, and the importance of hospitality and honor.

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Darlyn Bucayon
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45 views

The Kite Runner Intro 2015

This document provides biographical information about Khaled Hosseini, the author of The Kite Runner, as well as context about Afghanistan and its history, culture, and traditions. It notes that Hosseini was born in Kabul in 1965 and that his family relocated to Paris and later to California. It also summarizes that The Kite Runner takes place in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and America from the 1970s to 2000s and was Hosseini's first novel. Finally, it outlines some key aspects of Afghan culture like its tribal system, the practice of bacha bazi, the role of women, and the importance of hospitality and honor.

Uploaded by

Darlyn Bucayon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Kite Runner

By: Khaled Hosseini


Khaled Hossieini

Born in Kabul, Afghanistan 1965. His family lived in the affluent Wazir Akbar
Khan district of the city.
His father was a diplomat with the Afghan Foreign Ministry and his mother
taught Farsi and History.
Khaled loved kite running, western movies, and reading.
In 1976 the Afghan Foreign Ministry relocated the Hossieni family to Paris. In
1980 they wanted to return to Kabul but it had undergone an invasion by the Soviet
Army.
Hossieni family was granted political asylum in the United States.
1980 relocated to San Jose, California. Khaled was 15.
Khald graduated high school in 1984 and received his Medical Degree in1993
which he then completed an his residency.
While in medical school The Kite Runner was penned.
After 27 years of being away from Afghanistan, Khaled returned after he
published The Kite Runner.
 The Kite Runner is Khaled’s first novel
The Kite Runner Introduction

First Afghan novel to be written in English


Over 9 million copies sold world wide
Is on the list of “Banned and Challenged” books
Kite Running is a popular Afghan pastime
The Kite Runner take place in Afghanistan, Pakistan and
America (1970’s-2000’s).
History of Afghanistan

Daud Khan ruled from 1953-1963. He resigned in 1963.


Zahir Shah is elected and institutes a constitution that is voted upon and well
received.
In 1973 Daud Khan returns to power with military support in an almost bloodless
coup. In 1979 Daud Khan is overthrown and family killed because he was going
back to his old ways.
 Battles ensue, Afghan against Afghan because some people wanted to westernize
and others did not.
 Still on going
Tribal System

Hierarchical network of several tribes


>Pashtun: Most numerous and most powerful
> Hazara: Least powerful tribe,
mountain dwellers
Afghan Traditions

Afghan’s are a very proud people, of their land and religion.

Very loyal to their local leaders then their tribe.

Hospitality and honor are the top two characterisitcs of Afghan


people. No matter who you are, if you visit a home you will be given
the best the family has.

Followers of Islam. Pray 5 times a day. They believe that Islamic


law permits every 'believer' to maintain arms when directed by the
ruler.

Afghans greet one another with the phrase Assalamu Alaikum,


which means 'Peace be with you’.
Women and men never shake hands or make eye contact in Afghan
society. Between men eye contact is acceptable as long as it is not
prolonged - it is best to only occasionally look someone in the eyes.

When eating, Afghan’s sit on the floor and eat with their hands.

For women wearing skirts and sleeveless will mean disrespecting the
Afghan culture and are a strict no-no. Women are expected to cover their
heads and chest and do not shake hands with men. Men and women
should never be left alone in the same room (only family) and never
touch.

 Friday is their holy day.

Families arrange marriages. Factors such as tribe, status, network, and


wealth are the major factors forming any choice.

 No alcohol
Bacha bazi

Defined as: adolescent boys who are sold to wealthy or powerful men
for entertainment and sexual activities.

>This business thrives in Afghanistan, where many men keep them as


status symbols

> Men have these “boys” because the Afghan women are
unapproachable.

>Afghan men cannot talk to an unrelated woman until after proposing


marriage. Before then, they can't even look at a woman, except perhaps
her feet. Otherwise she is covered, head to ankle.

> The owning of a “bacha bazi” is culturally acceptable in Afghanistan.


http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/brinkley/article/Afghanistan-s-dirty-little-secret-3176762.php

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