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Fall 2007 Colloquium Questions

Instructions

Write a one to two-page response to one of the prompt questions below. As you will see, they are designed to stimulate thought and to foster discussion during our meeting. To help them as they lead the discussion session, the leaders of your breakout group will have a chance to read your responses before the Honors Colloquium.

Remember to return your responses no later than Wednesday, August 1. You may e-mail them to honors@valdosta.edu or send a paper copy to

Dr. Ofélia Nikolova
Director, University Honors Program
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA 31698

Typed, double-spaced responses are preferred, but handwritten responses are acceptable. If you prefer, you may FAX your response to 229-219-1396.

Questions

1. Rahim Khan’s letter to Amir jan (300-302) functions to synthesize the complex intricacies and recurring tensions in the novel. How does Khaled Hosseini use the letter as a means to highlight the paradoxical themes of betrayal and redemption, sorrow and hope?

2. Khaled Hosseini dedicates his book, in part, to the children of Afghanistan. Reflect on this dedication in light of the quotations below. The first quote is from Zaman, the orphanage care-taker in Kabul, the second from Sohrab, a ten year old boy, and the third from Amir jan.

    • “If I deny him (Assef the psychopath) one child, he takes ten. So I let him take one and leave the judging to Allah. I swallow my pride and take his filthy . . . dirty money. Then I go to the bazaar and buy food for the children.” (257)
    • “Because . . . because I don’t want them (parents) to see me . . . I’m so dirty. I’m so dirty and full of sin.” (319)
    • “And one more thing, General Sahib, you will never again refer to him as a ‘Hazara boy’ in my presence. He has a name and it’s Sohrab.” (361)

What have you learned about the children of Afghanistan through reading this novel? Who prospers and who suffers as a result of violence and war?

3. Why do you think Khalad Hosseini titles his book The Kite Runner? What is a kite runner literally and symbolically? How is the title connected to Rahim Khan’s quote: “Come, there is a way to be good again.” (192).