The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Subject: English Literature, World Literature, Social Studies (can be adapted)

Grade Level: 9-12 (due to mature themes and violence)

Time Allotment: 4-6 weeks

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will be able to analyze the themes of friendship, betrayal, guilt, and redemption.
  • Students will be able to identify and interpret key literary devices used by Hosseini, such as flashbacks, foreshadowing, and symbolism.
  • Students will be able to analyze the characters' motivations, actions, and the impact of their choices on their lives and relationships.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the portrayal of social class, violence, and the complexities of Afghan society.
  • Students will be able to discuss the novel's exploration of historical events in Afghanistan and their impact on the characters' lives.

Materials:

  • Copies of "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini
  • Whiteboard/Projector
  • Markers/Pens
  • Chart paper or handout for note-taking
  • Map of Afghanistan (optional)
  • Images depicting Afghan culture (optional)

Lesson Procedures:

Week 1: Introduction and Afghanistan

  1. Brainstorming: Begin by asking students what they know about Afghanistan. Elicit responses and discuss the country's culture, history, and current events (be mindful of age-appropriate topics). Consider showing a map of Afghanistan (optional).
  2. Hosseini and Afghan Literature: Introduce Khaled Hosseini as a prominent Afghan-American writer and "The Kite Runner" as a novel exploring themes of friendship, betrayal, and the enduring consequences of past actions. Consider showing images depicting Afghan culture (optional).

Weeks 2-3: Childhood and Betrayal

  1. Reading and Analyzing: Divide the novel into manageable sections. After each section, students engage in close reading activities, focusing on the relationship between Amir and Hassan, the significance of kite flying, and the social dynamics between different classes in Afghan society.
  2. Flashbacks and Foreshadowing: Analyze the use of flashbacks to explore Amir's past and its impact on his present self. Discuss the use of foreshadowing to create suspense and hint at future events.
  3. Choices and Consequences: Explore the pivotal moment of betrayal and how it shapes the characters' lives. Analyze how Amir grapples with guilt and the desire for redemption.

Weeks 4-5: War, Loss, and Transformation

  1. Character Analysis: In small groups, students analyze the characters' motivations and development throughout the novel. Consider characters like Baba, Rahim Khan, and Sohrab.
  2. Historical Context: Discuss the historical events in Afghanistan depicted in the novel (e.g., Soviet invasion, rise of the Taliban) and their impact on the characters' lives.
  3. Loss and Resilience: Explore the themes of loss, trauma, and the characters' journeys towards healing and self-discovery. How does Amir attempt to redeem himself?

Week 6 (Optional):

  1. Creative Response: Students can choose a creative response activity, such as writing a letter from Amir to Hassan as an adult, creating a timeline of key events in Afghanistan and their impact on the characters, or writing a poem from the perspective of a character reflecting on loss or hope.
  2. Essay Writing: Students write an essay analyzing a specific theme or symbol in the novel and its significance. The essay should consider Hosseini's use of flashbacks, character development, and the historical context to support their analysis.

Differentiation:

  • Provide pre-reading activities, chapter summaries, or audiobooks for struggling readers.
  • Offer extension activities for advanced readers, such as researching the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan or comparing "The Kite Runner" with other works of literature that explore themes of war and trauma.
  • Modify assignments to cater to different learning styles (e.g., visual learners can create a map depicting the characters' journeys or a family tree)

Assessment:

  • Participation in class discussions and group activities
  • Quality of notes, presentations, and creative responses (if applicable)
  • Analysis of themes, symbolism, and the use of flashbacks
  • Essay writing (if applicable)

Extension Activities:

  • Students can research the concept of Pashtunwali, the Afghan code of honor, and its role in the novel.
  • Students can compare and contrast the portrayal of Afghanistan in "The Kite Runner" with contemporary news reports.
  • Students can explore the concept of forgiveness and its importance in the healing process.