The Kite Runner Essay Topics
Explain how Amir changes throughout the course of the novel. Use ONE of the topics listed below to focus your analysis. Be sure to elaborate how the topic shows Amir’s growth and how he evolves throughout the novel.
Topics to apply to Amir
1. Father/Son Relationship
2. Friendship (discuss the varying definitions of friendship. Some points to ponder on this topic might include: why Amir is afraid to be Hassan’s friend, or why does Amir constantly test Hassan’s loyalty?)
3. The American Dream (How does the novel contrast life in Afghanistan with life in America? How do these differences influence Amir? Do Baba and Amir become emotionally closer after their immigration to America? Why or why not?) How does one find a balance between maintaining traditions and balancing the expectations of a new country?
4. Betrayal/Redemption (The rape of Hassan is certainly a betrayal; however, the novel has plenty of other betrayals. What has been stolen from the various characters at various times?
5. Forgiveness – What constitutes true forgiveness? How is forgiveness such a central theme of the novel?
How to all these topics affect Amir and how to they affect his growth?
Use examples, details, and quotations where appropriate, but DO NOT just give me a plot summary. Good scores on this paper are earned by those who focus on analysis and then support that analysis with examples from the text. The more thought out and original your ideas are, and the more you pursue them intellectually – the better your paper grade will be. Remember, an essay is nothing more than a reflection/analysis upon the research and existing knowledge that you already possess.
DUE Dates
Topic Monday, March 2, 2015
Thesis Statement Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Introductory Paragraph Thursday, March 5, 2015
Body Paragraphs Monday, March 9, 2015
Conclusion Paragraph Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Final Paper Wednesday, March 11, 2015 (+5/Early Submission)
Final Paper Thursday, March 12, 2015 (submissions after 3/12 are late)