The book takes place in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and California. The time span in which the book takes place is from 1975 to 2001. Amir’s childhood takes place in Kabul where he spends 13 year living. He and his father escape to Pakistan from Kabul when the Soviet Army invades Afghanistan. From there they make their …show more content…
Symbolism functions to create deeper meanings of objects throughout the novel. “Every winter, districts in Kabul held a kite-fighting tournament. And if you were a boy living in Kabul, the day of the tournament was undeniably the highlight of the cold season. I never slept the night before the tournament.”(49). The kite symbolizes joy. The thrill of the tournament keeps Amir from sleeping and if he wins he thinks his dad will love him. The kite symbolizes friendship, love, and freedom.”Do you want me to run that kite for you”(371). In the end of the book Amir takes Sohrab to the park and goes kite fighting. When he asks Sohrab to fly the kite, it shows his love and growing friendship towards Sohrab.”Hassan held the slingshot pointed directly at Assef’s face”(42). The slingshot symbolizes loyalty and devotion. Hasan uses the slingshot to show his loyalty to Amir. “His hand was cocked above his shoulder, holding the cup of the slingshot at the end of the elastic band which was pulled all the way back”(290). This shows Sohrab’s devotion to Amir as well. He uses the slingshot to protect Amir from Assef. ”Assef slipped on the brass knuckles. Gave me an icy look.”(41). "Mostly, I remember this: His brass knuckles flashing in the afternoon light; how cold they felt with the first few blows and how quickly they warmed with blood"(288). The brass knuckles symbolizes fear. In the beginning Assef uses the brass knuckles the threaten Amir and this scares him. Near the end of the book, Assef uses the brass knuckles to brutally beat up Amir. This creates a sense of