Point of View

"I am by birth a Genevese, and my family is one of the most distinguished of that republic." pg. 31 I thought this change in point of view was a very strategic choice. The letters at the beginning of the novel did not draw the audience in very much in my opinion. The reader does not feel as though they are the audience. The audience is obviously Margaret and the reader does not always fully comprehend what Walton is talking about. However, when Victor begins, the first person point of view treats the reader as the intended audience even though this is not really so. Regardless, it effectively draws the audience in and makes them feel as though they are part of the story. The insight into his thoughts and feelings makes the reader feel connected to him more fully. It makes the story much more dramatic.

Foreshadowing

"We perceived a low carriage, fixed on a sledge and drawn by dogs, pass on towards the north, at the distance of half a mile; a being which had the shape of a man, but apparently of gigantic stature, sat in the sledge and guided the dogs." pg.23 This short glimpse of a creature sets up two different events. It sets up the arrival of Victor onto the boat and a connection is drawn between the two figures. It also foreshadows the creation story that Victor recounts to Walton. A reader is able to make a connection between his appearance during the beginning to the point in which he is created. The knowledge that Victor ends up chasing him in the North Pole leaves the reader in suspense. The want to continue to read on to find out how this strange circumstance occurs. It gives the reader just enough information to be gripped with curiosity. It is a great way to dramatize the story and draw the reader into the story.

Finally Matured

"'For you, a thousand times over,' I heard myself say." -Page 371 I felt as though by at the end of the book Amir had finally matured. To be honest, I didn't really like him through most of the book. He seemed cowardly and self centered. He only returned some loyalty to Hassan when his friend was dead. I feel as though he finally forgave himself at the end. He became dedicated to giving Sohrab the best life he could possibly offer. It really got to me when he repeated the line that Hassan had once said to him and Farid had repeated causing Amir to break down. He was finally getting over what had happened in the past and he was on the way to giving himself, as well as Sohrab, a better life and future.

Painful Memories

"'For you a thousand times over,' Farid said." -Pg 305 This passage really stuck with me. However, it confused me too. I really felt bad for Amir during this scene. He had been through an emotional roller coaster in the past few weeks. He had learned that his childhood friend, who was really his brother, was dead and he was now responsible for his son. He was physically exhausted from his confrontation with Assef. This scene was when he finally lost it and broke down. It surprised me that Farid said this however. It doesn't seem like a common phrase, but maybe it is in Afghanistan.

Anecdote

"'Good, I'll tell you,' he said... I knew that had been a message from God: He was on my side. He wanted me to live for a reason." -Pg 284 Assef gives a brief anecdote to explain his conversion and his new belief in God. He was a cruel boy who found no purpose for God but he finds in his darkest hour the confidence that God had a purpose for him. I personally think this story shows his arrogance. First off, he tells this long winded story even though Amir didn't really want to hear it. I think he just wanted to hear himself talk. Also, I think it's conceited to think that God chose him to kill others simply because they were different.

Changed Point of View

"There were a lot of reasons why I went to Hazarajat to find Hassan in 1986."-Pg 201 The point of view is changed, but only in chapter sixteen. I was really confused when I first started reading it. I had to reread the first page numerous times before I understood that Rahim Khan was now narrating instead of Amir. I didn't understand the purpose at first. Once I finished the dramatic chapter I realized that the reason was to emphasize this drama. It put the audience in the position of Amir as he sat and listened to Rahim's story. It made the reality of Hassan's life and death more vivid. It helped the audience understand the change in Afghanistan which had occurred since Amir left.

Direct Characterization of the General

"The general's frailty-and time-had softened things between him and Soraya...He'd sit in the back of the room, dressed in his shiny old gray suit, wooden cane across his lap, smiling. Sometimes he even took notes."-Page 193 I found it interesting that Hosseini used direct characterization to show the change in the general's personality. He states as a fact that Soraya's relationship with her father has gotten better. I feel as though usually author's show change in a dynamic character gradually. However, Hosseini comes right out and says that the general has changed dramatically. He has done a complete 180 by supporting Soraya's career. Illness has obviously made him more sensitive. He now shows his love for his family and is living his life to the fullest.