Lesson 12/11

Today we looked at Chapter 19. Here are the things that I found most interesting:

1. Amir's change in character-there are lots of examples in this chapter of how Amir's character is strengthening, for example he copes with 'the car-sickness'-something he never previously managed, even when he was 18. Also he is becoming less of a push-over, as when Farid 'snickered' Amir presses him for a reason why; 'No, I want to know. Why do you do that?'. When Amir was a child he never stood up for himself-or others-but he is beginning to now. Another positive change in character is that he's becoming more honest- 'There had been enough lies already'.
2. Hosseini uses setting in immense proportions to enhance the narrative in this bewilderingly inspiring and literary section of this marvel of a novel. The best example is Farid's guess at what Amir's house looks like- 'Three storey...nice backyard...fruit trees...American car...servants'. This guess is actually the truth, which shows the reader that Amir had a sheltered childhood. Farid's guess is mirrored later on, during the description of his own house- 'one storey', 'dirt road', 'leafless poplars', and 'broken mud walls'. This mirroring accentuates the contrast in wealth and upbringing of Amir and Farid, making the reader empathise with Farid. Also the fact that the real Afghanistan was hidden from Amir as a child suggests that the truth was also hidden from the reader.

 The final lines of the chapter sparked my interest somewhat. Planting 'a fistful of crumpled money under a mattress' mirrors the way Amir set Hassan up, in a way that shows an improvement in Amir's character. This first act of redemption mirrors his last act of sin.