1. The kiterunner

Hello, kiterunner.

pgs. 1-90

So after reading the first few pages, I believe that the relationship between Amir and Hassan with both their fathers, respectively is called a foil. Perhaps the author deliberately made the characters polar opposites in order to highlight their characteristics.
The pomegranate tree made me think about the priests back in the days of Jerusalem and how their robes had pomegranates attached to the bottom which acted as bells, to tell the others outside the Holy of Holies whether or not he was alive or dead.

The imagery of Baba when he's smoking seems as though he is talking through a "fog" which could symbolize how he can't Amir for his potential even though he is different from what Baba had expected of him.

Rahim Khan in a sense, is Amir's father figure as he is always encouraging and acknowledging Amir. Whereas Baba, seems to be dissatisfied with Amir and dissapointed because of Amir's different physical appearance or demeanor.

When Amir questions himself of why he denies Hassan as his friend, I believe deep down, he knows that he treats Hassan just as badly as everyone else in his neighborhood; rather he gives things to Hassan to make his own compensate his own conscience and not feel guilt.

Kites are mentioned and so far, it could symbolize Amir and Hassan's friendship or Hassan could be the kite trying to fly free and be all that he wants to be, but is being held back by Amir, who is the kiteholder. For instance, when Amir is reading to Hassan, he chooses to read all the easiest stories in fear that Hassan will learn and become smart.

Pg.60 The way the surroundings are described make me think that Amir and Hassan were in heaven... "The streets glistened with snow and the blameless blue sky...I squinted against the blinding white when Hassan and I stepped through the wrought-iron gates..."

When Hassan confronts Assef and the other two boys that are bullying him and Amir, I think of David and Goliath. Although, Hassan doesn't necessarily defeat Assef yet, he might later in the book. We'll see.
Whoa! Even more so on page 73, when Hassan is again cornered by the same boys and this time he hurls the rock at Assef's FOREHEAD.

I am not quite sure of what the Amir's dream means...

How could Amir simply abandon Hassan, his loyal, childhood,forgiving, BEST FRIEND?
How could he just succumb to cowardice at the time his friend needed him the most?

Amir went from jealousy, to guilt, to comfort and finally hate.
Does Amir feel empty even after being able to spend a few days with Baba alone because of his guilt that he's still feeling after abandoning his childhood friend?