Friday 30 August 2013

The Kite Runner: Aspects of Narrative

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.
In this week's lesson we will focus on aspects of narrative. You should also begin to get familiar with the assessment objectives for this AS Level course: 

AO1
Articulate creative, informed and relevant responses to literary texts, using appropriate terminology and concepts, and coherent, accurate written expression
AO2
Demonstrate detailed critical understanding in analysing the ways in which structure, form and language shape meanings in literary texts
AO3
Explore connections and comparisons between different literary texts, informed by interpretations of other readers
AO4
Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and receive

You should hand in your Transition Task today on Amir, Themes and Motifs in the novel "The Kite Runner".

Task 1: Aspects of Narrative
In pairs, make a list of aspects of narrative that you are familiar with such as character and setting. List as many as possible.

Task 2: Chapter 1
  1. Gather all the information you can about the narrator
  2. What central themes are established in this opening?
  3. What are the implications of the phrases "frigid overcast day" and "frozen creek"?
  4. What about the sentence "It was my past of unatoned sins"?
  5. What is the significance of Rahim Kahn's statement "There is a way to be good again"?
  6. How does the chapter end? Why?
Task 3: Chapter 2
What do we learn from this chapter about:
  • Amir's house and garden?
  • Ali and Hassan's quarters?
  • The role of Hazaras in Afghan society?
  • The relationships between Ali, Rahim Kahn, Hassan, Amir, Sanaubar and Baba
Homework:
1. Complete the chapter Study Grid about Chapters 1 and 2.
2. Prepare a presentation on on of the following:
  • The difference between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.
  • The history of Afghanistan since the 1950s and before.
  • Ethnic groups in Afghanistan.
  • The geography of the region of Afghanistan.
  • Languages used in Afghanistan and by whom.
  •  Kite Flying in Afghanistan
 Image: Novel cover.