The Kite Runner

Theme

Topic

A general idea that a piece of literature addresses.

Topics are usually universal and allow the reader to relate to.

Topics can be one word A novel may address several topics.

Topics in the Kite Runner

Friendship Brotherhood Loyalty Fathers and sons Lies and Secrets Guilt and Redemption Courage Atonement Choices

Faith Human Nature Class differences The roles of women Good Vs Evil Inhumanity Value and morals The role of a Mother Honour

Theme

A message the literature provides the reader Usually relates to the topics presented Must look at the piece of literature as a whole to

determine the theme Cannot be one word Theme must be a concept that is fully developed Themes are often universal Themes allow the reader to have greater

understanding of the text

Determining Theme

To determine theme look at the literature in it’s entirety

Ask questions about the specific topics Find evidence that supports the idea Phrase the theme in a sentence or series of

sentence

Determining Theme

Topic Question Evidence Theme

Example:Lies How doe lies impact the lives of the characters?

Amir does not know Hassan is his brother and treats him badly throughout his youth. He greatly regrets this and his guilt over this treatment of Hassan. This guilt shapes his life

Theme– Lies told by others can shape a person’s decisions and life.

Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner)

Topic: Guilt How does Amir demonstrate his guilt? How does guilt shape Amir’s life? How does Baba demonstrate his guilt? How does guilt shape Baba’s life? What impact can guilt have?

Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner)

Topic: Choice How do the choices of others influence Amir? How do the choices of others influence

Hassan? Can one choice shape a person’s life? (Amir,

Baba, Soraya)

Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner)

Topic: Father and Son Relationships Rahim Khan and Baba both act as father

figures to Amir. How do each of these men influence Amir?

How do fathers influence sons? Which of these men are better father figures?

Why?

Questions to Consider (determining theme in the Kite Runner)

Topic: Honour What makes a man honourable? Who is more honourable: Baba, Amir,

Hassan? Why? How does honour shape a persons choices?

Theme

Remember when determining theme ask yourself questions about the topic

Dig deep Theme should demonstrate depth,

understanding and express a complex idea!

Comparing and Contrasting

Compare: to look for the similarities between two things (objects, characters, ideas, places, etc) and find similar meaning or arrive at a specific conclusion.

Contrast: to look for the differences between two things (objects, characters, ideas, places, etc) and find similar meaning or arrive at a specific conclusion.

Comparing and Contrasting

When look at two things determine what they have in common and how they differ

Then select a conclusion Phrase that conclusion as an overarching

point– not as a statement of evaluation or comparison.

Comparing and Contrasting

Dogs Needs constant care

(feeding, walking, cleaning, etc)

Very social animal Sheds Expenses No independence

Cats Needs care (feeding), but

has some self reliance (no need to walk. Cleaning)

Less social, likes to be self Sheds Expenses Independence

Comparing and Contrasting

Not an Overarching point:

Cats are better than dogs because they allow for the owner to have an easier lifestyle.

Overarching point:

A pet owner must select the appropriate pet based on his/her lifestyle.

Keep in mind

Next week we will be comparing and contrasting various characters in The Kite Runner to demonstrate theme.