Things Carried

The belongings that I always carry with me when I leave home on the surface are evidence of the teenage stereotype. A deeper examination shows that they are also the keys to unlocking the person I really am. What I carry is heavy. My purse is always full. The most important object that I bring with me when I leave home is the key to my car. This is a reflection of my age, showing that teenagers truly value their ability to get up and go. This is also a an expression of the desire I have to keep up with the world and do my best to change and move with it. My cell phone, on the surface, is another typical facet of life as an American teenager. A more in-depth evaluation will show that carrying a cell phone represents how I value my friends and my ability to stay in touch with them. It is also a safety net, making me feel like I am never truly alone. An iPod can be found on most American teenagers. My love of music is the first thing that comes to mind when I spot it inside my purse. It is also a way of filling the gaps in my life, the silent moments that make me feel awkward. It is a shelter I can run to to sheild me from society when it is overbearing. The things I carry are not superficial, they are what makes me, me.

My Day

My day has been rather boring. The weather is depressing. Fortunately, I do not have much homework. I am looking forward to completing my final tomorrow. I plan to get to JCHS earlier so I can have a decent amount of time on the paper. Tonight I am going to a friend's aerobics class at Elite gym and coming home to watch NCIS. I hope everyone else has a relaxing day!

My 1st College Final

My first experience with a college final was better than expected. I had room to breathe and I felt confident in my final essay. I had to make two drafts, though, for many reasons: 1) My handwriting is terrible unless I make a conscious effort to write neatly 2) My inital writings are full of scratches and lines. This is because I have to see my ideas written on paper before I can decide if I want to change them. I am unable to do this on a computer. I really enjoyed having a choice among my topics. I can't wait to finish my final!

Weather

Today has been: yuck. The rainy, windy and wet weather is not fun at all. My power was out from 12:30-4:30, which just gives me enough time to get ready for church tonight. The forecast for the days to come just as bleak: wet and cold. I hate winter, and I can't wait until summer comes so I can wear flip flops and show off a tan! I think when I grow up I am getting an apartment in Miami....totally solve this problem.

School....again

I was so happy for school to be out last week, but as the week went on, I got bored several times. Unfortunately, when I try to entertain myself things don't always go as planned. Anyway, this morning I realized that I was dreading going back to school. I came to this conclusion: We all want what we don't have, and when we get it, we want something else. I have decided to force myself to be content. We will see how that goes. :-)

The Kite Runner Post 5/5

Symbols

Harelip: The harelip was Hassan's signature. When Amir is beaten by Assef, his lip is split directly down the middle, just like a harelip. After being beaten, Amir finally feels better about the guilt he has been hiding for years. When he sees his lip, he is happy. He feels as if his guilt has been somewhat lifted, leaving behind a faint pink scar. This is what Baba felt when he looked at Hassan and his harelip: guilt. This is perhaps the reason he had the harelip fixed by a plastic surgeon.

Pomegranete Tree: This symbolized Hassan and Amir's old way of life, their friendship. When Kabul was destroyed by two wars, the tree was still there. Similarly, after two betrayals (not helping Hassan and then scheming to remove him from their home) their friendship was still there.

Sohrab: Sohrab was the symbol of Amir's redemption. The only way Amir could finally be at peace with what he did when he was twelve years old was by doing whatever it took to save Sohrab from his situation. It was Amir's way of saving himself.

Kites: Kite fighting is a simple for the Afghan way of life. Kite fighting is painful and leaves scars behind. Similarly, life in modern Afghanistan is full of turmoil but is still rewarding to those who belong to the country.

Slingshot: Both Hassan and Sohrab used their slingshots to save Amir. Their use of the slingshot represents their loyalty to Amir as well as their courage. Hassan and Sohrab keep their slingshots on them at all times, and in the same way they are always loyal.

The Kite Runner Post 4/5

Minor Characters

Farid: Farid's initial role was simply to take Amir into Afaghanistan. Once he realized the importance of Amir's journey (not just to make money), he agreed to go with Amir. Farid assisted Amir with Sohrab when Amir was hospitalized, and Amir even admitted to their eventual friendship. True, Amir payed Farid for his service, but Farid was extremely helpful in ways that weren't in his initial job description.

Rahim Khan: He was Baba's business partner. Most importantly, he was the closest thing Amir had to a father when he was young. Rahim listened to Amir and did what he could to encourage him. Rahim was also central to Amir's redemption. He arranged for Amir to travel to Pakistan with the intention of sending him for Sohrab. Rahim explained Baba's past to Amir and helped Amir understand the truth behind Baba's love for Hassan. He also prompted the turning point in Amir's life, where he decided to end the cycle of running from his problems.

General Taheri: He was Soraya's father. Hosseini uses him to exemplify the stereotype of an Afghan man. His focus was on the honor of his family. He did whatever it took to remove Soraya from her dishorable situation and place her with a respectable man. Taheri was always hopeful of Afghanistan's return to its former state and waited until he was called upon again by his homeland.

Sanaubar: She was Hassan's mother. She was known for her sultry ability to drive men from their senses. She left Hassan when he was born to Ali and showed no mercy for her son. Eventually, she returns scarred and violated. Hassan, true to his character, loyally forgave her and allowed her to live with them. She did her best to redeem herself from the years she missed with Hassan by being the best grandmother possible to Sohrab.

Ali: Ali was Baba's servant and closest childhood friend. The relationship Ali had with Baba is very similar to the one Amir has with Hassan. Ali was paralyzed in the face and had a handicapped leg from polio. He was dishonored by Baba, who slept with Sanaubar. Ali was sterile. Despite this, Ali loyally served Baba until he was forced to leave.