Writing the Literary Essay over The Kite Runner

 How to prepare for the final essay in English 1101

Read the potential topics carefully. Make notes on those which could be paired together; for example, #1 and #6 are closely related so it makes sense to assume that only one of these could be a topic for the final essay.

Next, determine what the topic is asking you to write about and put the topic in your own words, which need not be complicated. For example, 1 & 6 could be asking:

What are the other influences on the life of Amir . . . OTHER THAN the rape of Hassan and the torment and guilt Amir feels afterward?

Before you begin your essay, you begin a list of possible influences and make notes of how each incident or person affected Amir. You might list any of the following:

Rahim Khan - Dad’s business partner- tells Amir that “there is a way to be good again.” This prompts Amir to return to Afghanistan . . . why? To try to restore the relationship between he and Hassan, but… Hassan is dead. Keep going with explanation . . . Sohrab   - - - R.H. is one of the people who encourage Amir when he is a child—esp. in regards to his writing . . .

Soyraya - in sharing her past “sins” Amir realizes that it is possible to accept oneself, to atone for past mistakes and to regain one’s self-esteem (for lack of a better word) 

Baba - is a primary influence on how Amir sees the world and how Amir’s values are formed – The greatest teaching  Baba presents to Amir is that  . . there is only one sin, which is theft; Baba’s actions leave their impression on Amir as well . . . the exodus from Afghanistan . . . Baba leaves a land where he is among the wealthy landowners; when they arrive in CA., USA, Baba . . .

Sohrab

Assef

His exodus from Afghanistan

The notes you make to answer the question might go on a 4 x 6 index card. You probably would not need a large number of notes, just names spelled out, reminders, etc. to help you on the day of the final.

ORGANIZATION OF ANY ESSAY TOPIC FOR THE FINAL:

1^st paragraph – you introduce the book & the author, give any necessary background to the topic you’ve chosen. EXAMPLE:

In Kahled Hosseini’’s novel, The Kite Runner,  Amir, the narrator and main character, is driven to become the man he is because of his cowardly response and guilt after he witnesses his best friend’s rape when they are children. However, Amir does not realize that many other influences have shaped his life. Among the many other influences are Rahim Khan, ___________________, __________________________, ____________________________ and __________________.

2^nd paragraph - Rahim Khan – details, examples, explanations

3^rd para. – Soyrara – details, examples, explanations

4^th par. – Baba- details, examples, explanations

NOTE: REMEMBER TO KEEP THE ORGANIZATION TIGHT—whatever the order you chose to follow in the first paragraph, follow in the development of the body

WRITE AS THOUGH THE AUDIENCE HAS NOT READ THE BOOK.  THIS IS AN ANALYSIS, NOT A BOOK REPORT.

6^th par. Conclusion  - perhaps it would be helpful or effective to describe or characterize the person that Amir becomes—NOT from HIS perspective in the book, but as an objective reader (OR even subjective reader)