The Kite Runner
Exploring Individual and Cultural Identity through The Kite Runner
Summer Reading Guide
Summer Reading Guide Reminder:
Please remember, completion of the summer reading guide is optional. Your responses may be in outline, chart,
or sentence format (or a combination of all three).
Essential Question One
How does the author use literary devices to impact his readers?
A) Take notes on the presence of the following literary devices (use the literary device chart to guide your note
taking).
Key Literary Devices:
Characters/characterization
Irony
Foreshadowing
Symbolism
As you find examples of these elements, consider how the author uses these devices to engage the reader
and move the story forward. Remember to note the page numbers of key quotes and events.
Essential Question Two
What are some of the universal emotions and themes that reflect the human experience?
A) Consider the following topics: Morality of silence, Redemption, and Honor. How are these present or
omitted in the novel? Take notes with special attention to quotes/events that support these ideas.
B) Research the historical/cultural background of the novel’s setting. As you research, consider how the
different external conflicts within the timeframe influence the progression of the plot and the main
character’s internal conflicts. Also, how are some of the conflicts in the novel timeless and universal
across cultures?
Character Chart
Directions: Record information about each character that helps your understanding of the character, his traits, his
role in the story and his effect on other characters.
Character
Traits
Role in the Story
Effect on other characters
(Describe the Character)
Essential Question One: Notes for Literary Device Chart
Directions: Record information about each device that helps your understanding of the story and its effect on the
characters. You may also use your own paper.
Device
Definition
Role in the Story
Effect on characters
(Describe the concept)
Foreshadowing
Device a writer uses to hint
at a future course of action.
Irony
result or ending that is the
opposite of what is expected,
or situational irony
Symbolism
In a literary work or film, a
person, place, thing or idea
that represents something
else.
Essential Question 2A: Theme Chart
Directions: Record information about each theme that helps your understanding of its role in the story and its effect on the
characters. You may also use your own paper to record your own notes.
Device
Definition
(Describe the concept)
Theme #1:
Morality of
Silence
The message the author
communicates about life. A
novel may have more than
one theme.
Theme #2:
Redemption
The message the author
communicates about life. A
novel may have more than
one theme.
Theme #3:
Honor
The message the author
communicates about life. A
novel may have more than
one theme.
Key Quotes and/or
Events (note the page #)
Effect on characters
Essential Question 2B: Setting Chart
Directions: Record information about each setting that helps your understanding of the role in the story and its effect on
the characters. You may also use your own paper to record your own notes.
Device
Definition
(Describe the concept)
Setting(#1)
Where and when the story
takes place. As you reflect
on the setting, consider how
the limitations or
opportunities influence the
protagonist and his conflicts.
Setting(#2)
(the setting shifts
at different times
in the novel)
Where and when the story
takes place. As you reflect
on the setting, consider how
the limitations or
opportunities influence the
protagonist and his conflicts.
Specifics in the Story
Effect on conflict (internal
and/or external)
Essential Question #2B: Internal/External Conflict Progression Chart:
Directions: Retell the story of The Kite Runner with focus on the internal and external conflicts of the protagonist. Remember, an internal
conflict revolves around the issue of man versus self (i.e. guilt). External conflict revolves around issues of man versus man, man versus society,
and man versus nature.
START
FINISH
Vocabulary/New word Chart
Directions: Record words, phrases and/or concepts that you encounter in your reading.
As you define the words, be sure to use definitions that you understand!
Word/Concept
Page
Number
Definition
Sentence
Vocabulary Chart (continued)
Word/Concept
Page
Definition/
Number Interpretation
Sentence