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King Zahir Shah is Over Thrown
In July of 1973, the Afghan King's forty year reign was ended by his cousin, "Daoud Khan... with a bloodless coup" (36). Evidently, this foreshadows the beginning of the communist rule in Kabul and the rest of the country. This also brings to light the start of a change in Amir's lifestyle and a dramatic increase in the discrimination of the Hazara race, as it is a regime approved by the new officials. -
Afghan King is Overthrown
In the year of 1973, "the night Zahir Shah's cousin overthrew him" (Hosseini 365) was one of the earliest events leading to Taliban's regime. In a few weeks, the communist regime was to take over, and plummet Afghanistan into years of violence and nationwide fear. Subsequently, this also lead to a shift in power within the Afghan community, giving Assef authority to bully others because he knew the king. -
Hassan Runs His Kite for The Last Time
In the winter of 1975, "Hassan runs his kite for the very last time" (55). This symbolizes a change in the environment of Kabul, and a sudden increase in discrimination towards the Hazara race. Such intolerance toward a certain ethnicity even lead to Hassan's rape, as Assef views Hazaras as non people and like servants he can insult and humiliate. -
Amir Wins Kite Flying Tournament
In the winter of 1975, Amir wins the Kite Flying Tournament in Kabul, triumphantly cutting the last kite and spotting Baba "on the rooftop, clapping, beaming" (Hosseini 370). Evidently, this victory impresses Baba, and even temporary creates an atmosphere of acceptance and pride between father and son. This proves that while Baba was a parent with high expectations, he still had it in him to love and value his son. -
America Boycotts Olympic Games in Russia
In the summer of 1980, the United States "announced it would be boycotting the Olympic Games in Moscow (Hosseini 126). Clearly, the US did not approve of Russia's occupation of Afghanistan, yet they did little against the communist party. This demonstrates the world's indifference towards the war in Afghanistan. -
Baba and Amir Flee Kabul
In March of 1981, Baba and Amir fled Kabul and the war in order to aviod the violence in Afghanistan in hopes of driving "across the Khyber Pass and into Peshawar" (111). This shows that the conflict in Afghanistan was extremely dangerous and the only way to escape into a safer location was to illegally cross the border at night. Clearly, Baba and Amir would not have left Kabul unless absolutely necessary, proving the previous point. -
Baba and Amir Flee Kabul
In the spring of 1981, Baba and Amir flee Kabul in hopes of reaching the "relative safety of Pakistan" (Hosseini 111). Evidently, the violence and war in Afghanistan has reached a highly dangerous level, even enough to drive Baba out of his home land. This subsequently foreshadows are even greater destruction and a brutal and harsh regime. -
Amir Graduates From High School
On the summer of 1983, Amir graduates high school at age 20. This is important to the story as it is the turning point of Amir's career choices, and the moment when he finally declares his dream to be a writer. Baba is fairly acceptant of this, which demonstrates his love and approval of his son. -
Baba Gives Amir a Car For His 21st Birthday
In the summer of 1984, Baba buys Amir a "'71 Volkswagen bus...from an old Afghan acquaintance" (Hosseini 137) for his twenty first birthday. This is significant to the story as it is the beginning of a shift in authority between Amir and Baba. Now that the pair has settled in America, Amir feels more at level with his father, and Baba respects and acknowledges his son more. -
Rahim Khan Goes To Find Hassan
After most of Rahim Khan's "friends and relatives had either been killed of had escaped the country" (Hosseini 203) the man sets out to find Hassan. This action demonstrates Rahim Khan's all consuming loneliness and desire to connect with someone from his past. Clearly, Taliban has destroyed and separated families, leaving individuals alone and unaided. -
Amir Finishes His First Novel
In the summer of 1988, Amir finishes his "first novel, a father-son story set in Kabul" (Hosseini 182), most of which he writes with a typewriter. Clearly, Amir still feels a connection to Baba, even after his death, even writing a story most likely set on their relationship. This is significant because it foreshadows Amir's return to Kabul, essentially seeking to atone for his actions. -
Taliban Occupies Afghanistan
Unaware of the impending violence, Afghans "celebrated in 1996 when the Taliban rolled in and put an end to the daily fighting"(Hosseini 213). Clearly, the people were unaware of the regime to be installed in Afghanistan and welcome the Taliban with open arms. This demonstrates the fraudulent and deceptive approach to power used by the Taliban. -
Hazaras are Massacred
In 1998, the Taliban "massacred the Hazaras in Mazari-i-Sharif" (Hosseini 213). This event caused a huge turmoil in the Taliban regime and ultimately confirmed a new era of violence and brutality in Afghanistan. While some citizens, along with Rahim Khan, believed the surrender of communists to be a day to be celebrated, this tragedy proved them otherwise. -
Rahim Khan Calls Amir
In June of 2001, Amir receives a call from Rahim Khan, Baba's old business partner, telling him that "there is a way to be good again." This event is significant because of its impact of the story, as it is the short phone call that essentially brings Amir back to his homeland in the first place. Without Rahim Khan, Sohrab would most likely still be in the possession of the Taliban and Amir unaware of his relation to Hassan. -
Amir Brings Sohrab to San Francisco
Amir is finally able to bring Sohrab "home...on a warm day in August 2001" (Hosseini 357). This event is significant as it is the beginning to Amir's redemption of his actions as a child. Almost thirty years later, he is able himself finally at peace with the guilt that has been haunting him for years.