Intermission: Watching and Discussing House of Sand and Fog

As we continue to view the film House of Sand and Fog we have had many opportunities to discuss characters, particular events, and themes. We noted the similarities between the Colonel and Baba from Kite Runner. We couldn't miss the obvious cultural conflicts that escalated the tension between Lester and the Colonel or the pride that contributed to the destruction of three families. However, we haven't really talked about the imagery - the trees, the birds, or all the fog and sand that seamlessly link the story events together. Why are they there? What do they mean? In today's blog response select just one of those repeating images and tell us what you think it might mean and how it figures into the story. (Oh, you cannot say a tree is just a tree here.)

You've Always Been a Tourist

After successfully escaping Afghanistan and building a new life for himself in America, Amir is forced to confront his past and the truth about himself, his father, and Hassan. When Rahim Kahn telephones asking for his help, Amir has no choice but to get on a plane to Pakistan. Once he arrives, he learns the truth about the ties that bind he and Hassan together. Of course, now he has no choice. He must agree to Rahim Kahn's request that he return to Afghanistan, find Hassan's son Sohrab, and smuggle him out of the country. Although he realizes the danger involved, Amir soon finds himself sitting in the back of an old car wearing a carefully woven beard and some traditional Afghan clothing. His driver Farid is taking him through the Khyber Pass and into Afghanistan. Amir is sick and Farid treats him with contempt. He resents Amir and soon exclaims, "You've always been a tourist here, you just didn't know it." What distinction does Farid draw between the life Amir lived in Afghanistan and the life most Afghans lived? Based on what you know and what you're reading about life for the typical Afghan, do you agree with Farid's accusation? (Please support your response with some textual evidence and even extend it with a connection to real life.)

Now Why Did He Do That?: The Author, Not the Character

As you probably noticed, there are many similarities between Kite Runner and Things Fall Apart. Both authors are telling stories that involve fathers and sons, are set in countries/culture seemingly different than our own, and confront cultural conflicts within a culture and between cultures. Of course, in order to tell these stories in an engaging and interesting way, the authors have made some similar "storytelling" choices. What are some of the techniques both authors use to help you as readers better understand what's going on in the story? (Don't be afraid to consider some of the choices we discussed in class with Things Fall Apart.)

A Common Enemy

Although Chapter 5 may open with gunfire, that threat is nothing compared to the bully of the Wazir Akbar Khan section of Kabul. With his stainless-steel brass knuckles, the tall, blond, blue-eyed Assef terrorizes the boys in the neighborhood, especially Amir and Hassan. Assef is truly a scary young man. Beyond the immediate physical threat he poses to the boys, what about his words and actions did you find the most frightening? Select one thing that is said by Assef, explain what about his words you found the most unnerving, and then connect it to some real world circumstance or event.

"Children Aren't Coloring Books" - Making a Text-to-Text/Self Connection

One of my favorite quotations in these first few chapters is the statement made by Rahim Kahn. When Baba, Amir's father, complains to Rahim that Amir is not the kind of boy he expected to have as a son, Rahim Kahn replies, "Children aren't coloring books. You don't get to fill them with your favorite colors." Parents are often guilty of this. They project their own wants or needs onto their children and rather than helping them find their own paths in life, they push their children along a path of their own design. This only makes people unhappy. The children either live lives that are not truly their own or they live their lives feeling they aren't really worthy of their parents' love and respect. Do you agree or disagree with Rahim Kahim? Please support your position with a text-to-text or text-to-self connection. Don't forget to use some specific details from both Kite Runner and another text or your own life.

Preparing to Read Kite Runner

On Friday, October 23, we begin reading the novel Kite Runner. Since the novel, set in Afghanistan, introduces the custom and art of kite fighting, please view the video clip attached to this blog and then click on the link below and read a short article that provides more specific information about it. I am sure you will find it very interesting.

After viewing and reading, please share your thoughts or reactions to what you have learned.

Okonkwo Returns

Seven years have passed and Okonkwo has returned to Umuofia with his family. Although he has carefully crafted his return, things are not going as well as he hoped. First, things are not exactly the way he left them. Okonkwo has been replaced by another as a leader in the village and the white church has expanded its influence. Under the care and influence of Mr. Brown, the church has built a strong relationship with many of the prominent men in Umuofia and it has even built a school and hospital. Moreover, his plans for recapturing the attention and recognition of the clan has been postponed since his return is not aligned with the timing of titles. His sons cannot yet take the Ozo title and he cannot take the one he wanted. To make matters even worse, there is now a foreign government firmly established in the area, and it has hired native converts as court messengers who enforce its laws and punishments. There are too many changes and Okonkwo is not happy. In fact, he is angry and resentful. As you continue to read, think about what is happening. What effects are these changes having on the tribe and Okonkwo and his family? Select one significant event from Chapters 22-24 and explain why you think it is important.

Living in Exile/Okonkwo Flees to His Motherland

After being forced to leave Umuofia, Okonkwo takes his family to live in the village of Mbanta with his mother's people. There Okonkwo is welcomed by his cousins and his mother's brother Uchendu. It is Uchendu who helps Okonkwo accept the circumstances of his exile and to find the strength he needs to support and protect his family. It is Uchendu who also provides the wisdom and experience both Okonkwo and Obierika need to understand the difficulties the clan will face as they confront the coming of the European missionaries and colonists. Think about some of the stories and observations Uchendu shares with the men. Consider what he tells them about how the men of their generation no longer know their neighbors, his use of the story of Mother Kite, Daughter Kite, and the duckling, and even his saying, "There is no story that is not true." You may even consider how it is Uchendu who stops Okonkwo from killing Nwoye after he learns about his involvement with the white church. Obviously, the foundation for the coming cultural conflict is established in Part Two. Based on what you've read, what potential cultural conflict do you see and why will it not be easily/responsibly resolved? Please support what you say with evidence from the text.

Best Friends: Okonkwo and Obierika

After a careful reading of Chapters 7 and 8, we have a chance to compare Okonkwo to his best friend Obierika. Although the men are both well-respected members of their village, they don't always see things exactly the same way. Take a few minutes and think about the similarities and differences that you see when looking at the two men. Now, focusing on just two or three important areas/characteristics, take the time to compare and contrast the two men for our readers. Don't forget to include a few story details. It will make it easier for us to see the men just as you see them.

Learning About Village Life

After reading chapters one through six, we have learned much about what life is like in the African village of Umuofia. During class we discussed the religious beliefs and practices of the villagers as well as their cultural traditions, tribal and social responsibilities and expectations, and family dynamics. Looking back over what you have read and what we have discussed, how do the people of Umuofia show us that in many ways their lives look like ours? In today's post, write a brief summary of the basic components of village life and show how the people who live there prove themselves to be members of a very civilized society.

Imperial Federal Map: Purpose and Point of View

In class today we examined and discussed the Imperial Federation Map. Most of you had lots to say about the artwork creating the border of the map. You were quick to note the trident held by the woman sitting on top of world depicted front and center at the bottom of the map and that the shield beside her was covered in the British flag. Needless to say, we went on to discuss all the different people surrounding her and how they represented all the places where Britian had established colonies. The map itself not only shaded the colonized continents and countries but included all the trade routes and bounty. This map had a point of view and a purpose!