Important background information about Afghanistan's history and culture which was included in the summer packet which helped me better understand important themes that run throughout the kite runner such as guilt, redemption, and social class. I was better able to understand the characters' relationships and motivations throughout the book as a result. Since it tracks Amir's journey from childhood to adulthood and emphasizes his moral and emotional growth, The Kite Runner is a coming-of-age book. Amir battles feelings of insecurity, guilt and the need to win his fathers approval as a boy. His encounters with Hassan and the trauma of seeing him attacked in particular mold him into the person he is today and make him face his past which leads to his quest for redemption.Redemption & Guilt: Throughout his life Amir is plagued by his guilt about betraying Hassan. His attempts to atone for his deeds are examined throughout the book especially after returning to Afghanistan and saving son Sohrab. In order for Amir to find peace redemption is presented as a drawn-out and agonizing process. 

The Effect of Ethnic Tensions and Social Class: The relationship between Amir a privileged Pashtun and Hassan a Hazara servant demonstrates the ethnic divisions between the Pashtun and Hazara groups in the novel. Much of the conflict in the narrative is fueled  by these divisions which have an impact on their lives and the power dynamics between them. In order to support my interpretation of the novel's themes I learned how to concentrate on particular literary elements such as symbolism and characterization. Making links between the text and more significant societal issues was another skill I developed which enhanced my interpretation in general. The presentation given by my peers taught me how various viewpoints can provide fresh insights into the book especially when analyzing the motivations of the characters or the hidden meanings in specific scenes. Additionally I observed how the novel's emotional and thematic depth is developed through the use of a variety of literary devices such as imagery and foreshadowing. More in-depth conversations about particular book chapters that highlight the author's use of literary devices to develop important themes would be beneficial. Furthermore examining similarities between the plot and the historical setting of the book would enhance comprehension of the characters lives and the significance of the narrative.