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Exploration of Guiding PrinciplesKent State developed five guiding principles to provide some direction in your successful transition into the campus community. To encourage the application of these guiding principles we have provided questions that will allow you to explore them further.Please choose one of the following questions to answer.
Engage in Learning
Why is Baba disappointed by Amir's decision to become a writer? During their argument about his career path, Amir thinks to himself: "I would stand my ground, I decided. I didn't want to sacrifice for Baba anymore. The last time I had done that, I had damned myself." What has Amir sacrificed for Baba? How has Amir "damned himself"? What process did you use to select your major/career path?
Value Differences
When Amir and Baba move to the States their relationship changes, and Amir begins to view his father as a more complex man. Discuss the changes in their relationship. Do you see the changes in Baba as tragic or positive? What changes do you believe will occur in your current relationships once you begin college?
Embrace Community
On the drive to Kabul Farid says to Amir “You’ve always been a tourist here, you just didn’t know it.” (page 204) What is Farid implying? What do you think of his implication? What gives a person worth in a society? Does this vary between societies? What are you most looking forward to in your new college community?
Reflect on the Past
The novel begins “I became what I am today at the age of twelve.” To what is Amir referring? Is his assertion entirely true? What other factors have helped form his character? How would you describe Amir?
Live with a Purpose
It is Amir’s dearest wish to please his father. What fuels this wish? To what extent does he succeed in doing so and at what cost? What kind of man is Baba? How would you describe his relationship with Amir and with Hassan? How does that relationship change and what prompts those changes?
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