Chapter 1-5 Quotes

1. "There is only one sin, only one. And that is theft. Every other sin is a variation of theft." (pg.17)
Speaker: Baba
Occasion: Baba was explaining to Amir about sins. He was explaining the difference between what Amir was taught in school and actual education.
Audience: Amir
Purpose: The purpose of this quote was for Baba to have a real man to man conversation with his son. To explain the difference between what Amir is taught in school and what he must learn.
Significance: This quote is significant because so far in the novel, it is the first time that Baba and Amir really connect on something and talk.

2. "A boy who won't stand up for himself becomes a man who can't stand up to anything." (pg.22)
Speaker: Baba
Occasion: Baba is explaing how Amir is not one to stand up for himself.
Audience: Rahim Khan
Purpose: The purpose of this quote was for Baba to explain that Amir can't stand up for himself or for others.
Significance: The importance of this quote is to explain how Amir needs to have a backbone. He needs to be able to stand up for himself in order to defend himself when no one else is around.

3."...a person who wastes his god-given talents is a donkey." (pg.32)
Speaker: Rahim Khan
Occasion: Rahim is reading the short story that Amir has written. Rahim is now giving feedback.
Audience: Amir
Purpose: The purpose of this quote is to allow Amir to hear Rahim's thoughts on his story.
Significance: This quote is important because it is one of the first times Amir has someone pay attention to something he has accomplished.