Chapters 10-14 Quotes

1. "Not a word passes between us, not because we have nothing to say, but because we don't have to say anything-that's how it is between people who are each other's first memories..." (pg.122)
Speaker- Amir
Occasion-  Amir is getting car sick and Baba told him to think of something good. He is thinking back to times between Hassan and himself.
Audience- readers
Purpose- The purpose of this quote is to show how Amir will never forget about Hassan. Hassan and Amir grew up together, their childhood will never go away no matter what has happened as they grew older.
Significance- This significance of this quote is to explain how Hassan is Amir's first memories and Hassan will now be Amir's last memories.

2. "Baba loved the idea of America. It was living in America that gave him an ulcer." (p.125)
Speaker- Amir
Occasion- Baba and Amir were no longer in Afghanistan, they were in America.
Audience- Readers
Purpose- The purpose of this quote is to show how Baba feels about America.
Significance- This quote is significant because even though Baba loved the idea of America he still was very unsure of everything and everyone in America. Baba wasn't one to jump into things and be comfortable right away.

3. "For me America was a place to bury memories. For Baba a place to mourn his." (pg.129)
Speaker- Amir
Occasion- They were eating dinner and Baba was upset because he wasn't known in America like back in Afghanistan.
Audience- Readers
Purpose- The purpose of this is to contrast the difference between Amir and Baba and how America may benefit one but not the other. It's a chance for Amir to bury his past with Hassan, because nobody in America knows about it.
Significance- This is significant because it refers back to the day in the alley. All the regrets, and memories continue to haunt Amir wherever he goes.

4. "People need stories to divert them at difficult times." (pg. 139)
Speaker- General Taheri
Occasion- General Taheri is talking to Amir about his stories.
Audience- Amir
Purpose- The purpose of this quote is to show that it is a difficult time for afghans, with everything going on in their country and for some a book is all that they need.
Significance- This is significant because General Taheri is backing up Amir's decision about creative writing.

5. "Life is a train. Get on board." (pg.185)
Speaker- Amir
Occasion- Amir and Soraya were in Dr. Rosen's office, because they are having trouble with making a kid.
Audience- Readers
Purpose- The purpose of this quote is to show that life isn't easy. When your on a train there will be many bumps and stops on the way and Life is one of things.
Significance- This quote is significant because it can relate to any problem that anyone has faced so far through the book.