Kite Runner Quote by Khaled Hosseini
““Except that wasn't all. The real fun began when a kite was cut. That was where the kite runners came in, those kids who chased the windblown kite drifting through the neighborhoods until it came spiraling down in a field, dropping in someone's yard, on a tree or a rooftop. The chase got pretty fierce; hordes of kite runners swarmed the streets, shoved past each other like those people from Spain I'd read about once, the ones who ran from the bulls. One year a neighborhood kid climbed a pine tree for a kite. A branch snapped under his weight and he fell thirty feet. Broke his back and never walked again. But he fell with the kite still in his hands. And when a kite runner has his hands on a kite, no one could take it from him. That wasn't a rule. That was a custom.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, 2003
The passage illustrates how a seemingly simple pastime—kite flying—turns into a fierce, communal competition that can have tragic consequences, highlighting cultural customs and the intensity of youthful rivalry.
In simple terms: Kite flying becomes a dangerous, competitive game with serious risks.
Key Takeaway
Respect customs but prioritize safety.
Themes
tradition
competition
danger
community
youth
Mood
tense
reflective
Type
narrative
cultural
cautionary
When to use this quote
- urban neighborhoods
- schoolyards
- family gatherings
- sports events
- risky games
Key Concepts
cultural rites
social dynamics
risk
masculinity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do cultural customs shape risky behavior?
- What responsibilities do communities have to protect children?
A Different Perspective
The glorification of competition may overlook the need for safety measures.
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