Metacognition: Kite Runner Evidence Plan

This weekend I developed an evidence plan for my Kite Runner thesis paper.  I chose to write about Khaled Hosseini's switch to present tense at moment in a novel that he writes in past tense.  I worked on my thesis with Mr. Allen, and he asked me to look at all the places in the novel written in present tense, and come up with a general conclusion as to why Amir (technically Hosseini) wrote them that way.  I did just that, going through the six present tense passages (I didn't re-read the whole novel, so I may have missed one) in The Kite Runner.  I carefully read and re-read the passages, and within about 15 minutes came up with a decisive reason.  Amir shifts to present tense in order to separate moments that he cannot reconcile with the realizations and themes of his memoir, and therefore still contemplates.

Traditionally, authors write memoirs in past tense as a way to come to a realization or reach closure about one's past.  And even though Hosseini's is a novel, we still see the memoir style throughout the novel.  However, these present tense moments jump out at us in a form-is-content fashion.  Since Amir, the fictional author of The Kite Runner, theoretically writes this book looking back from a certain point, then present tense passages show moments that he still reflects then, and cannot reconcile with the rest of his memoir that has already occurred for him.  

I really like this idea that I found in the passages, because it speaks to not only Hosseini's crafting brilliance but also enhances the memoir style.  By contradicting traditional memoir style, he shows both the complexity and flexibility of his story.  The one problem I have is that I struggle, as you can see from above, to express my idea in a concise claim.  I'm sure Mr. Allen will work on that with me, but at least I know that the evidence supports my claim.  Now my task is to elaborate on analysis of the evidence and significance of my claim to form a complete paper.

Best of Week: Short Sentences

In class this week, we read through and discussed most of the first chapter, Short Sentences, of Artful Sentences: Syntax as Style by Virginia Tufte.  The chapter contains numerous examples of how authors use short sentences in writing at the beginning, middle, and end of paragraphs, and their effects.  In the discussion, Mr. Allen explained to us the clued us in on the main purpose of short sentences.  Voice.  He advised us to mix all lengths of sentences into our writing, and how that displays the theme of the book, Form is Content.

This idea of short sentences and voice triggers thoughts in me about uniqueness.  How is my writing unique from others'?  I think everyone writes slightly differently, but not everyone's writing stands out.  I imagine that Artful Sentences and Mr. Allen will give me tools for my writing to do just that.  

I plan to use short sentences in my writing throughout the rest of my school and adult life.  Mr. Allen specifically pointed out that short sentences are key to an outstanding college admissions essay.  He told us that faculty reads through thousands of essays, and many are stuffed with as many long sentences as possible.  A good way to add a unique, non-run-of-the-mill student's voice is to mix in short sentences that grab the reader's attention and/or relieve the reader.  Varying sentences can add a musical quality to the paper, therefore making it more appealing.  That's a way to get into the "in" pile.  

Beyond writing, this concept of uniqueness will help me stand out as a person, making a greater impact on the world.  After all, doesn't everyone want to be remembered for something?  As I think every day about what I want to do later in life, I never forget this question.  How am I/can I be unique?  The lesson of short sentences helps to make me a unique writer, but I'm still looking for ways to make myself a unique person.  But isn't that really for me to find out?  We'll see.

Carry it Forward: The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini, really stresses the importance of taking action. Amir's biggest regret is not taking action as his best friend got raped before his eyes. From then on, Amir's happiest and most successful moments come with proactivity. Amir didn't wait very long before marrying Sariya, and took much initiative in caring for Baba's health. Amir also persued his writing career with an ultimately pleasing result. And when Rahim Khan called on Amir to return to Pakistan, Amir did so with little hesitation. This also turned out to be a crucial moment in Amir's life. As Amir says on page 202 "There is only what you do and what you don't do."

Just as Amir learned the value of action, I too hope to carry the idea forward in my life. In today's society, it seems that happiness comes at a cost. I'm not saying that money equals happiness, but rather that achievement equals happiness (this achievement just happens to sometimes come with monetary gain). Achievement can mean different things for different people. To me, I hope to achieve success in high school and go on to college and graduate school in order to help people through politics. I want to become active in the social justice and political world, therefore helping others. And I know that this goal requires action, and that it will not just come to me. I have to go out and get it.

I also have to take action in everday life, not just over the long term. In the middle of writing this post, I went out on my street door-to-door to finish selling cookies for a school fundraiser. I really did not want to do it, as I can't help but imagine the annoyed thoughts going through people's heads as they pay $15.00 for cookies they'll probably never end up eating. But I went anyway, and finally sold my 15 boxes. I could have chosen to not complete my goal, but then I would have let down the music department and myself. In the long run, the benefits of the fundraising will overshadow the few awkward moments collecting money from neighbors.

It's always hard to look at things over the long run, but I believe that my actions can steer me in the right direction. After all, taking action means taking control of the long run. It means taking control of life.