Respond in a well-organized essay, and make sure your answer is written in complete sentences.%C2%A0 Respond to one of the questions below. Include at least two supporting details or examples.
A. In “The Literature of the Middle East and South Asia,” Laura Winkiel writes: “These stories help us to understand the complex questions that Middle Easterners and South Asian people ask as they stand at a crossroads of cultural and religious change.” Explain how this statement applies to one of the selections you read. Be sure to include the title of the selection and explain the crossroads that it illustrates.
In the selection "The Kite Runner" by Khalid Hosseini, the statement by Laura Winkiel, "These stories help us to understand the complex questions that Middle Easterners and South Asian people ask as they stand at a crossroads of cultural and religious change," directly applies. "The Kite Runner" is set in Afghanistan during a tumultuous time of political and societal transformation, illustrating the crossroads that the characters and the nation as a whole face.
One of the main crossroads depicted in "The Kite Runner" is the clash between tradition and modernity. The protagonist, Amir, grows up in a society where traditional customs, values, and expectations are deeply ingrained. However, as the story progresses, the influence of Western ideas and practices becomes more prominent through the eyes of Amir's friend, Rahim Khan, who has spent time in America. This cultural shift creates a divide within the community, with some embracing the new ideas while others vehemently oppose them.
One example that showcases this crossroads is through the implementation of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. The Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic law leads to a significant shift in societal norms and cultural practices. For instance, the public execution of individuals for differing religious views or acts deemed immoral becomes a common occurrence. This creates a moral dilemma for the characters in the story, as they are forced to navigate between their personal beliefs and the oppressive rules of the Taliban.
Additionally, "The Kite Runner" also explores the complexities of religious change. Amir and his family are of the Shiite Muslim faith, which is a minority sect in Afghanistan. Throughout the story, there are tensions between the majority Sunni Muslims and the Shiite community, reflecting the broader religious divide within the nation. This religious conflict is further exacerbated by the emergence of extremist ideologies, such as the Taliban, which use religion as a tool to oppress and control the population. Amir's personal journey to seek redemption and atonement is deeply intertwined with his exploration of faith, as he questions the role of religion in shaping his actions and identity.
Overall, "The Kite Runner" embodies the complex questions that Middle Easterners and South Asian people face at the crossroads of cultural and religious change. Through exploring the clash between tradition and modernity, as well as the complexities of religious tensions, Khalid Hosseini's novel offers valuable insight into the multifaceted challenges and choices individuals in this region encounter.