Adapting to America Questions

1. Analyze the scene in chapter 11 where Baba fights with the Nguyens in their stor. What does this scene show about Baba's character? Selcet specific word from the text to support your response.
The scene with Baba at the Nguyens shows how proud he is. When Mr. Nguyens askes for Baba's license, Baba feels his pride being hurt. After all, for "almost two years (he has) bought his damn fruits and put money in his pocket and the son of a dog wants to see my license!" Even after Amir explains that everyone has to show their license and that "it's not personal," steal feels that the action was personal. I believe that he feels this is personal because he is not ready for change, and having to be ID is something that he has never had to do because everyone knew him. Therefore, since the Nguyens knew him then why should they have to ID him.

2. Why does Baba come to America? Explain your answer by using specific quotations from the text.
Baba comes to America not for himself or to get away from the distruction that is going on in Afgahistan, but to give Amir a better life. While eating together, Amir suggests that they both go back to Peshawar. Amir says that it would be better because Baba was happier there. Although, Baba replies, "I didn't bring us here for me, did I?" This shows how Baba is giving Amir a gift of freedom. Amir also realizes that this is "one last gift for Amir."

3. Why does Amir have an easier time adapting to American culture than Baba does?
Amir can adapt to the American way easier because he hasn't lived in Afgahistan his whole life. Baba was born and raised in Afgahistan and then live most of his adult life in Afgahistan, where as Amir was only born there and live most of his childhood there and now he is in America. Also, Baba isn't really as strick as the other Afgahistan fathers are. Baba views things with a different mind set, giving Amir an easier time to adjust to the American way.

4. Does Soraya help Amir develop as a character? Why or why not?
I believe that Soraya helps Amir's character develop. Soraya helps Amir see where he comes from, and how his own culture works. Baba didn't really follow all the rules like that other Afgah fathers did and because he was raised by only men, he really doesn't know how women are truely treated in Afgahistan.