I would like some help in identifiying a theme that is beginning to emerge within the chapters 10-15 of The Kite Runner.

I just finished a semester of teaching Middle Eastern
translation literature, so this question is relevant and
of-the-moment.

Hosseini plays with quite a few themes
throughout his novel, some of which are to introduce us to Afghan history and
culture through a Western lens (meaning a history Westerners can
understand).

Starting in Chapter Ten, we've basically
sprinted forward in Amir's life--because those sixyears are inconsequential towards the
achievement of Amir's growth which he has yet to do.  You'll do the same thing in
Chapter 14, when Rahim Khan phones and reminds Amir that, "there is a way to be good
again."  It's the challenge to admit to past mistakes and essentially 'man
up.'

You'll find throughout the story that Hosseini plays
w/intertexuality (Sorah= part Oedipus, part
Iliad, part Achilles) and we certainly gain an
understanding of the Afghan people and their culture (pre/post Taliban) through the 
history and liberal sprinkling of Afghan words.  Take for example this quote from
Chapter Ten:

readability="10">

You couldn't trust anyone in Kabul...for a fee
or under threat, people told on each other, neighbor on neighbor, child on parent,
brother on brother.

Imagine
what life would be like if you couldn't trust anyone.  Anyone!  That said, even after
the move to America there is still an issue of trust,  Consider this example from Baba
trying to purchase items at a grocery store.

readability="5">

What kind of country is this?  No one trusts
anybody!

The theme of trust
continues, but more important, we see that Baba isn't adjusting to his new life, while
Amir embraces the chance to forget:

readability="7">

America was different.  America was a river,
roaring along, unmindful of the
past.

Amir can reinvent
himself and try to allay the memories of Hasaan that continue to haunt him.  More
American than Afghan, Amir tries to embrace his new American way of life, but finds that
at every turn he is reminded of tradition, culture and the Afghan
way.

We also learn that the Afghans have a long history of
war (Russian invasion predates the Taliban...and Americans) and that really, war is a
way of life and to escape it means fleeing.  To survive, the Afghan people forge a new
community, complete with the old traditions, in America.  So even though they're
"unhomed' (a post-colonial theory term), they are able to bond and salvage their
traditions and sense of community.

You see again that sense
of tradition in the interplay with Amir and Soraya.  Amir is unable to start up a direct
conversation with her because tradition matters, and even though Soraya is a 'fallen
woman,' duty, honor, pride, and tradition are huge factors. So, the underlying message
is to embrace culture, no matter where you end up.

An
equally prevalent and important theme is honor and pride--traits tantamount to an Afghan
man and, as you've already seen, Amir is not capable of honor...yet.  Baba, who seems to
be the most heroic character (at least to Amir) is tainted, too.  There is also the
recurring theme of Amir's search for Baba's love.

I
loveteaching this book because Hosseini is brilliant in how much
culture he injects.  In just these five short chapters go back and see how much you've
learned of Afghanistan and her people.

Even though I know
this book well, I recommend taking a look at the e-notes Study Guides and the
politics/culture link below for some different approaches.