Emotion In 'The Kite Runner'

Emotional tendencies control the choices that an individual makes when faced with adversity. Human psychology relies on feeling rather than thinking, despite many individuals believing they approach problems from a logical standpoint. The choices an individual makes in their adolescence are crucial as they create a foundation for their future morals and values. The novel The Kite Runner highlights the cause and effect of emotion driven reactions in times of disparity. It displays the consequences of reacting to adversity solely by emotional force and how detrimental that can be. Satisfaction and regret have the internal strength to influence a character’s choices which has long lasting impacts regarding one’s relationship with others and themselves.

This often leads to deep regret if the intent is selfish and/or immoral. This idea is present when Amir and Hassan initially encounter Assef’s gang. Rather than defending himself [and Hassan], he remained in cowardice due to his inability to exceed his fear Amir displays these tendencies again when he witnesses the gruesome scene in the alley involving Hassan and Assef. Amir is faced with the decision of whether to make himself vulnerable and stand up to Assef and his gang or to flee the scene and save himself. From an ethical standpoint, what Amir did was far from what one should do in that situation. However, it helps the reader understand the power emotions have on the locus of control when faced with a high stress scenerio. Amir’s fight or flight instincts came into effect and he chose the latter. He was at an emotional high after witnessing such an appaling event and let this fully guide his choices. He learned that even when no action is taken, there still may be consequences. There’s only what you do, and what you don’t do, the middle ground is undefined. He did not allow for a thorough analysis of the situation and did not experience matters in a logical or ethical way. He learned that even when no action is taken, their still may be consequences. There’s only what you do, and what you don’t do, the middle ground is undefined. As a result, he lived in tremendous guilt for

Amir betrays their relationship initially by his lack of action which left Hassan helpless in the alley. Later, he continues to make Hassan suffer due to his own selfishness. As if the events that unfolded in the alley were not enough, Amir continued to punish Hassan by growing both emotionally and physically distant to the point that he considered doing further harm to rid himself of Hassan. His cowardly tendencies were shamed every time he laid eyes on him. Hassan stated his openness to reconnecting with Amir, but was immediately shut down. Amir’s focus was not to rekindle his relationship with Hassan, but rather to hide from his shame. He chose to question Hassan’s integrity, a serious offence in Amir’s family in a hasty decision to achieve emotional relief. What he did not realize was that the choices individuals make in a few days, sometimes even a single day, can change the course of a whole lifetime and that the choices he made as a child would have everlasting impacts. The experience in the alley was a pivotal moment in Amir’s life as it defined his core values moving forward. Amir failed to logically process significant events in his youth which had serious effects on his relations with others. He would not understand until his adulthood that it hurts far more to have and lose than to not have in the first