Amir's Influence On The Kite Runner

Certain circumstances and people we are surrounded by hold a great impact on us and what we become in the long run. Whether it's a certain circumstance, surrounding, or a person they lead to a development of certain attitudes and perspectives on life. In Khaled Hosseini’s novel, The Kite Runner, the character of Amir is influenced and shaped, both positively and negatively, by the major characters of Hassan who remains loyal to him throughout the entire novel, Baba who is his father but not so much his father figure, and Assef by negatively clouding Amir’s morals when it came their social status.
Amir’s character is greatly impacted and shaped by Hassan’s loyalty throughout everything. Amir feels jealous and inferior when it comes to Hassan,

The most I managed was five. Baba was there, watching, and he patted Hassan on the back. Even put his arm around his shoulder.” (Hosseini, 13-14) Another important figure from the novel that has a significant effect on Amir is Hassan. His perception and identity of self was shaped through their difficult relationship. Even though when the two of them were young their relationship was perceived as a brotherly bond, it appears as the novel goes in more depth that Hassan causes a lot of guilt for Amir unconsciously. This is through the alleyway scene where Hassan was raped. At the beginning of the novel, the narrator gives emphasis on the lasting influences the rape has on Amir. “I became what I am today…because the past claws its way out. Looking back now, I realise I have been peeking into that deserted alley for the last 26 years” (page 1). The reflective tone seen throughout the quote emphasises the extent of his guilt which captures his inability to confront the past. The included use of imagery and the extended metaphor illustrates the damaging effects that this event (and Hassan) has caused Amir and demonstrates how he can’t progress from the past. Also the personification “past claws its way out”