Further developing the meaning of the story, connoting the mental struggle and the way priorities change over time, keeping readers mindful of the motifs and how they impact each character. One of the most noticeable conflicts that emerges in the earlier chapters seem to be almost mundane, but effects the overall the characterization of both Amir and Baba. Amir is a young child, yearning for his father’s attention, his approval, his love. The conflict is one of both external and internal. It had gotten to the point where Amir went through with the kite flying with Hassan just to receive his father’s approbation.
Amir and Hassan cultures interfered with their friendship. Amir says, “I was Pashtuns and he was a Hazara, I was Sunni and he was Shi’a and nothing was ever going to change that” (Hosseini 25). Not lonely that they had different cultures they also had different personalities. Hassan was loyal and faithful to Amir no matter what was happening; however, Amir was not
The two friends not only share the struggle of having one parent, but time later reveals that they also share the same father. Discovering this leaves Amir feeling completely betrayed, “How could you hide this from me? From him?” (Housseini 223), reacting in a fairly predictable manner. Because of this, Amir and Hassan naturally form a dependency on their fathers, allowing the boys to relate to one and other on a deeper, more personal level. From that, a point of similarity presents itself that connects Baba and Ali.
This ties in to the fact that if Amir had helped Hassan there would be a high probability of both of them getting hurt. The second point that ties in is that Hassan is a Hassar not a Pashtun and is therefore not regarded with the same level of respect and honor as a fellow Pashtun would. Another point that was brought up in the discussion is the question of Amirs religious alignment At his school he was taught as a Sunni Muslim; at home his father and seventh practices the culture of a Shi'a Muslim; and his father holds the opinions of an atheist. We reflected that Amir was most likely religiously confused and not holding any moral bearing due to his lack of a steadfast religious alignment. This could be one of the reasons that he might act in his childhood with such moral
In addition Baba felt like he needed Amir to be a good man and the only way was to be hard on him. Therefore without Baba and the way he was with Amir, He wouldn't have been the man he grew up to be. In the novel, Amir was shaped and influenced by the other characters. Amir was influence by Sohrab because he helped him redeem himself. Hassan helped him realize that forgiving is a big part in life.
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.
He knew I had betrayed him and yet he was rescuing me once again,..the last time." (Hosseini 89-90.9) After this act of Amir’s the reader’s pity for Hassan develops, as does their hatred towards Amir. This occurrence, in spite of the shame Amir bears throughout his life, shows Amir's misuse of Hassan for his own
Amir adopted the idea that he was above Hassan from the social hierarchy of the Hazaras. Throughout their friendship, Amir’s loyalty is questioned. Amir allowed Hassan to sacrifice himself, which showed how different the boys thought about each
Their contrasting social conditions shape the way they treat each other and influence their own beliefs and values, making it extremely difficult to maintain a normal relationship. The huge role of Marxism in class conflict greatly affects the decisions and choices that Amir and Hassan make ending in a truly painful estrangement. These boys should be the best of friends; deep down they love each other so very much, but their preexisting economic situations make this love impossible to put on display. Amir manages to repair this broken friendship twenty years later; Hassan may have gone, but Amir can finally forgive himself for the decisions he made as a
Shook his head. When he spoke again, he sounded as baffled as he looked. ‘How can you call him your ‘friend?’’ But he is not my friend...he’s my servant!” (41) Amir thought, showcasing the opinion he created about Hassan. Working for Baba and Amir as servants, Hassan and his father are put below their bosses on the social hierarchy. These societal labels cloud Amir’s mind.