Amir And Hassan's Relationship Analysis

Throughout the introductory stages of Khaled Hosseini’s novel The Kite Runner, the narrator, Amir, develops an ambivalent relationship with his childhood friend Hassan and a desperate relationship with his father, Baba. Seeking the approval of his father, Amir willingly determines that surrendering his friendship and Hassan’s loyalty will result in Baba’s pride. Regardless of Hassan’s claim that he would “eat dirt” (54) for him, Amir attempts to rid Hassan and his father from their home by framing him for theft. Consumed by guilt and jealousy, Amir’s selfish actions prove how one’s personal desires may overcome the moral obligation to perform only beneficial actions and express only positive words. Demonstrating specific expectations for Amir, Baba exhibits contrasting relationships with Amir and Hassan. Built on a foundation of jealousy, the relationships between Amir-Baba and Hassan-Baba display how Amir assumes that Baba possesses a stronger connection with Hassan than himself. Amir believes that Baba pushes him away, disrespecting his character, evidenced by Amir’s alleged idea that Baba blames him for the death of his wife. Rahim Khan’s conversation with Baba reveals this, allowing the reader and Baba to understand that “children aren’t coloring books” (21). Disassociated with Baba’s ideal outline of his child, Amir attempts to participate in sports rather than poetry and reading to shape into someone who stands up for himself. However, Amir’s failed pursuits of Baba’s

Determining to retain the winning kite in the tournament for Baba rather than abandon his success and prevent Assef’s actions exemplify the concept of our decisions significantly impacting ourselves and others. “I had one last chance to make a decision. One final opportunity to decide who I was going to be”