Analyzing Khaled Hosseini's 'The Kite Runner'

The Kite Runner
Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner” is a powerful novel that explores the difficulties of familial bonds, cultural identity, and personal atonement in the setting of Afghanistan's ongoing war. The story is set in the 70s and 80s from the perspective of a young Pashtun boy, Amir, who struggles to deal with his previous transgressions as well as the legacy of his father's expectations. Above all, Amir’s difficult relationship with his father, Baba, is eminently present due to his high expectations of him, Amir’s lack of courage and his emotional distance. As readers slowly discover Amir’s experiences, the novel explores numerous themes which reflect the universal battles with identity, guilt, and the quest for purpose in a violent

As a successful and wealthy businessman, it is no doubt that Baba expects nothing but the best from his son. Amir is aware of his father's disappointment in him and tries his best to live up to his standards. Their connection is strained by Baba's strict treatment of Amir, who is consistently challenged to accomplish more and strive for better. This sense of distance between the two starts to become more apparent when Baba complains about Amir to his trustworthy friend and business partner, Rahim Khan. Rahim says, “‘You’re just angry because you’re afraid he’ll never take over the business for you’” (Hosseini 24). Spoken by someone who seems to know Baba well, this statement reveals to readers that Baba cares a lot about his work and is likely disappointed because his own blood, who has everything set up for him, will probably not follow in his footsteps. This disappointment is also rooted in Amir’s lack of

Amir is shown as being emotionally estranged from his father throughout the entire book. Amir's emotional distance makes Baba feel hurt and rejected, and as a result of this frustration, he is harsh with him. Baba finds it challenging to comprehend and empathize with his son’s feelings due to his emotional remoteness and stoicism. However, he still makes an effort to connect with Amir through their shared love of sports, but Amir's introversion makes this highly difficult. For instance, when Amir and Baba watch a game of buzkashi, a well-known game in Afghanistan in which a rider must place an animal carcass in a scoring circle while other riders try to take it from him, a rider gets crushed after falling from his horse. Amir cries and Baba is uncomfortable and does not show any sign of sympathy for his son: “I remember how Baba’s hands clenched around the sterling wheel…Mostly, I will never forget Baba’s valiant efforts to conceal the disgusted look on his face as he drove in silence” (Hosseini 23). This event allows the readers to more deeply understand Baba and Amir’s relationship and to comprehend why Baba is so hard on