Baba's Development In 'Kite Runner'

Maylinh T.
Mr. Camacho
English 2A
May 18, 2023
Kite Runner: Baba’s Development An immortal being is said to be a person with no weaknesses, only perfection, but even a god has flaws. In the book, “Kite Runner”, Baba is a figure who is invincible and unreachable in the eyes of his legitimate son, Amir. Baba develops from an almighty legend into a vulnerable father full of guilt revealed through sickness, cancer. As a result, his character catalyzes the plot of Kite Runner in redemption with his role as a respected figure who shapes the growth of understanding emotions, forgiveness, and the relationships in others around him. Baba’s development begins by being portrayed as a masculine and morally upright figure who holds all the qualities

However, the relationship between the two is merely just a facade. “I watched him fill his glass at the bar and wondered how much time would pass before we talked again the way we just had. Because the truth of it was, I always felt like Baba hated me a little.” (ch. 3,pg. 14) Tension created a barrier causing Amir to always crave for Baba’s attention. “‘I think I have _saratan_,’ I said. Cancer. Baba lifted his head from the pages flapping in the breeze. Told me I could get the soda myself, all I had to do was look in the trunk of the car.”(Ch. 3, pg 10) and “I cried all the way back home. I remember how Baba's hands clenched around the steering wheel. Clenched and unclenched. Mostly, I will never forget Baba's valiant efforts to conceal the disgusted look on his face as he drove in silence.” Baba’s refusal to show emotion towards Amir and neglect toward his son made him go to great lengths to gain his approval with these being examples. Baba, never acknowledging his son taught him that he should never express his emotions to others. These actions of Baba set the standard of expressions which affects Amir's understanding of calling out for help when

Baba wanted Amir to fit his image with societal expectations and with this victory he gained that approval. This sudden development of attention toward his son after being cold taught him that only through achievements that represented masculinity would he finally obtain the love from his father. The sacrifices he made to achieve this resulted in Hassan being betrayed in exchange for it. Amir’s growing guilt causes him to attempt to get rid of him by framing him for the sin of theft. Baba claimed theft to be the worst sin of all with everything else being a form of it, “Now, no matter what the mullah teaches, there is only one sin, only one. And that is theft. Every other sin is a variation of theft. Do you understand that?” However, when Hassan was accused of treason, Baba forgave him with no hesitation. Immediately after, Baba began to cry and beg for the two to stay. The action of showing ‘weak’ emotion in front of Amir for the first time put him into a state of confusion about his understanding of forgiveness and Baba’s love for