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Decisions In The Kite Runner

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Emma Johnson Robyn Simpson ENG3U-05 June 4, 2023 The Effects of Past Decisions Throughout The Kite Runner It is common knowledge that bad decisions impact the future. The novel, “The Kite Runner” written by Khaled Hosseini, follows the life of a young Afghani man, Amir, as he faces challenges while navigating young adulthood. The story takes place in Afghanistan during the 1970s until the Taliban take over in the 1990s. Amir grows up in a lavish house in Kabul, alongside their servant Ali, who lives in a dated shack with his son Hassan. The story has a main focus on the friendship between Amir and Hassan as well as the relationship between Amir and his father, which is filled with guilt, betrayal and violence. Although past actions are well-intentioned, …show more content…

First, Hassan experiences a harsh and violent situation at a young age. “I’ve changed my mind,” Assef said. “I’m letting you keep the kite, Hazara. I’ll let you keep it so it will always remind you of what I'm about to do.”. (Hosseini, 78) Hassan is put in very challenging and dangerous situations. At a young age, he was trapped and raped. He was tortured by Assef and his friend for being a Hazara. They wanted the kite, but Hassan refused because he knows it will upset Amir to lose. As a result, he was raped. Second, The soviet union takes over causing Amir and Baba to leave. “The soldier flicked his unfinished cigarette and unholstered his handgun. So this is where Baba dies, I thought. This is how it’s going to happen.” (Hosseini, 122) Afghanistan turns into a violent place. The Soviet Union takes over making it dangerous. Baba and Amir are looking to flee to Pakistan. They are stopped at a checkpoint and interrogated. Amir worries that Baba is going to die. They get through the checkpoint and later settle in Fremont, California. Thirdly, Sohrab has difficulties leaving his past traumatic events behind. “I pushed open the door open. I stepped into the bathroom. Suddenly I was on my knees, screaming. Screaming through my clenched teeth. Screaming until I thought my throat would rep and my chest explode.” (Hosseini, 361) Sohrab lives with lots of past traumas. His father, Hassan, was killed and he is being sexually abused by Assef. He finds trouble living with these experiences weighing down on him. He attempts to commit suicide. Amir finds him in the bathroom. Amir shows a deep fear when he finds Sohrab and he is very worried about why he would do such a thing. The points that are given show that violence within the novel is caused by poor

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