Father Son Relationships In Kite Runner

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The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini shows the significant effect on relationships between sons and their father figures. The two main father-son relationships in the novel are between Amir, Hassan, and their fathers. Many of the significant events that shape the novel, such as the incident in the alley, as well as the personality and nature of Amir and Hassan, revolve around the influence of their father figures.
Amir had been seeking for Baba’s affection from the moment he was born. In fact, his first word was Baba, which indicates how much Amir had longed for Baba’s love and attention. Throughout his childhood, it is seen that Baba had not given Amir enough time, thought or confidence. This was ultimately the cause of what happened in the alley with Hassan and Assef. “I think maybe you’ll win the tournament this year” (71). When it came time to the kite flying competition, Baba had told Amir that he might win this year. This led Amir into feeling pressurized to win the contest, especially because it could have been the key to being considered a “someone” to Baba. This desire from Amir to get the kite that led to his victory and win Baba’s attention played a role in Hassan’s abuse. If Amir wasn’t so eager to get that kite, he could have told Assef that he could keep it. This would have saved Hassan from Assef’s abuse. Baba is also to blame for Hassan’s abuse because he never gave Amir the confidence he needed to stand up to other people. “A boy who won’t stand up for