How Does Baba Show Heroism In The Kite Runner

The Make-Believe Hero
In Kahled Hosseini’s novel The Kite Runner, Baba defines the macho man. He commands attention and projects the very image of power and vitality. Physically, his height and strength make him an imposing character, but his attitude makes him a real manly man. He challenges armed soldiers, steps on the toes of religious leaders, and even wrestles a bear. Nothing and nobody scares him. In a world full of cowards, Baba is one of the few real men capable of living solely by their ideals—or so everyone thinks. Secretly, Baba sleeps with his best friend’s wife, and then lets his illegitimate child live as a lowly servant. He cannot bear to lose his social status and his perceived honor, so he lives a lie. In many ways, Baba is

When a border guard demands to sleep with a refugee’s wife, Baba unhesitatingly risks his life to protect a complete stranger. As the guard lifts his gun, Baba emphatically states, “Tell him I’ll take a thousand of his bullets before I let this indecency take place” (Hosseini 116). Baba did not know the woman, and by challenging the soldier, he was risking his and his son Amir’s lives and their chance to flee Afghanistan. Nevertheless, he unflinchingly prepared to fight threatening, “If I don’t go down, I’m tearing him to pieces” (116). Baba simply does not back down. He allegedly wrestled a bear and lived to tell the tale. Any normal person would have run or played dead, but Baba stayed and fought the bear. When he goes to America, he works long, hard hours to earn enough money to provide for Amir without relying on government assistance. In fact, not only does he stop taking welfare as soon as possible, but he also returns all his food stamps “the same day he was hired” (130). Pain, hard work, and even death do not scare Baba. Baba is absolutely determined to be a heroic figure and live a life that corresponds perfectly with his

Although Baba fathered both Amir and Hassan, Baba rejects Hassan but spoils Amir. In fact, young Amir has more toys and luxuries than many affluent American families today. Baba literally covers Amir with status symbols—expensive American clothes. However, Baba does not spoil Amir out of love; rather, he wants Amir to represent his status and wealth. When Amir fails to live up to his father’s social image and masculinity, Baba can only make “valiant efforts to conceal the disgusted look on his face” (21). Hassan, however, receives very different treatment. Hassan represents Baba’s mistakes. Because Baba would lose his social standing if he publicly revealed his affair, Baba refuses to provide for and protect Hassan. Hassan always lives honorably and “[everyone] knew Hassan never lied” even when the truth hurts (105).When Baba rejects Hassan, he symbolically rejects true honor and heroism. Baba’s treatment of his sons reveals his superficiality and his unwillingness to accept responsibility for his