How Does Hosseini Present Conflict In The Kite Runner

Within the Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini presents the experience of conflict as a symptom of change. The idea of conflict, is shown to be necessary in order to change the future, as well as redemption of the past. The existence and experience of conflict is also shown to be evident in society at the time, in the political turmoil of Afghanistan at the time, as well as in the differing religious beliefs of the Pashtuns and the Hazaras - their respective roles in society. Hosseini presents the idea that although conflict can be a force for evil, it can also be a force for good. Within the novel, conflict is shown on a large scale in the instance of the Taliban, on a smaller scale in the case of Amir and Hassan, as well as the final conflict between

This idea of segregation and conflict within society is presented by Hosseini through the use of Assef. Within chapter 5, Assef reveals his vision for Afghanistan: "Afghanistan for Pashtuns, I say. That's my vision". He presents the idea that there is an 'Aryan race', in the voice of his idol, Hitler, and that their country should only be populated by the Pashtuns of "pure" blood. He similarly claims that "We [as in the Pashtuns] are the true Afghans, the pure Afghans". Through this use of language, Hosseini suggests the derogatory idea that Hazaras are not pure, and that "they dirty our blood". The idea that your religion can "dirty our blood" touches upon the concept of eugenics, that a society should be made of certain "pure" blood, rather than mixed-creating social segregation. This idea that the basis of religion can determine if someone is of "pure" blood, or of "dirty blood" plays a major role in the society at the time. Individuals of "pure" blood, the Pashtuns often had high class families and lineage, whereas individuals of "dirty" blood, the Hazaras worked as servants, or were often homeless. This separation of religious class could perhaps be another factor that contributes to a society that is breaking apart, a society that is being divided by the ideas of being a "true Afghan" or one of "dirty [blood]" can result in a segregation of class, such as the districts being seperated within the Kite Runner such as the Wazir Khan District and the richer ones, or through restrictions placed by this conflict, limiting the roles and opportunities that an individual may receive due to their