Sympathy In The Kite Runner

It is delineated by natural inclination that people sympathize with others who undergo an unfortunate circumstance or event. However, this type of behavior is dependent on how one uses prior knowledge to judge whether someone is worthy of sympathy. The idea that people tend to draw conclusions based on other people’s decisions and character remains as one of the many underlying themes in literature. In Khaled Hosseini’s novel, The Kite Runner, Amir’s character is considered worthy of sympathy by his redeeming actions towards the end of the novel, his good intentions toward Baba, and his ability to empathize with others. As The Kite Runner approaches the end of the story, Amir undergoes a change in his characterization which leads to events

For example, Amir insists that Baba visits a “...radian oncologist to talk to Baba into getting radiation treatment” (161) after being diagnosed with a metastasized form of cancer. From this quote, Amir’s intent is to help Baba survive the cancer so he can live a longer lifespan. Even after refusing to undergo preventive medical procedures, Amir remains faithful to Baba and fulfills his commands until his death in Chapter 13. Sacrificing Hassan to gain Baba’s affection is another horrifically indicative yet illustrative precedent of Amir’s past, specifically in the quote, “Maybe Hassan was the price I had to pay, the lamb I had to slay, to win Baba” (77). To validate his reasoning for leaving Hassan, Amir uses self-deception into thinking that his relationship with Baba carried more value rather than a Hazara. Baba and Amir ultimately grew a stronger bond but at the expense of permanent guilt for Amir. The father-son relationship that occurs throughout this story enables the reader to personally connect with Amir, which explains the novel’s universal