The Characteristics Of A Heroic Father Figure

Alexandra Lavallee

Mrs. Marrish

Honors English II

01 May 2023

The Characteristics of a Heroic Father Figure There are many qualities that are required in a person to be called a heroic father figure. It is important for a father to have certain qualities that benefit their children in the best way possible. The father son relationship theme throughout the novel, The Kite Runner, written by Khaled Hosseini, is a very important one to pay attention to, considering the fact that there are two characters that have very different parenting styles, and are heroic in their own ways. These characters are portrayed as single fathers, using their own parenting techniques to help their children become the best that they can be. First off, there is

Throughout the novel, Baba is very set in his ways regarding the topic of moral standards. He finds it very important to set a good example for his son, one where Amir is able to follow directly in his footsteps. Baba makes sure to teach Amir time and time again about the rights and wrongs in life and shares his wisdom to his son. For example, in the novel it states, “‘When you kill a man, you steal a life,’ Baba said. ‘You steal his wife’s right to a husband, rob his children of a father. When you tell a lie, you steal someone’s right to the truth. When you cheat, you steal the right to fairness. Do you see?’” (Hosseini 18). This quote explains how Baba uses his knowledge and his standards to show Amir how to be a good person in life. Baba believes that stealing is the worst thing someone can do, and there are many moral values that Amir needs to follow to become a successful person in everyday life. Baba wants to make sure that his son can learn from him and understand things about life. Baba also expresses his concern for his son time and time again, and he just wants to ensure that Amir will be able to grow up and take care of himself. For instance, it is mentioned on page twenty-two, “‘You just need to let him find his way,’ Rahim Khan said. ‘And where is he headed?’ Baba said. ‘A boy who won’t stand up for himself becomes a man who can’t

Throughout the story, The Kite Runner, Hassan’s father, Ali, has a very different way of parenting compared to Baba. Ali believes that being extremely emotionally involved is the best way to parent his son. For instance, the text reads, “‘Life here is impossible for us now, Agha sahib. We’re leaving.’ Ali drew Hassan to him, curled his arm around his son’s shoulder. It was a protective gesture and I knew whom Ali was protecting him from. Ali glanced my way and in his cold, unforgiving look, I saw that Hassan had told him. He had told him about everything, about what Assef and his friends had done to him, about the kite, about me. Strangely, I was glad someone knew me for who I really was; I was tired of pretending” (Hosseini 106). This quote reveals that Ali cares a lot about Hassan’s emotional state throughout his life, and the second it is unsafe, he will take him away. While it is a good trait to be emotionally involved in a child’s life, it is definitely not the most important thing. If a child is not given the opportunity to have a comfortable life and have someone who has high morals, then the emotional support that was provided will not matter because they do not have anything going for them, such as an education, money, and a future. If a young adult