The Kite Runner Compare And Contrast

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Thomas Hughes III 5/17/23 Final Essay In a world where privilege and opportunities shape the path of Individual's lives, the characters of Hassan from the kite runner and Joshua Bell from The Fiddler in the Subway stand as examples of how varying levels of access to privilege and how cultural backgrounds can shape similar characters. Hassan and Joshua Bell are two complex characters that share traits of exceptional talent and pride, two differences between the characters are their cultural and economic backgrounds as well as the effect of validation on them. Both Hassan and Bell exhibit many traits that show transcend geographical and cultural factors and connect the two characters …show more content…

Despite being looked down upon and consistently being unfairly treated Hassan does not allow others to Lower his self-worth, one notable example of this is the pomegranate scene where despite being belittled Hassan doesn’t retaliate and stands there unfazed. Another example is Hassan standing up to Assef with his slingshot, despite being outmanned and overpowered Hassan stood his ground to protect both Amir and himself. Joshua Bell also shows pride in continuing to play despite being ignored by all the by-passers showing loyalty and pride in his craft, this action of continuing to perform and show his skill shows strength and pride in his character. Both Bell's and Hassan's actions of taking pride in themselves despite judgment is a huge similarity that connects their actions and …show more content…

Hassan was an ethnic Hazara who was looked down upon in traditional Afghan culture, his place as a servant added to that low status and economic level. While Hassan was talented and prideful in his culture, his identity as a Hazara limited his opportunities in life. On the opposite side Joshua Bell grew up upper middle class in Bloomington, Indiana, Bell was given many opportunities throughout his childhood and early life including excelling in tennis and bowling. These privileges and support that Bell got through much of his early life contrast greatly with Hassan's lack of opportunity and