Sophia DeSha Mr. Brown English 10 College Prep 29 February 2024 Father-Son Relationship in The Kite Runner Throughout Khaled Hosseini’s novel, The Kite Runner, Amir's relationship with Baba, his father, plays a crucial role in his character development. As a child, Amir unsuccessfully attempted to live up to his father’s expectations. After consistent failures and critiques, Amir negatively compared himself and his failures to Baba’s supposed greatness. After Amir is an adult and returns to Afghanistan, Hosseini portrays Baba in a different light as secrets are uncovered. Instead of Baba being a flawless man, he is revealed to have made shameful mistakes. Due to Amir’s longing to be like Baba, he undergoes a harrowing journey of redemption and fighting for the care of Sohrab, the presence of his father, and the lack thereof, ultimately shaping Amir and his decisions. Through …show more content…
It was only a smile, nothing more. A tiny thing. But I’ll take it. With open arms and a sleeve. Because when spring comes, it melts the snow one flake at a time, and maybe I just witnessed the first flake melting” (Hosseini 371). This new relationship that connects Amir to his past ultimately finalizes Amir’s character development, highlighting his ability to fight for what he believes in, and how, in Baba’s eyes, Amir is a respectable man. Khaled Hosseini’s novel, The Kite Runner, highlights the journey of paternal love, growth, and forgiveness. Initially, Amir is unable to live up to his father’s strict expectations, but Hosseini showcases how through the intricate development of Amir’s relationship with his father, profound introspection and empathy are portrayed. Ultimately, the relationship between Amir and his father emphasizes the importance of understanding, compassion, and the capacity within each individual for redemption. Through the exploration of their complex bond, Hosseini illuminates the dramatic impact that Baba had on Amir’s sense of worth and