developed by Khaled

Xihang1

Xihang6

Xihang Han

The Kite Runner

First Draft

Introduction

‘The Kite Runner’, developed by Khaled Hosseini has gained great popularity over the years, especially in the united states, with its dramatic and precise description of the thoughts and actions of the characters in the novel. Hosseni can bring out the memories of his childhood and growth as well, through the use of different characters in the novel, which play a major role in enhancing its content. Hosenni reveals the thoughts of Amir, who grows up in the unstable political environment in Afghanistan with bitter memories of his childhood. Hosseni, has passed through such difficulties and vividly explains how the power of guilt can influence major decisions being made, which affect a certain group of people. Having grown up in an unstable political environment, Hosseni showcases the lives and difficulties of those in such situations, which enables the reader to clearly understand his former experiences (Hosseni 38). Majority of the situations as explained in the novel, have been experiences of the author. Conflict arises between Amir, and his fellow sibling, Hassan. Amir’s father is referred to as Baba. He influences Amir’s ways and makes him completely transform into an acceptable person with good morals, and especially into the person he wants to be. Aspects of social class and culture are also clearly brought out; especially in instances where several characters converse of are faced with difficulties. This paper explains how culture, historical events, and the Arab society make Hassan the loyal servant among other members.

Societal factors, historical aspects, and cultural occurrences may change the attitude of an individual, and make them loyal in the future. This is experienced in the case of Hassan in the novel. In the novel, discrimination in terms of social classes is brought about where Amir, who is the protagonist, in this case, together with his father Baba are members of a group of Muslims known as Pashtun Sunni. This group highly considers itself to be more superior as compared to other Islam groups. In the past, the group of Muslims called the Hazaras, Shia Muslims, was subjected to persecution and oppression by the Pashtuns. Hassan was consistently bullied by Ali, and other neighborhood boys such as Assef, Wali and Kamal. Assef was known for the harshness that was mostly suffered by Hassan. This physical abuse brought about mental torture, and the brutal sexual harassment of Hassan changed his way of thought, especially during the historical Hazzara Massacre(Hoseni 23). This societal and historical aspects have led to the humility and understanding of Hassan, especially his way of thought and understanding concerning difficulties he has faced and those that his society has faced over the years due to negative societal discrimination.

The societal conflict has led to the distraction in the relationship between Hassan and Amir. Culture has brought about the relationship differences between the two step brother, where each belongs to different Islamic religious and family backgrounds. Since childhood, these two boys have grown in unity, being playmates during their growth period and this is specially brought out when the author says, ‘their lives have been defined by the presence of one another’, and ‘fed from the same breast’. Such aspects have made Hassan to be able to define his rots and background. Both Amir and Hassan are bound by the aspect of brotherhood,’ that not even time can break’. This shows the closeness the two have, and especially the appreciation of Hassan towards family and the importance of upholding good values and sacrifice for the happiness of his family member, Amir. The friendship between the two is highly strong, and Hassan remains the loyal friend. He is therefore willing to do anything for Amir, to ensure his satisfaction and comfort at all times. Amir on the other hand, takes advantage of Hassan’s kindness to some extent. Hassan therefore develops loyalty, in this case, where his actions are influenced by the presence of the need for family and cultural demands. Amir however, does not demonstrate such attributes and becomes opportunistic when he realizes that ‘Hassan never denied him anything’.

It takes long before Hassan realizes this fact, and also before he notices the opportunistic character of Amir. Amir’s character is brought out where Hassan gets disappointed in a certain situation. Amir is ashamed of Hassan, being a Hazzara and his servant too. This makes Hassan realize the true need for closure and not to trust everyone completely. Hassan is highly disappointed due to the denial by Amir, whom he considered a close brother, and a friend he could always count on. Amir becomes cruel to Hassan, despising him for his status and this brought out the social differences again, between the two. Historical aspects also lead to this difference, as the aspect of belonging to different backgrounds is seen. Hassan is made to see the value of friendship, and the need to value things and those that are worth, and not being deceived by physical appearances and hypocritical acts. This betrayal as a result of cultural and historical differences opens his eyes, and he can understand the need for loyalty to family and friendship as well.

At the kite competition, Amir uses Hassan to prove that he is worth, and believes that the victory at the tournament is not only mandatory but also not worth to be realized by those of a separate historical and cultural background. Baba, the father, plays a role in assuring Amir of victory when he says “for you a thousand times over”. This shows the extent to which there is the belief in Amir as compared to the encouragement given to Hassan. For Hassan to be raped by Assef, the consideration of him only being a Hazara is seen, in the statement; “he was just a Hazara,” this depicts selfishness and moral degradation, and Amir realizes all these when it is too late. Hassan on the other hand, remains calm and emotionally torn, but still clings on to his values and friendship loyalty towards Amir. He is seen saying “there is a way to be good again.” This shows his will to keep supporting Amir as his friend, and not giving up on him despite the problems and humiliation he has undergone as a result of his betrayal. Damage has already been done, but Hassan still believes that loyalty comes a long way, and lessons have to be learned to realize the true value of certain things in life.

Hosseni shows how much the hostility between Hassan and Amir has flourished, in the statement ‘You don’t often see these three walk into a room together. But here they are’. This is the end of the rivalry between Amir and Hassan. Baba is even seen spending his entire savings to facilitate Amir’s wedding arrangements. The negative aspects and treatment extended to Baba by Amir is slowly put behind, and the two are seen to be in good terms all again. Most of the characters end up loving each other, with the realization that they need each other, and the tenderness is seen in almost all the individual. This makes Hassan appreciate more the value of family, culture appreciation and the aspect of forgiveness to large extent. The Arab society therefore makes Hassan a loyal servant, especially in the case where he is made to realize his place among the Hazara people, and appreciates their company despite all that they have made him undergo due to their cruelness(Hosseni 27). Hassan is seen as the forgiving character, with high values and appreciation for all.