Isa's third KR reaction

Silence can be louder than noise. The true reprecussions and consequences of Hassan's rape are drawn very clearly in the sand. The emotional distress isnt as clear; though it is obvious that Hassan suffered both physically and emotionally, I was surprised by how much I sympathized with the inner turmoil that Amir experiences. I dont believe for one second that Amir's inability to comfort his friend or reveal what he really saw stems from bad intentions. I think Amir's own fear and insecurities regarding his place in his family and the esteem  to which  Hassan holds him to is his "fatal flaw."  I do not think it's easy or in some ways, fair, to label Amir's silence as selfish or cold hearted. To witness such an act and remain silent is often a form of self preservation, either out of fear or the self assuredness that hasnt come with his age yet. One can clearly see the inner pain Amir goes through as a result, demonstrating his decisions arent from a lack of compassion.  Even his older self stated that his life may have turned out differently had he said something in the alley that day. I am in no way defending Amir's choices; it is devastating that the innocence of Hassan is violated so brutally and he is left to suffer alone. But I honestly felt just as much sympathy for Amir; it is often just as tragic reading a character suffering at his own hands. Before Assef raped Hassan, he taunted Hassan for his "stupid" loyalty to Amir, who sees him as nothing but an embarassment. As Amir pushed Hassan further way to protect his own consciencse, I wondered whether Hassan remembered those words and perhaps believed them.
    Though Hassan's and Amir's friendship is the core relationship in the novel, Baba's and Amir's is often just as painful.Though Baba's gifts and lavish birthday parties for Amir are constant, the love he shows for Amir is far from unconditional. One quote in particular stood out to me; "Me and Baba were finally friends." The fact that Amir views his father as a friend versus a parent demonstrates just how fragile and tentative their relationship really is. Baba belittles his son constantly; Amir further yearns for his father's encouragement. The endless cycle provides Amir with nothing but doubts and a desire for the unnatainable; Baba's affection. It isnt difficult to judge where Amir's shortcomings derive from. He has been able to enjoy everything his faather's wealth provides him, except the acceptance and self confidence that is nurtured with a parent's love.