Kite Runner Second Reaction

In this next section of the Kite Runner, the author gives the reader insight on the different characters we have been introduced to thus far, including Amir, Baba, Rahim Khan, and Hassan. I think that Hosseini is very good describing these relationships not with adjectives but with actions and events. He leaves the reader to interpret the situation. For example, Amir, the main character who is also the narrator, does not describe himself. This would have been awkward, and Hosseini makes good use of the saying “actions speak louder than words” as the reader gets to know Amir and his tendencies through his actions and how he responds to different events that Hosseini introduces. One example of this is Amir’s different thoughts with regards to different situations. Hosseini shows that Amir longs to have his father’s approval and love by having him wish he had been born with a scar like Hassan so that he could beget his father’s sympathy. To me this seems like an accurate portrayal of a kid who when jealous reacts emotionally and not very logically.

            Subsequently, I noticed that Hosseini also does a great job with introducing subtle suspense. He does not point out foreshadowing to the reader, but allows the reader to pick up on it. I think this is very effective because fear stems from imagination, and by allowing the reader to imagine what will occur and not making the next parts of the story too obvious, imagination takes over and evokes feelings of suspense and fear within the reader. The most prominent moment for me, where Hosseini’s foreshadowing was most effective, was after Hassan and Amir had confronted Assef. Assef had threatened Amir and Hassan and a few pages later Hassan got his gift from Baba, surgery to cure his cleft lip. Hosseini then follows this up with, “Which was ironic. Because that was the winter that Hassan stopped smiling.” I think these two sentences are very powerful simply because of their placement in the story. Not only had the confrontation with Assef just occurred, but the revolution as well, and so it makes me as a reader wonder whether it will be another confrontation with Assef that will lead to Hassan not smiling, perhaps somebody such as Ali’s death due to political conflict, or some other reason for which Hassan will smile no longer.

In conclusion, I like this book very much thus far, and I am excited as to see where Hosseini will take the book in the following pages.