Natalie's Response to Keri

I agree with Keri that abuse manifests itself in the novel through various ways and scenarios. Amir’s relationship with Baba is really sad, and I believe that it is why Amir treats Hassan the way he does. Besides at times taking his frustration and anger out on Hassan he also gets angry and jealous when Baba is nice to Hassan. I can kind of see where Amir is coming because he is just a kid and has to be constantly burdened by his father’s disapproval and lack of affection. Despite this the events that transpired in this section left me almost hating Amir. I do not completely agree with Keri’s comment that “Amir has to have status in the community to get affection from his father”. Instead I think that Amir has to have the same interests as Baba to get his affection. From the beginning I think differences in interest is what drives a wedge in their relationship. Baba constantly talks to others about how different him and Amir are and how they share nothing in common. Baba likes sports whereas Amir prefers reading and literature; they also have different personalities. This is why I think that Baba never shows Amir affection except for instances when they happen to share similar interests for example the kite flying competition.