Ryan C's Third Reaction

The next section of The Kite Runner clearly illustrates the effects of witnessing Hassan’s abuse on Amir. Amir kept quiet about the incident in order to have a better relationship with his father. Throughout the section, Amir is constantly reminded of what he witnessed and for a while cannot even look Hassan in the eyes. I think Amir is basically digging himself into a bigger hole by avoiding the subject. The longer Amir does not say anything, the harder it will eventually be to discuss the incident. Unfortunately for Hassan, Amir acts rather hostile towards Hassan, a natural defense mechanism. Hassan thinks he has done something wrong, which is a true tragedy because Hassan is mistreated by his best friend because of Amir’s selfishness and immaturity. Although Amir and Baba’s relationship did become more friendly and loving, I am sure that Amir expected more from his father than what he get. For example, rather than just going to the movies just the two of them, Baba invites a plethora of friends and family. The new, unsatisfying relationship with his father makes Amir’s situation even more unbearable. Not only, does he lose his best friend, but the relationship he dreamed for with his father seems to be fading. I thought Amir was going to grow up and amend ties with Hassan when they go to the pomegranate tree to read stories. The situation is very revealing of Amir’s true nature. Amir launches pomegranates at Hassan hoping Hassan fights back so they can finally become even. I think this incident shows that Amir, mentally, is still a young boy because Amir basically wants to pretend like Hassan was never raped and that will be accomplished if Hassan is mean to Amir because that would justify Amir’s selfish behavior. Hosseini illustrates well the fact that Amir will never be able to escape what he saw and his resulting lack of action during Amir’s thirteenth birthday party. On a day that is expected to be all about Amir and he should not have to worry about anything, Assef shows up to his party and Amir sees him talk to Hassan. Even on his birthday Amir cannot escape his situation and consequently it is something he will have to live with forever. Hopefully, Amir will grow up and tell Hassan that he saw what happened, even though Hassan will be disappointed in Amir, Hassan is the type of person to forgive Amir to preserve their friendship.