Sunday, November 24, 2013

Ryan Pearson's Response to Sharon's Third Reaction


Sharon,

I agree with your statement that Hosseini does a great job conveying the emotional aspect of the rape, the guilt involved with remaining quiet, and the rift within the friendship/ brotherhood. I share your frustration in the boys’ remaining quiet and I did not think about the rape in a traditional sense, but I immediately agree with you after reading your mention of it. They did the opposite of what is preached daily! 
            Aside from this, I find the shift in family dynamic between Baba and Amir ironic. Within the family, Baba has returned to an isolated existence and his relationship with Amir has strained once again, however externally and throughout the neighborhood, Baba could not be any more compassionate and well-liked. This discrepancy bothers me greatly and has me feeling sorry for Amir.
            My opinion of the interaction with Assef was exactly how you phrased it: revolting. I can find no words to describe the extent to which I detest Amir’s complacency. Even in his own home, Amir acts like a tiny ant that is afraid to rock the boat in any way. I find Amir’s softness in his first encounter with Assef since the rape to be more insulting to Hassan than any other possible form of expression. I am not sure if you picked up on this, but I noticed that Assef’s mother blinking a lot during the conversation- a form of nervousness. I sense that Assef has total control over his family and is an even nastier animal than he has appeared to be thus far.

            Ryan Pearson

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