The Kite Runner 2nd Reaction

This week’s reading of The Kite Runner was great. In these last few chapters, I picked up on the importance of winter. Hosseini uses this season as a way to fast forward time and to set the stage for the dramatic kite tournament. I wonder whether this season will continue to have some importance in the rest of the book. Hosseini has done a fantastic job at capturing the jealousy Amir feels towards Hassan. He knows just when to drop subtle comments, which remind the reader that the envy still exists. On a similar note, what is the deal with Baba? I cannot figure out why he is so despondent and cold to his son, but is so nice to Hassan, the son of a servant. I found it interesting to read that Hassan was born with a cleft lip, as this resonates with my background and involvement with Operation Smile. It was very kind of Baba to bring in a plastic surgeon to correct his facial deformity. It seems odd to me that Amir had not previously mentioned this part of Hassan in his descriptions. This could mean one of two things. Either Amir truly has a caring heart and can look past such a superficial part of his friend, or, he does not think of anyone other than himself and does not recognize the severity of such a deformity or its importance in his story. 

Aside from this, I enjoyed the intense “kite fighting” tournament. It provided an intense change of pace from the rest of the story. I was happy to see Amir win, which hopefully pleased his father. I want him to succeed and gain his father’s approval, but at the same time, I think Baba is ridiculous to not extend himself to try to ease some of the guilt his son is feeling. I believe Amir needs to respect Hassan more. I do not enjoy reading of Amir's mocking of him, like when he gives him the incorrect definition to a word Hassan does not know. I stopped reading this week during Hassan’s confrontation with Assef. Even when outnumbered, Hassan stays true to his best friend and shows courage to keep his promise to Amir. Hopefully Amir steps in to save his friend, as I am worried of the consequences of standing up to the bully, especially when he considers Hassan to be racially beneath him. This "class difference" may allow Assef to find it justifiable to be more severe in his attack against Hassan. I am anxious and eager to find out what happens in my reading next week.

Ryan Pearson