As tragic as the physical action of rape is, the emotional effects of it are just as devastating, if not more; Hosseini gets this message across extremely well. I am heartbroken that, following Hassan’s rape, Hassan and Amir do exactly what is universally advised not to do after rape: they stay quiet. I understand that Hassan does this not only because he is a Hazara and knows his voice is not powerful, but also because he loves Amir and is willing to sacrifice everything to keep Amir from worrying and thus ensure Amir’s happiness; this makes me all the more frustrated in Amir, because he is the one with the influence to bring Hassan to justice, yet refrains from doing so.
In fact, what upset me the most was that Amir took out his frustration by bullying and ignoring Hassan, who gave up absolutely everything for him and Amir knew it! It broke my heart though, that Amir’s cruelty stemmed from the fact that he felt ashamed and guilty not only from not telling anyone, but also because he knew Hassan would do anything for him again in a heartbeat. The pomegranate scene definitely demonstrated this; I was torn as I knew Amir himself was suffering too. The fact that he no longer values his father’s attention was also a remarkable character shift that I feel provides much insight that Amir has changed.
Baba’s attitude was also intriguing. For all that he is ashamed of Amir, Baba is loving to others; it is evident that he is the local do-gooder and generous, respected public figure. I was grateful for the fierceness with which he protected Hassan and Ali when Amir suggested Baba hire new servants, something I was shocked that Amir would stoop so low to ask. However, even when he is not directly interacting with Amir, Baba is communicating his disapproval of him; when conversing with Assef about soccer, Baba makes another reference to how much unlike him Amir is, and how much Baba sees himself in other kids. I feel that it also speaks volumes that both of them recognize how superficial their quality time is following the kite tournament.
Regarding Assef’s appearance at the party, I was absolutely revolted that he acted so friendly to Amir and even had the nerve to suggest inviting Hassan. That being said, I was pleased that Amir rejected the invitation even to the displeasure of his father; this signaled his change of ideas of what was important in life. It also made me wonder for a second how Hassan’s life would be if Amir had never seen the rape; while Amir would still have maintained a friendly disposition towards him in private –the only thing Hassan has ever wanted-, Hassan would also be dealing with the situation alone as Amir would probably have brought Hassan along to play with Assef, something that would just torture Hassan even more.
I agree with you about how Amir’s choice to hold the truth inside of him was the wrong choice. As everyone can see in the story, Amir’s health suffers, and Hassan is left stranded without a friend. If he told Baba what he saw, I think Baba’s loyalty to Ali would cause him to seek punishment on Assef and their family. But he chooses above all else to stay quiet, which helps no one else, and only hurts himself. I also agree with you about the fake love that appears between Amir and Baba following the kite tournament. Baba seems to accept Amir for this short amount of time, only because of Amir’s popularity in winning the tournament. Not showing love to a kid who beat a hundred other kite flyers would seem ridiculous to others. Baba’s time with Amir seems to be forced for both Baba and Amir. Their emotional disconnect seems to constantly cloud their relationship, leaving virtually no hope for Amir to have a close relationship with his father.
ReplyDeleteI think if Amir hadn’t seen the rape, things would have been better off. Amir would not have a strong sense of guilt, which would relieve him of all the physical ailments set on by his guilty conscience. Plus Amir would have no problem talking to Amir, because he would not feel guilty. But then there wouldn’t be as much of a story as there is now. I hope to see Amir rekindle his friendship with Hassan in some way, but I feel that it will be towards the end of the book if that happens.