It often seems I speak too soon regarding my stance on characters. In my last blog post, I defended Amir's actions. While I still stand by the fact that I empathize with what Amir experienced, I find it almost impossible to defend him for his latest actions. His betrayal of Hassan left me with a bad taste....I found it diffiuclt to continue reading with the knowledge that Hassan and Ali have left for a crime that the innoncent boy did not commit. Not only did Amir betray his one true friend and Ali, but in some ways, he also betrayed himself and his father. When such a break in trust happens, the victim (Hassan) is always pitied and in this case, rightfully so. But such a lapse in judgement also takes a toll on the perpetrator. In double crossing what was essentially his family, Amir has also compromised his own integrity and morals to accomplish what he thought was "right" at the moment. It was painful to read such a crime against Hassan and such a deterioration of loyalty that Amir once had for Hassan.
The scene then immediately jumps to where Amir and Baba are escaping... now as refugees. Gone are the wealthy, lavish parties. The painful and political truth has replaced the "idyllic" childhood that Amir once lived. If I hadn't read the development of Amir as a child, and his relationship with his father, I would characterize Baba as a valiant and kind man. The way he protected Amir and Hassan as well as the woman against the Russians was very admirable to read. It is interesting that he treats other people with both respect and honesty, but his son is a stranger to him.
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