Juan's 4th reaction to Kite Runner

In this past section of Kite Runner that I read, I decided that this is the protagonist that I have disliked the most of all the stories that I have read. While Hassan remains as loyal as ever, Amir continues to betray him. While I understand that Amir feels guilt, I still cannot believe that he would be selfish enough to betray Hassan once again in an attempt to frame him for stealing his watch. It honestly bothers me as a reader. The event enrages me. I want to punch Amir and take Hassan in as my own friend. I wish my friends were as loyal and goodhearted as Hassan is. I believe Ali does the right thing by leaving the family for it is in the best interest of his own son. At this point in the story, if Baba knew what Amir did, he would have every right to be disappointed in having such a spineless, selfish, cowardly son. At the end of this scene, as Hassan and Ali are leaving with Baba, though cliché, Hosseini makes effective use of the rain to symbolize and emphasize the pain that Hassan and Ali must go through due to Amir’s selfishness. Before this, Hosseini also uses some intensely effective imagery that is effective in showing how much pain Amir causes Ali by stating, “That was when I understood the depth of the pain I had caused, the blackness of the grief I had brought onto everyone, that not even Ali’s paralyzed face could mask his sorrow. This is particularly effective because it implies that the pain is so grave and deep, that it is even able to make Ali’s paralyzed face grimace.

            After that episode, the next part of the story only furthers my negative thoughts on Amir and his character. As a Russian soldier threatens a woman, Baba stands up and does the right thing, defending the young lady and questioning the decency of the soldier. Amir, afraid like a coward that he is, attempts to dissuade Baba from defending the lady because he is afraid the soldier will shoot Baba. He comments on how Baba always has to be the hero. To me, it is almost as if Baba should be the protagonist of the story because he is much more likeable than the squeamish Amir. I am in total agreement with Baba and almost feel shame for Amir that he would not stand up and do something about the situation. I understand it is life or death, regardless, values are something more important, and you must uphold those like Baba did. Baba is honorable, Amir on the other hand, is not.