Raoul’s Response to Kari’s Fourth Reaction

         Kari I have to respectfully disagree with you about Amir and Baba’s “trip” to Jalalabad. First of all, I would not call it a “trip” to Jalalabad, rather a stop in their journey to escape Afghanistan. I also do not believe Baba gave Amir affection at Jalalabad. I believe the journey to Jalalabad only showed how disappointed Baba was of Amir. We see this in Baba’s embarrassment of Amir throwing up (from the car sickness). I do agree that we learn a lot about Baba, during their journey to Jalalabad. We see Baba’s strength when he stands up for the woman who is going to be raped (which Amir could not have done). But I do not think that the reader would have thought that Baba has any bad intentions.

This novel was not written long before the problems in the Middle East. In fact, this novel was written during the problems in the Middle East. (published in 2007). The problems between Muslims and Jews have been going on for decades. So, I do not even remotely believe that this is an example of history repeating itself rather an ongoing conflict.

I do believe that the car resembles freedom to any teenager. Amir is no exception. I think that Baba’s unconditional positive regard for Amir at the end of the story, truly does allow Amir to grow up without wanting to please his father, or make him proud.