The next section of The
Kite Runner does a lot to advance the plot of the novel as well as Amir’s
relationship with the people around him. Amir still feels guilty even during
his birthday, as he pays little attention to his gifts and identifies them
as “blood money” because Amir is
showered with gifts because he won the tournament and said nothing about what
happened to Hassan. I think Amir wants to amend ties with Hassan and his father
because the only gift Amir values is the leather-bound book given to him by
Hassan’s father. I was disappointed and surprised when Amir framed Hassan for
stealing a watch and money. I know that Amir wants to forget about what
happened, but that is taking it too far. Maybe Amir is delving into his selfish
side and figures it will take an act equally as cruel to get rid of the
memories. In the end, irony prevails as Baba forgives Hassan rather easily,
Amir does end up getting his wish as Hassan and his father leave. I felt bad
for Baba, although he is not the greatest father so far, Amir basically causes
Baba’s lifelong friend to leave.
Amir and Baba are forced to flee Afghanistan and seek refuge
in Pakistan, because of the political instability in Afghanistan. This comes as
a blessing for Amir who can finally escape the place that has yielded him so
many bad memories. Afghanistan in general has lost its honor as a nation and is
there for anyone to take over as the Russians eventually. Furthermore, the
people have lost their honor and hope. For example, a Russian guard says the
price to cross the border is a sexual favor from a woman, who’s husband does
little to stop the process, had it not been for Baba the women would have been
raped.
The novel quickly cuts to Amir and Baba’s life in America.
The move represents a fresh start for Amir as he is given the opportunity to
basically reinvent himself into someone he would like to be. However, for Baba,
the move is unsettling, Baba spent his whole life in Afghanistan and now has to
adapt to a new culture and social customs, seen when Baba is insulted when a
worker at a store asks to see his ID before accepting a check. I think the
novel will continue with Amir and Baba’s life in America as Hosseini alludes to
a relationship between Amir and Soraya.
I think Amir’s choice to try and get rid of Hassan was clearly wrong. Amir is cowardly, and he attempts to fix problems in that way. Unfortunately in doing so, he only adds to the huge amount of psychological stress and anxiety he is suffering from. If he had come clean with just Hassan, I think Hassan would have forgiven him and the two could have moved on together with their lives as best friends. Amir just can’t work himself up to do it and his lifetime friendship with Hassan, who was a brother to him, is over just like that. The move to America like you said really helps to show more light upon the huge differences between Amir and Baba. Baba was an honorable man who has many beautiful memories from his home nation, while Amir is tormented by his decision to leave his friend behind. Amir is able to reinvent himself, but he cannot forget the decision he made regarding Hassan. Their family survives, and Amir works towards being a writer and Baba accepts it. In his later years, Baba has grown much more proud and affectionate towards Amir. I’m assuming this is due to the fact that Hassan is not there for Baba to praise any longer. I also agree that Hosseini is alluding to a possible relationship between Soraya and Amir. They also are similar in that the both have a troubled past.
ReplyDeleteRyan,
ReplyDeleteI agree that this next section advanced the plot as well as the relationship between Amir and Baba. I felt so bad when reading the birthday scene and seeing that Amir continued to open the presents as if nothing had happened with Hassan. I feel as though Amir should have at least addressed the situation with Hassan instead of holding all of the guilt inside. Even though Hassan would probably get angry, I believe that Amir should have apologized to Hassan instead of just going on with life in spite of the fact that a tragic incident has just occurred. Something like that of the situation that has befallen Hassan should be addressed. Amir should work to get Hassan the psychological help he needs.
It takes so much nerve for Amir to frame Hassan. I read this scene and thought to myself "How is this happening right now?" It is absolutely unbelievable. Not only is Amir not helping Hassan deal with this tragedy but he is also making life worse for Hassan. My respect for Amir diminished rapidly. This displayed horrible treatment even though Hassan is Amir's slave. The situation leaves me wondering if Amir's saying about their sense of brotherhood was at all legitimate.