Introduction
Characters in a story have motivations that lead them to act in a certain way. The Kite Runner is a novel by Khaled Hosseini and follows the experiences of a man named Amir. The setting of the book is in both Afghanistan and America. Initially, Amir feels the need to prove himself to his father. However, a conflict with Hassan results in him losing a friend but gaining his father’s approval. The failure to offer help to Hassan and say the truth creates feelings of guilt, which further alienates Amir from Hassan.
Before
The major character in Hosseini’s novel is Amir whose experiences form a significant part of the plot. In the initial moments, Amir is presented as a disappointing son to his father, Baba. Amir preferred to engage in kite-fighting competitions and read stories with his friend Hassan. However, his father did not approve of this because according to him the ideal son was strong and imposing. This is because Baba had always wanted Amir to become an athlete. In chapter three Baba indicates that “If I had not seen the doctor pull him out of my wife with my own eyes, I would never believe he is my son” (Hosseini, 2003, p. 18). This quote illustrates the perception that Baba had of Amir, one which was based on the belief that Amir was missing something.
As a result of the evident disapproval from Baba, Amir wanted to become successful to prove his capabilities. The kite flying tournaments are presented as important for the Afghanistan boys during this period. Amir often gets into trouble and is saved by Hassan, which illustrates their deep friendship. Another goal for Amir was to be viewed positively by his father whom he feared. In some instances, Hassan was forced to take the blame for the mistakes made by Amir. Therefore, in the initial moments, Amir’s goals are to gain approval and to be viewed positively by his father.
During
Amir faced an obstacle, which emanated from his betrayal of Hassan. This occurred when Amir failed to protect Hassan when he was assaulted and raped by a group of individuals led by Assef (Hosseini 2003). This marked a turning point in the relationship between Amir and Hassan. The desire to seek approval from his father and to be viewed positively motivated Amir to lie when asked what had happened. The event had occurred after the end of the Kite flying tournament where Amir won. This resulted in Amir receiving praise from his father, which was the goal. As seen in earlier chapters, the author indicates that Hassan intervened when Amir was attacked by other individuals. On the occasion when Hassan required help, Amir was reluctant to offer support. The writer may have wanted to show that Amir valued approval from his father more than his friendship with Hassan. Hosseini depicts the servant as valuing loyalty because Hassan lies to protect Amir even after what has transpired.
As a result of the betrayal, Amir suffers because of feelings of shame and guilt for over 20 years. This is because Amir did not tell anyone the truth, which was a result of his inability to reconcile with the treachery. To further make matters worse, Amir implicates Hassan as a thief by planting money on his bed (Hosseini 2003). These actions were intended to ensure that the servants were changed. The motivating factor for Amir was to guarantee that Hassan was gone because the feelings of disgrace and culpability were significant. The author notes that from the moment of the betrayal, Amir was unable to face Hassan. Amir fails to identify the need to apologize and tell the truth partly due to fear. Baba would have admonished Amir if he had known that his son did not help Hassan. The author depicts Amir as an individual who is selfish and unable to make tough decisions. Therefore, the conflict that results from the betrayal of Hassan changes Amir because of his feelings of guilt and shame.
After
The betrayal and the events that occurred afterward caused a significant change in Amir. One of the changes is that Amir was overcome by feelings of guilt, which lasted over 20 years. The author notes that Amir could not face Hassan because of the shame of failing to help (Hosseini 2003). The writer contrasts the loyalty of the servant with that of the master when Hassan lies on behalf of Amir. Baba did not learn the truth because Amir refused to tell the truth. The need to tell lies also illustrates the deep-rooted issues in the family. This is because for Amir to be viewed as an important part of the family, a heroic act was needed. The result is that the character of Amir drastically changes in the resulting moments.
Amir’s character changes towards a vengeful, selfish, and hateful individual. In the moments that follow the assault event, Amir proceeds to indicate that Hassan is a thief. Baba pardons Hassan and Ali but they are embarrassed and decide to leave. Amir was motivated by the desire to ensure Hassan was not in the vicinity. This is because it was difficult for Amir to face Hassan because of the betrayal that had occurred. The actions that follow also depict how class differences can affect perception. Hassan is a servant and is viewed as the probable thief mainly because of classism.
In the ending moments of the story, Amir realizes the need, to tell the truth. The journey toward reconciliation is filled with challenges. The writer indicates that Amir has not yet fully reconciled with the need to tell the truth. This underlines the significance of the feelings of shame and guilt. It also shows the effect that the event had on Amir because even after a change in environment, the issue refuses to fade away. In the end, Amir is forced to return to Afghanistan to “be good again” (Hosseini, 2003, p. 183). Therefore, Amir first responds by becoming selfish and vengeful but later realizes the importance of reconciliation.
Conclusion
In summary, Amir had the desire to receive approval from Baba and to be viewed positively. Their friendship with Hassan was based on master-servant ideals. Amir failed to help Hassan fight off the boys who were assaulting him. The act of betrayal was the changing point in the relationship between Hassan and Amir. The consequence was that Amir created a plan to ensure Hassan left their home. This was because feelings of shame and guilt resulted in Amir not talking with Hassan. The disloyalty changed Amir significantly and haunted him for over 20 years.
Reference
Hosseini, K. (2003). The kite runner. Penguin.