This week I have asked that you read chapters 1-10 of The Kite Runner. I think you will find this book challenging in terms of content and engaging as well. As you read, think about the following subjects and comment about themes that are being developed as they relate to these subjects. Remember that a theme is a declarative statement that indicates what the author is trying to say about the particular subject.
-Role of books, literacy
-Friendship, guilt, redemption
-Father and son relationship
-Coming of Age
-Discrimination, prejudice, class structure
-Master/Slave relationships; loyalty, devotion and duty
Please choose one of the subjects listed, then suggest a thematic statement related to that subject, then explain how that theme is relayed in the chapters you have read. I would also like you to comment on some emerging symbols and motifs as related to Foster's book. There are several ironies that occur in these chapters, and there should be some things that jump out at you as symbols. Explore those in your responses as well.
Just a quick note that this book contains some disturbing elements and a few ugly terms. These elements are not gratuitous, but they serve to develop meaning and drive the plot forward in a complex manner. I hope that you will all read with an open mind and recognize that the purpose of the violent acts and language is to characterize the prejudices and conflicts of the time period the novel reflects. Please email me with any questions or concerns. Thanks!
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I will be away for this weekend, I will do this post when I return.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leana
Amir's coming of age throughout the novel shows through the friendship he bears with Hassan, and showing his rise in guilt further into the book. Back before the kite tournament Hassan and Amir were best friends even though they were separated by the classes they were in. Even though this wasn't a conflict between them, they still continue to play with each other and always have a great time even though others in their community didn't think it was great. Then up unto the kite tournament, Amir had begun to show the guilt in himself, giving him the burden to forgive himself and support Hassan. Though, this was a great struggle for him to do and this was a decline not only in the communication of the two of them, but the friendship they have had for years up until that point. It shows that Hassan since that point was going around the house miserably and tiredly, even though he did all of the chores that were bestowed upon him. Amir had wanted to tell him that he had seen and known why he was miserable and he felt the guilt creeping in him and the possible bad outcomes that could occur once he speaks of it. All of this leads until Hassan and his father move away, and they never see each other again. This guilt that was built inside of Hassan never gave him the chance to speak out to tell Hassan about what he saw and what he felt and these things didn't make him feel and any better since Hassan and Amir didn't speak each other. Further on, this guilt continues to grow in him and it makes him feel as if he should grow up more to the son his father wanted him to be.
ReplyDeleteIn these chapters, Khaled Hosseini is clearly making a point about the relationship a father has with his son. His whole life, Amir has been trying to please his father, to make him proud of him. Amir tries and tries but doesn’t succeed. He just isn’t the person his father wants him to be. Amir yearns for a great relationship with his father, but finds himself jealous of his friend Hassan because his father likes him better. This damages Amir’s self-esteem because a good standing with one’s father is every boy’s dream. That is the first person in life that a boy wants to please. Amir is no different. Amir finally gets relief when he wins the kite tournament, but it subsides later and he is back to where he was when he started. Hosseini is stressing the key theme that a father-son relationship is such a special bond which is crucial in a son’s search for value in himself.
ReplyDeleteIn these chapters, quite a few symbols and motifs appear. While reading the story the reader notices that the servant boy Hassan is willing to sacrifice for the one he loves which is Amir. Throughout these chapters he is portrayed as spotless and incorruptible. In chapter seven, when Amir won the kite tournament, Hassan promises to bring back the blue kite for him. He suffers a horrible ordeal to get that kite and it leaves him scarred. While all of this is happening, Amir stands away unwilling to get in the fight because he is too selfish to risk getting hurt. Hassan is brutally punished for something that Amir needs. As I mentioned earlier, he is a boy of integrity. He is the Christ figure in this novel. He gets the thing that Amir wants most, which is the blue kite. Because he sacrificed himself, he gains redemption for Amir to be able to have a relationship with the father. The book says, “…Hassan didn’t struggle. Didn’t even whimper. He moved his head slightly and I caught a glimpse of his face. Saw the resignation in it. It was a look I had seen before. It was the look of the lamb (pg. 75-76). In the Bible, Jesus is called “The Lamb of God.” Hassan represents Christ, and the kite he is fighting for symbolizes redemption and reconciliation. Because of Hassan’s sacrifice, Amir gains a relationship with the father. Just like Romans 10:9 says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through me,” Amir can’t reach his father without Hassan’s sacrifice.
One of the ironic things that occur in these chapters is the fact that Baba did two totally different things in two hours. On the trip to Pakistan, he stood up for a woman who was going to be raped and saved her, but then he almost choked a man to death.”Less than two hours ago, Baba had volunteered to take a bullet for the honor of a woman he didn’t even know. Now he had almost choked a man to death, would have done it cheerfully if not for the pleas of that same woman (pg. 118).” He seemed righteous, then he almost killed a guy.
In these chapters, Khaled Hosseini is clearly making a point about the relationship a father has with his son. His whole life, Amir has been trying to please his father, to make him proud of him. Amir tries and tries but doesn’t succeed. He just isn’t the person his father wants him to be. Amir yearns for a great relationship with his father, but finds himself jealous of his friend Hassan because his father likes him better. This damages Amir’s self-esteem because a good standing with one’s father is every boy’s dream. That is the first person in life that a boy wants to please. Amir is no different. Amir finally gets relief when he wins the kite tournament, but it subsides later and he is back to where he was when he started. Hosseini is stressing the key theme that a father-son relationship is such a special bond which is crucial in a son’s search for value in himself.
ReplyDeleteIn these chapters, quite a few symbols and motifs appear. While reading the story the reader notices that the servant boy Hassan is willing to sacrifice for the one he loves which is Amir. Throughout these chapters he is portrayed as spotless and incorruptible. In chapter seven, when Amir won the kite tournament, Hassan promises to bring back the blue kite for him. He suffers a horrible ordeal to get that kite and it leaves him scarred. While all of this is happening, Amir stands away unwilling to get in the fight because he is too selfish to risk getting hurt. Hassan is brutally punished for something that Amir needs. As I mentioned earlier, he is a boy of integrity. He is the Christ figure in this novel. He gets the thing that Amir wants most, which is the blue kite. Because he sacrificed himself, he gains redemption for Amir to be able to have a relationship with the father. The book says, “…Hassan didn’t struggle. Didn’t even whimper. He moved his head slightly and I caught a glimpse of his face. Saw the resignation in it. It was a look I had seen before. It was the look of the lamb (pg. 75-76). In the Bible, Jesus is called “The Lamb of God.” Hassan represents Christ, and the kite he is fighting for symbolizes redemption and reconciliation. Because of Hassan’s sacrifice, Amir gains a relationship with the father. Just like Romans 10:9 says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through me,” Amir can’t reach his father without Hassan’s sacrifice.
One of the ironic things that occur in these chapters is the fact that Baba did two totally different things in two hours. On the trip to Pakistan, he stood up for a woman who was going to be raped and saved her, but then he almost choked a man to death.”Less than two hours ago, Baba had volunteered to take a bullet for the honor of a woman he didn’t even know. Now he had almost choked a man to death, would have done it cheerfully if not for the pleas of that same woman (pg. 118).” He seemed righteous, then he almost killed a guy.
I chose to comment on the subject of "Father and Son Relationship." Throughout almost each chapter Amir struggles with his father's perspective of him. His father, Baba, has never been completely satisfied with his son because Amir has never been the way his father had imagined. To make matters worse, Amir has a friend Hassan, which Baba includes along with Amir when Amir wants only "Father and Son Time." Amir feels sometimes that Baba might be prouder of Hassan than his true son. Baba's attitude toward his son changes one day when Amir wins the Kite Runner contest and brings home the second place trophy as well, the second to last kite standing in the contest. Baba then begins to appreciate his son and earns to spend time with him. I believe that the author, Hosseini, is beginning to portray a theme where Amir is going to lose his father, whether by death or being kidnapped, and will have to stand up for himself and become the man that he truly wants to be, but has yet to become. I see this theme relayed when Hassan is being bullied and Amir just watches from a safe distance out of fear.
ReplyDeleteThe Kite Runner relates to Foster's work by irony. Irony shows itself when Hassan fends for Amir by flingin a rock in the bully's face. However, when Hassan is cornered by the same bully, Amir just hides and watches as Hassan is being tortued by the same bully that taunted him.
Sorry there was a problem with me posting so there are two posts. Also, the verse I cited is actually John 10:9 not Romans 10:9. Sorry about that.
ReplyDeleteFriendship
ReplyDeleteIn The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini explores the theme of friendship between Amir and Hassan and illustrates how friendships are made and subsequently torn apart. Near the beginning of the novel, Hosseini portrays the two friends as inseparable companions who can depend on each other. While this is true at the start of the novel, the friendship is quickly undermined by Amir as the story progresses. While Hassan only shows unconditional love and loyalty, Amir reveals his serious character flaws, and he proceeds to expose his jealousy for his father’s attention whenever his father dotes upon Hassan in any way. This heartless display of self-centeredness, which, in itself, is not without reason—Amir desires his father’s love and appreciation more than anything in the whole world--, acts a warning for the type of friend Amir becomes and the actions he will take. Another example of Amir’s depraved mind is, while reading to Hassan, he plays with his friends innocent ignorance of the meaning of the word ‘imbecile,’ and even goes so far as to tell his friend that it means ‘smart and intelligent’ in order to make Hassan call himself one. The final culmination of Amir’s degenerate actions takes place when Hassan is trying to get the last kite from the kite fighting tournament so that Amir can have a relationship with his father and Hassan is captured and brutally raped by Assef and his friends. Amir watches this entire scene with horror, but is not enough of a friend to put himself in harm’s way to save his friend. Using these two characters as comparisons, Hosseini displays two vastly different kinds of friendships. Amir’s friendship is only superficial in that he refuses to sacrifice anything for his friend—this includes his own reputation in order to defend his friend. Hassan’s friendship, on the other hand, is full of admirable qualities: Hassan is loyal, loving, caring, understanding, and self sacrificing for his friend. Earlier in the novel, while talking to Amir about books, Amir and Hassan enter a conversation about whether or not Hassan would eat dirt if Amir asked him to. Hassan replies yes quickly and without hesitation, and consequently asks Amir if he would ever ask him to do such a thing. Despite Amir affirming a negative answer, he breaks his own word in that he watches his best friend get raped and his face get pushed into the dirt—Amir, by refusing to aid his friend, asks his friend to eat dirt for his own selfish sake. All in all, Hosseini illustrates that a proper and true friendship is marked by unconditional love, loyalty, sacrifice, understanding, and supportive, and he uses the character of Hassan to prove his point all the while showing qualities in Amir that negatively affect a relationship.
Symbols/Allusions
While reading The Kite Runner, I could not help but notice all the Biblical allusions and symbols. During the course of the story, Amir and Hassan meet to read books at a pomegranate tree in which their names are carved. This tree serves to symbolize their relationship before Amir betrays Hassan. The tree is flourishing and the boys eat the fruit which bleeds red bloodlike juice. I saw this as a Biblical allusion to the Last Supper in which Jesus had his disciples eat bread in place of his body and drink wine in to symbolize his blood. Later on in the story, Hassan becomes a Christ figure who sacrifices himself to take on his friend Amir’s sins when he is raped trying to gain the blue kite. Amir, after watching his friend’s “crucifixion,” becomes Peter—the disciple who viewed Jesus being crucified and then proceeded to deny he ever knew Christ. By denying his friendship with Hassan, Amir sees his old friend’s discarded corduroy pants as a symbol of their relationship then—a broken and discarded thing. The novel is abundant with various allusions and other symbols that I do not have enough time to cover.
Friendship, guilt, and redemption. These words describe what is possibly the most recognizable theme in this novel thus far. Friendship; being desired by human nature, guilt; resulting from some form of "thief", as Baba would put it, and redemption's beautiful mercy. Throughout the story so far, we our given one main view of these elements. Amir and Hassan's relationship is extremely tight even though they will forever be separated as a master and a servant. While Amir begins to wonder in awe of the conceptions Hassan puts together from the stories he is taught, Amir's jealously and character flaws begin to reveal. Amir is envious of Hassan's innocence and the love Baba shows toward him. On the day of the kite tournament Hassan, once again, displays his unwavering loyalty to Amir by accepting the cruel punishment from Assef and his friends. Amir's true colors show when his cowardly ways and hypocrisy gets the best of him as he stands by and watches before running off. But none of this went without reason. Not only was Amir scared to death, but he had to obtain the kite to earn his father's love and companionship. But soon enough, Guilt rides in on Amir like a freight train running over his conscience constantly. He does whatever he can to avoid contact with Hassan to try and calm this rage of emotion within himself. This, subsequently dissolves the soaring relationship the once had. Finally, the only solution to this situation is to get rid of Hassan by framing him. Amir, in the process, has just creating more deception and guilt to cover up what a colossal coward he is. Later, Hosseini writes of how Amir, though he has a seemingly well relationship with his father, it still has not been able to feel this void that curses his soul. In my opinion redemption has truly not yet been reached.
ReplyDeleteSome of the few symbols that jumped out at me were the kite, pomegranates, and there home; the tree. The kite at first seems to bring out all the happiness and joy within. After the incident though, it severed as a constant reminder of Amir's cowardice and swelled the guilt in his conscience. The pomegranate tree served as a symbol of the faithful friendship and bond that they shared before the raping. In my opinion, the pomegranates that Amir continued to throw at Hassan were like empty shells of guilt that Amir was attempting to rid himself of, but was obviously unsuccessful.
The role of books and literacy in The Kite Runner is one thing that makes Hassan dependent on Amir. As children they would sit under the tree and Amir would read to Hassan, this is how Amir discovered his tallent for writing. Hassan and his father, however, were both illiterate when it came to the written word, due to their position as slaves. Both had been raised along side someone of the upper class, but had never been taught to read or write. Because of this, neither would be able to futher their position in life. Books and stories allowed Amir to escape from his lonely house, when his father forbid him to enter his study. These books that he lost himself in were also his only connection to his mother, who had died in child birth. In this novel books become a symbol of momentary freedom, a way for Amir to get away from the troubles of the outside world, where he had to fight for his father's approval. When Amir was writing his stories or reading his mother's books, it was one of the few times hat he wasn't having to prove to his father that he wasn't weak. Without the ability to read and write, Amir would have been deprived of this escape.
ReplyDeleteMaster/Slave Relationship
ReplyDeleteThe Hazara people were made slaves when their people were conquered, and discrimination continued against the Shi'a Islamic faction and ethnic descent of most Hazaras. Although friendships developed out of servanthood, the individuals were always reminded of their places in society by departing ways and returning home.
Hassan was loyal by never pointing the blame to Amir, even when he deserved it. He did point out the pitfall in Amir's first story, which takes a lot of courage because of the class differences. Hassan went after the blue kite "like a dog." He dutifully defended Amir from bullies, even in fear. After his incident and being pushed away, Hassan still diligently served Amir, and never avenged Amir for cruel treatment. Hassan and Amir showed devotion to each other because they were almost brothers, being raised the same way and at the same home. Hassan endured suffering for attaining Amir's prize.
Amir, as a master, skipped out on defending Hassan. He was weak and cowardly, and the only thing that he was better off with was literacy. Amir made fun of Hassan for being illiterate and not knowing words, and then he would apologize with pety gifts. Between Amir and Hassan, the slave was the stronger and better person; he unwaveringly did everything he could to please Amir, and never expected him to do what is right and protect the servant.
On the other hand, Baba was a well-respected man who took Ali as almost a brother, since they were childhood playmates. He appreciated Hassan as his own son, and he was not arrogant like Amir. Although they were close, they never called each other friends because of class differences and occupations.
Symbolically, Ali's paralyzed leg and lower face are an example of lower class, as with Hassan's cleft lip. One would not expect a slave to be galliant and handsome unless he was the main character. Baba provided Hassan with plastic surgery to allow him a better life with less struggles, in which he could possibly rise from his low status.
More symbolism:
ReplyDeletephysical drawbacks of Ali and Hassan - people think lowly of the slaves and Hazara people
Orphanage - Baba felt bad that his son was half-orphaned; philantropy and glory were more important than fostering a personal relationship with Amir
Mirrors - childhood tricks, devious sins, rigidity of Muslim beliefs
Hippies - Along with movies, clothing, and books, hippies represent the infiltration of American/Western culture influencing Afghanistan.
Buy same kites for Amir & Hassan - equality of children and men
Kite runners - determination, the second-place prize
Cowardice to help Hassan - selfishness and self-centered and any other synonym
Irony
Amir was very unlike his father; not athletic or interested in sports or business.
Rahim Khan often acted like more of a father to Amir than Baba.
In Amir's story, a poor happy man was left rich and sad from greed.
The first winter with Hassan's fixed lip, he stopped smiling.
Motifs:
Jealousy: Amir is jealous of Hassan for Baba's affection, of the orphans for his time and concern, and of adult guests for Baba's attention.
Baba is jealous of Rahim Khan for understanding Amir and having a stronger connection, and of books and poetry for consuming Amir's thoughts as opposed to sports.
Children know little about the world, it is small to them: The boys think all Western movies are from Iran, because Iran is to the west of Afghanistan.
Selfishness: Desire for attention causes pain and suffering to many of those surrounding it. The incident concerning Amir and Hassan seems like an allusion to the story of Cain and Abel. Since Abel, the younger brother, was shown more gratification and attention from God when he deserved it, Cain was jealous and killed him. Amir let Hassan's innocence, purity, and liveliness die that night at the alley.
Guilt: Amir felt guilty for not helping, and it continually haunted his memory. Not only that, but he also regretted making fun of Hassan's illiteracy and getting him into trouble.
Master/Slave Relationship
ReplyDeleteEven when Hassan and Amir were growing up, Hassan took the blame for everything. They sat up in a tree and Amir told Hassan to reflect light into the neighbor's house and hit their dog, and Hassan would do it. When they got into trouble by Ali, Hassan took the blame. That shows loyalty because even though Hassan is told that those acts were sinful and that the Devil does those acts, Hassan still takes the blame. Children never do noble acts like that, but Hassan is a servant and a loyal friend. Also, when Amir wins the kite battle, Hassan promises to return the blue kite, he sacrificed his innocence for Amir, so that he could get that kite. The worst part about all of this is that Amir doesn't even appreciate it. He treats Hassan like he is insignificant and tries to frame him. Amir puts his money and gifts under Hassan's bed and says Hassan stole it. Hassan once again takes the blame for it. He is very loyal to his duty as a servant, but there is a such thing as above and beyond the call of duty and that is Hassan. It's hard to understand why a person would do this, is it because he truley feels its in his job description? or is it just because Hassan has no back bone?
Symbols/Allusions/Ironies:
In this novel Hassan is a christ figure. Hassan sacrifices not only his innocence and livelyhood as Izzy said, but also his man hood. After the rape Hassan will never be the same. In the bible is says something about if your hit turn the other cheek, and Hassan does exactly that. After Assef rapes Hassan, over a stupid kite, Assef becomes a guest to Baba. Hassan serves Assef at a dinner party, because that's his duty. Hassan also has a humble job as a servant, and his only friend (disciple) turns his back on him.
An allusion in this novel is the reference to western films, and all the different locations, such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Hazara, the U.S., San Fransisco, etc.
There is so much irony in this novel so far its ridiculous. Amir watches his "friend" get raped, and doesn't even acknowledge his sacrifice. We're the only people who know what Amir has seen, but eventually Hassan knows too. Another irony, Amir doesn't like sports however his father loves them. Amir sat outside of his father's gameroom and cried for hours because he wanted to be in there with Baba, however Amir loves writing and poetry and wouldn't enjoy that room at all. Also when Amir puts his gifts under Hassan's bed to frame him, Hassan doesn't try to defend himself, he just lets Baba believe it was him.
While reading The Kite Runner the father-son relationship between Amir and Baba seemed very important to me. Amir strives to make his beloved father very proud and tries to earn his respect throughout his entire childhood. Throughout the book the reader can see that Baba is never truly proud of how his son acts and carries himself. Amir enjoys literature and poetry when he is young whereas, Baba enjoyed soccer and other activities. Amir feels a lot of jealously towards Hassan because Baba seems to favor him for than his own son. This is strange because Hassan is Baba’s son’s servant and Amir feels like he is favored over him. Amir finally earns affection from his father after he wins the Kite fighting competition. At first winning the competition seems like it would be the best thing ever for Amir but it quickly turns bad. Hassan gets raped while running the final kite for Amir and, Amir witnesses the whole thing. This completely ruins the great friendship that he had with Hassan because of the large amount of guilt he feels for allowing Hassan to be raped. Amir was willing to sacrifice his relationship with his best friend just so his father will finally pay him the attention that he has wanted so long.
ReplyDeleteThe Kite in the novel serves as a symbol of happiness. Anytime that Hassan and Amir are flying kites they are happy. Kites are usually bright and happy looking and in the novel when they are flying kites they are happy. The Kite also temporarily brings Amir closer to Baba after he wins the kite fighting competition.
Discrimination, prejudice, class structure:
ReplyDeleteIn the novel The Kite Runner, Amir and Hassan are close friends from different classes. Amir is the master's son and Hassan is the servant's son. Amir is Pashtun and Hassan is Hazara. The Pashtuns claim to be the 'true' natives of Afghanistan. However, the Hazaras are mostly servants and are discriminated. These two different groups of people are different sects of Muslim, Hazaras are Shi'a and Pashtuns are Sunni. One reason why Amir did not play in public with Hassan could be because he is Hazara. This would affect the way people thought of Amir. Prejudice overpowered friendship for Amir. He grew jealous of Hassan because Amir's father, Baba, gave some attention to Hassan. Amir wanted all of his father's attention to himself. Another example of the inhumane discrimination of Hazaras, Assef raped Hassan and treated him like he wasn't even human. Assef's friends objected to raping Hassan because their fathers said it was a sin. Assef replied that Hassan was just a Hazara. This shows the ignorance and cruelty of discrimination. Assef would only refer to Hassan by the name Hazara. He was so prejudice that he did not use Hassan's name. The irony of Assef claiming to be pure Pashtun is that he was only half. Assef's father was Pashtun and his mother was German. Another ironic fact about Assef was that he looked up to one of the greatest criminals of all time, Hitler. The discrimination of Hazaras were cruel and ignorant. Hazaras were described as flat-nosed and dirty. A symbol in the novel could be the kite because it was the only time Amir and Hassan truly worked together. The Kite symbolized freedom from the world's judgment.
I noticed I didn't clearly state a thematic sentence before; I guess my thoughts didn't make it to the keyboard. Anyway, status creates boundaries between groups of people that are rarely crossed by a master for the servant's benefit. Also, fear controls the actions of the cowards, while the brave do not have to act much at all. (i.e. Hassan defending Amir, Baba protecting a stranger)
ReplyDeleteKite Runner
ReplyDeleteClaire Wyse
Sorry, have had a hard time catching up...
Father/Son Relationship
Baba treats Hassan and Amir like sons. Amir doesn't have the best relationship with his dad, but that starts to change during his country's revolution. I believe they were trying to "fool themselves" into thinking everything was alright. When Hassan truly leaves Amir alone, the father son relationship goes down hill. Maybe Baba feels as if hes lost a son.
Master/Slave Relationship
Baba's father took Ali in, and so they are like brothers. Their sons grew up together and fed from the "same breast", so they are like brothers. Amir plays only with Hassan when he is alone, which I believe shows his immaturity. Hassan also stands up for, and does everything for Amir (makes his toast :)) Amir shows his greed by asking his father if he ever thought of getting new servants. When Hassan and Ali actually leave, it's like breaking up a family.
A Motif: Assef has a motif, most like Hitler, to get rid of Hazaras or use them for other reasons...
A Symbol: I think the pomegranate tree represents Hassans and Amir's friendship before the rape and guilt.
I forgot to add my thematic statement in my last post. I chose the thematic statement that discrimination and prejudice are universal. This can be supported by the acts certain characters made in the previous chapters. For example, Assef raping Hassan was not only discrimination but also inhumane. Another example is that Baba always thought Ali and Hassan as servants. Even though Ali was adopted and raised with Baba, he still thought lower of him because he was Hazara. From what I have read so far, everything links to discrimination.
ReplyDeleteThematic statements that come to mind when thinking of the subject friendship, guilt, redemption.
ReplyDeletePast: Amir thinks back in the day to when he and Hassan used to be best friends.
Greed: Amir witnessed Hassans tragedy but had greed when his thoughts kept going back to the kite.
Betrayal: Amir threw pomegranets at Hassan and betrayed him as a best friend when he needed him most.
Fear: Amir afraid of what others would think if they knew about what he saw.
Victim: Hassan a victim of Assef's assault and Amir's betrayal.
Hi, I've been out of town, but i'm catching up. The first time, I picked up Kite Runner was at 9:30 one night, and I didn't put it down until 5am. I find it difficult to select only one to discuss, because the themes are so intertwined (spelling?) with each other.
ReplyDeleteClearly, Amir and Hassan make the Friendship, Guilt, and Redemption theme as Amir plays constantly with Hassan, yet through the Caste System (Man vs. Society), he broadly treats Hassan as a lower--breakfast servant-- person. Though they are "friends", Amir treats the relationship as a competition for Baba's approval and acceptance. However, Hassan is illiterate; he is what I would oblivious to Amir's deceit. While we are on the illiteracy portion of my comment, Amir lies about the books, and at first, he feels powerful and vincidated for Baba's disownership of him. Although, Amir feels the guilt of his deceitful stories (internal conflict), and he then makes the stories for Hassan as he crafted them for his enjoyment, not to point out his flaw.
Furthermore, I'm not sure if I believe that Amir ever redeemed himself, because I don't believe two wrongs make a right. After he won the kite competition, Amir got the sweet, yet lethal taste of victory in his mouth. Later on, when Baba outgoing approval of his at-one-time disappointment of a son began to decline; Baba needed a selfish, immature act to gain his father's respect again. Thus, Amir framed Hassan with stealing some of his unwanted birthday gifts. Just like when Amir didn't speak up about Hassan getting gang raped; Amir didn't confess to setuping up Hassan, thus he continued his innocence by not admitting to his evil tendencies.
As for symbols, I believe the kite competition was a symbol. Like the last kite was waving in the air for Kabul's approval and appreciation, Amir was desparate for Baba's approval and appreciation. Like the crushed glass would cut the other's chances at sucess and Kabul's approval, Amir's hands became really bleedy as fought for Baba's approval through the guilt of Hassan's rape and eventual departure from Baba's estate. Furthermore, it symbolized the bittersweet friendship of Amir and Hassan, and the one-sided competition that it came to be. Last but not least, it was the quintessence of Hassan's loyalty to his master (Amir) and "friend".
Alex
While reading these chapters in Kite Runner I began to see the subject of Discrimination, prejudice, and Social Class stand out and is closely related to friendship. I think a theme would be society. The first time you read about prejudice or discrimination am when you hear about the Sunni and Shi'a. How they couldn't overcome the fact that religion kept Amir and Hassan apart. Amir would never admit that he was friends with a Hazara(Hassan). Just like Baba who never would admit that Ali was his friend. The fact that where they lived society shunned those who were shi'a. On top of the normal social classes created by the people from rich to poor, but they created a second standard for those of a different religion. The way that the people view Hassan and the other Hazara's is also shown when Assef picks on Hassan and Amir accepts what happens as Assef and everyone else would expect. The pressure to do what's expected wins every time when Amir is challenged. He chooses that over his companion every time.
ReplyDeleteI found a couple of symbols as I read these chapters. One of the symbols was the Kite and how it was what Amir needed to be accepted by his father yet while he got his acceptance he also found guilt because he got what he wanted at the price of his friend. Which is kind of ironic because as he gains one thing he loses another. Amir doesn’t think of the consequences of his actions only the rewards.
The father son relationship stuck out to me in the Kite Runner. Throughout the novel Amir yearns for his father’s attention. When he does receive it though, he often feels he messes up. Amir feels he’s a disappointment in his father’s eyes. He’s not athletic like his father, and won’t stick up for himself. He instead reads poetry and writes stories. Amir once overheard his father say he couldn’t believe he was his son. Hassan is often treated like he’s Amir’s brother. He receives a lot of the same attention, and is invited along whenever Amir and his father go places. Amir is jealous of Hassan and the attention he receives from his father. Hassan was athletic, and would stick up for Amir when he would get picked on. I believe Amir’s father wanted Hassan as his son without really realizing it. I don’t think he knew that his attention towards Hassan made his own son feel neglected. When the time came for Amir to receive his father’s love and attention, he left Hassan in the dirt, not realizing the consequences it would cause on their friendship. The only thing Amir could think of was winning over his father. The father son relationship in the novel is what made Amir the person he was, someone willing to do anything to achieve attention from his father.
ReplyDeleteI believe the kites are a symbol of the good days and happiness. Amir and Hassan would fly kites and work together as friends. Whenever referring to flying kites, Amir becomes happy and talks about the good times. Amir never talks of flying a kite or happy times after the last kite competition. When Amir is in the fuel truck, and his father tells him to think of something good and happy, Amir remembers a time when he was flying a kite with Hassan.
I’m sorry it’s taking me so long to catch up on my work, my internet is really moody and will work on and off for some reason. I should have all my posts up by the middle of this week though!
The relationship between Hassan and Amir is a blurred version of a master and slave relationship. Their interactions are tested many times and effected by many conditions. Amir is a Pashtun and seen as higher in social class than Hassan, who is a Hazara. Ali and Hassan live in a mud hut at Baba and Amir's large lavish mansion. Ali and Hassan do all of the house work and cooking; much of what a slave would do. But, they are not forced, not even the tiniest bit to be there. It is out of their loyalty and love for Baba and Amir that they do these things for them. Even with all this, Amir feels a connection; one of much more than a master would feel for a slave. They "fed from the same breast" and share a lot in common. They both did not have a mother and loved kite flying. Their being together was tested in the way that Amir felt that he had to uphold a view that society had on Hazaras and treat them as an inferior people. Amir even states once that as a child he never thought of Hassan as a friend. But, in a way, I believe he was afraid to believe otherwise and let his true feelings show. The loyalty that Hassan shows through it all is immense. He sacrifices everything as he runs down that alley way to get the blue kite. Even when he left to run that kite, that one phrase that resonates in Amir's mind throughout the novel, is spoken; "For you a thousand times over". Hassan had that horrible thing happen to him, just to give Amir that kite and let Amir get all the glory. That is the master and slave relationship coming out; Hassan basically gave up his life to live for Amir. When Amir would read the books to Hassan, he would ask him questions, knowing that he did not know the answers. This made Amir feel better about himself and superior to Hassan. But, we also got to see Amir's devotion to Hassan. As he ran down the streets searching wildly for Hassan, people kept asking him why he was even looking for "that Hazara". He still kept on and stood up for Hassan, until he found him in the alleyway. There, Amir's master mentality came out and he saw Hassan as just fulfilling a duty, as he did nothing; a guilt he would live with forever.
ReplyDeleteA thematic statement that would relate to the master and slave relationship is that a person must look past all limitations set upon their people by society to gain a friendship. If they don't, they may have to live with the guilt of their actions forever.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that I saw reoccur was rape. I wondered why the author chose to make rape a prominent way of degrading someone in society. Hassan was degraded when he was raped by Assef. This left him with the emotional and physical trauma and Amir with the guilt and trauma. Baba stops the rape of the woman on the truck on its way out of Kabul. He doesn't let the soldier take the woman. It made me wonder if Amir wished he had been like Baba in the situation he was in with watching Hassan get raped. Kamal, the boy riding with them out of Kabul and in the gas tanker, was raped before, which left him emotionally drained and mute. It's ironic that Kamal died of basically suffocation by the fumes, because it was kind of like he was suffocated to death by being raped. In the end, Kamal's experience caught up with him and suffocated him, like the raped suffocated his life. A symbol I noticed was the kites. They symbolize many things in this novel. They represent everything Amir wants to be for Baba, as Amir is flies his kite in the sky and wants to win the tournament. It represents his redemption and determination to be what his father wants. When Amir is flying the kite, he can be whatever he wants. He is free. Amir is free to be and become who he wants to be. When Hassan gets raped and it was only to keep the kite, representing Hassan's loyalty and devotion to Amir.
Oh yeah! And when I read the part about when Hassan and Ali were leaving, it was raining. This reminded me of in Foster's text where he talked about rain. In this case the rain is a sad thing, setting the tone that Amir had done wrong. This rain could be the unexpressed tears and sorrow that Amir, Baba, Hassan, and Ali really felt.
ReplyDeleteFather and son relationship. The relationship between Amir and his father, Baba, isn’t as great as Amir would like it to be. Baba is very manly, he is smart and was very successful in doing business, thus creating a good life for himself. His son on the other hand isn’t great at sports, and is never able to stand up for what is right. His talents in reading and writing don’t please his father very much, because Baba believes that a man should be powerful and unshakable in his opinions and beliefs (something his son is definitely not). When Amir wins the kite contest, he sees this as a great opportunity arising for his father’s approval of him. But when he sees Hassan getting raped, he turns out to be too selfish to fight for his friend and decides to wait for his kite to just arrive to him without any harm done to it. He isn’t able to find any guts inside himself to go out and fight for what is right. Even though Hassan has protected Amir plenty of times before, Amir is still very hesitant to return the favor. Hassan is very loyal, and will do whatever it takes to please his master (friend).He will sacrifice his name, his mind and his body to do what is right, and to stay firm in his ways. It is because of this, that Amir’s father, Baba is occasionally showing more attention and approval towards Hassan than even his own son. He very clearly sees the major faults of his son, and disapproves of him very much. If Amir would’ve fought for Hassan when he saw the rape, I believe that his father would’ve approved of him even more than if he brought just the kite. He might have had to sacrifice his trophy kite, and maybe even a few blows to his own face, but it would’ve definitely proven to his father that he is able to stand and fight for what is right. That he isn’t as weak as his father sees him. But when Amir only brings the kite to his father, he isn’t able to enjoy the benefits of his father’s attention to him, even though that is exactly what Amir has always wanted. Amir knows that he is weak (morally) and when he saw Hassan sacrifice himself for Amir’s kite, he knew that Hassan does deserve Baba’s attention a lot more than he does, and he becomes jealous of this fact and designs a terrible plan to get rid of Hassan once and for all: he frames Hassan in stealing his birthday money and the watch that Baba gave him for his birthday. Even though Hassan knows that Amir has framed him, he still remains loyal to his “master” and takes the blame for the stolen things. Because of his blind loyalty, he and his father leave the home of Baba and Amir to live somewhere else. But even with his only rival for his father’s love is gone, Amir will still never be able to have the father son relationship he has always dreamed of.
ReplyDeleteSymoblism:
Pomegranate Tree- the pomegranate tree symbolizes the perfect friendship that Amir and Hassan shared before the raping (since both their names were engraved in the tree). It symbolized the unity the two shared, but the cowardice of Amir broke this prefect relationship.
Pomegranates- When Amir throws the pomegranates at Hassan, he is trying to get some kind of punishment for his cowardice (forcing Hassan to fight back), but when Hassan only breaks another pomegranate on his head, he shows that he is unbreakable, but that their friendship has been broken.
The Blue Kite- The blue kite symbolized the approval that Amir wanted to get from his father ever since the beginning of the story, but when he witnesses the price that Hassan had to pay to get the kite to Amir, he sees the kite as a symbol of his guilt, and cowardice which causes him so much pain.