Claudia Urban
01.17.12
AP Seminar
Snyder
Period 2
Psychologist- Kite Runner, Chapters 5-7
Amir- Amir, being the main character has further developed his struggles with himself, Baba,
and Hassan. Amir continues to be envious of the strong father-son relationship Ali and Hassan
have with one another. He says “I would tell myself I hadn’t felt envious of Hassan. Not at all,”
(35), to give himself the reassurance he needs to grieve the separation he and his father has.
Because of this feeling on neglect from his father, every bit of connection and closeness that he
is able to experience with Baba is cherished. “For a brief insane moment, I was glad about
whatever happened that night” (36), in this quote, Amir views the terrible bombings of
Afghanistan, due to the fall of the monarchy, as a great moment because it was one of the only
times in his life where his father embraced him. However, at times the lack of bond between his
father and himself gives Amir motivation to become a noble son to his father. During the kite
race, Amir told himself that he “was going to win” (56), to show that he “was worthy” (56) to
his father. He knew that winning this race was the only way for his father to finally be happy for
what he has done, and he did just that. In regards to his relationship with Hassan, Amir
sometimes feels jealous of the way Baba treats him. He doesn’t like to “share” his father’s
attention with Hassan; Amir want to “be the favorite” (51). I believe that for that reason, Amir
continues to taunt and ridicule Hassan, despite Hassan being his servant. He calls Hassan
“dumb” (60), and only refers to Hassan as his “servant,” never his friend. Allowing himself to
ridicule Hassan is his only way to feel strong and superior because Amir knows very well that
Hassan will never retaliate. He does sometimes feel bad for the things he says or does. When
his made fun of Hassan’s dream, Amir “almost apologized,” (60), but never actually did the
deed. Another act of Amir’s cowardice is shown when he watched Hassan be raped and
tormented by Assef. He ran from the scene and even took the time to admit he “was a coward”
(77), but admittance of a fault is not enough, because he still never chose to help Hassan the
way Hassan always helped him. This shows that Amir is selfish and unappreciative of what
Hassan does for him. Amir lets his jealously of Hassan’s relationship with Baba and Ali, justify
his disgraceful acts of cowardice.
Hassan- Hassan continues to serve Amir as a servant, protector, and friend. Hassan is very
polite, greatly acknowledging the social class difference between himself and Amir, by
referencing Amir as “Amir agha” (66). However, despite Hassan’s politeness towards the people
he works for, he considers himself and Amir as “friends” (72) to Assef; although, Amir never
verbally says that the two are friends. Although being a taunted minority, a Hazara, Hassan vies
to protect Amir and stands up for him whenever necessary. When he and Amir are threatened
by Assef and his friends, Hassan pulls out his slingshot in order to save Amir from a brutal
beating that Assef intended to give him. This shows courageousness as well as loyalty to
Hassan, as if Amir’s safety was in his hands. He values Amir so highly that he will endure almost
anything for Amir’s happiness. In the last scene, when Hassan is cornered in the alley with
Assef, he does not give into Assef’s bribe for the kite, because the kite, to Amir, is his only
trophy to impress his father of the victory he has completed that day. When enduring the
painful and dehumanizing torture Assef and his friends put upon Hassan, Hassan “didn’t
struggle” nor did he “even whimper” (75). He was prepared to endure the torture to protect an
object for his friend, and master, Amir. This shows how he highly values, not only Amir as a
servant, but as family. He does anything to protect Amir, and does not ever expect Amir to do
the same for him.
BABA-emotionally
neglectful father who
does not give Amir the
attention he longs for.
ASSEF- bully of both Hassan
and Amir. Comes from a
wealthy family, and wants to
show off to Amir. Bullies the
boys to show superiority, by
masking the jealously he has
towards Amir. Sexually
tortures Hassan, with no
remorse.
Acts as a second
father to Hassan,
giving him lavish
birthday presents
(plastic surgery)
AMIR
HASSAN-servant of Amir.
Views Amir as a friend.
Protects him from Assef,
and saves the trophy (blue
kite) by allowing Assef to
sexually torture him.
ALI-Hassan’s father,
provides both children with
emotional and spiritual
support. Grew up with
Baba. What he is to Baba, is
what Hassan is to Amir.