The Kite Runner, written by Khaled Hosseini, illustrates flashbacks ofAmir’s childhood in Afghanistan. The book begins with the narrator, Amir, explaining how his childhood and his memories from when he was 12 shaped him into the person he is today. Then, we are introduced to a boy named Hassan. Hassan and his father Ali are servants for Amir and his father, Baba. Although Hassan is a servant, he is the boy that Amir has the most memories with. The two boys grew up playing together, reading books aloud, for Hassan is illiterate, and they also caused a lot of trouble by shooting walnuts at the neighbour’s pets. However, Amir mentions that he does not describe Hassan as a friend due to ethnicity differences, different religious views, and the fact that he is their servant.
During my reading, I was able to sense foreshadowing from two scenarios. I believe that the following two scenarios are a hint that there will be war, tension, and separation between the two boys. The first sign of foreshadowing was when Amir does research on his family and religious history. Amir has found that his religious group, the Pashtuns, brutally suppressed the Hazaras, Hassan’s group. Secondly, a communist takeover has begun in chapter 5, and the boys are frightened with any gun shots. The next day, Hassan is hit in the head with a rock from a notorious bully named Assef. Assef shares that he is pleased with what is happening with the government, and he states that the Hazaras are polluting the area. Assef’s actions also make me believe that Hassan will be shot in the near future, but with a gun instead of a simplerock.
I fear that Amir will not defend and protect Hassan if the government attempts to abolish all Hazaras. There have been many situations that Amir has not truly defended Hassan. One situation that Amir did not defend Hassan was when Hassan got blamed for pelting the neighbour’s dog with walnuts, but in reality it was Amir’s idea. Similarly, Amir did not truly defend Hassan as Assef was physically and verbally harassing him. Hassan did the majority of the speaking, and Amir almost said that Hassan is not his friend, and is just his servant. This makes me believe that Amir will have the opportunity in the future to protect Hassan, but he will chose not to.
A part of the book I can somewhat relate to is Amir’s crave for family approval and love. I am very close with both of my parents, and I truly do enjoy spending time with them. I always go to my parents for advice, and I enjoy sitting and talking to both my mom and my dad. However, Baba does not enjoy Amir’s company, and Amir is constantly wishing to bond with his father. If I was Amir, I would be unbelievably devastated, for family is the most important aspect in my life.
