Amir's Jealousy In 'The Kite Runner'

While reading the, The Kite Runner, the reader acknowledges the complex relationship between Amir and Hassan, as it is a mixture of guilt, loyalty, and trust. Amir being a Pashtun, an upper-class Afghan, and Hassan a Hazara, a lower-class servant, the boys had many differences since the very beginning of their childhood. Although there were these dissimilarities, at the beginning of the novel, the author describes the two characters almost as brothers, as they were trusting with each other and had a strong friendship. However, as the boys got older, Amir’s jealousy for Hassan’s abilities were starting to show, and his feelings and love for Hassan as a friend started to diminish as the chapters continued. Even though Amir would never stand up

for Hassan or help him out when he needed it, Hassan would always remain or The reader finds out that Hassan, being clueless as always, still believed that him and Amir were friends, and remained loyal and pure. The author portrays a story with a theme of guilt and regret, and how it affects the interactions within people and their friendships.
In the beginning of the novel, the relationship between Amir and Hassan is heart-warming and positive, as they enjoyed playing together. The two characters acted like they were not just friends, but brothers. The reader learns that Amir, when he was a child, felt a connection with Hassan, as they “fed from the same breast, and it was a kinship that not even time could break” (Hosseini 11). The author describes the relationship between the boys as trusting, and a brotherhood, as Hassan and Amir, took their first steps together, and spoke their first words under the same roof. As the chapters go on, the reader also learns that Hassan would always defend Amir, and stand up for him, even if it was Amir’s fault, “Hassan never wanted to, but if I asked, really asked, he wouldn't deny me. Hassan never denied me anything” (put page number). Even though Hassan was Amir’s friend, this quote shows that Amir would occasionally take advantage of Hassan to prevent himself from getting hurt or in trouble. It seemed that, Hassan being loyal and pure as can be, Amir almost controlled their relationship, as his status and power over him was slowly becoming more important than their friendship.
As Baba, Amir’s father was introduced in chapter three, the reader learns that he was known as the “Toophan agha”, or in English, “Mr.

Hurricane” throughout the town. Baba was known for his strength and intimidation, and was respected by all. However, the author shows that Amir was a lot different, as he was more cowardly, and afraid to fight anyone when he needed to. While on the other hand, Hassan was more like Baba, as he defended himself and others in situations where it seemed needed. Amir’s jealousy started to rise as whenever him and Hassan would hang out together, Baba would notice Hassan’s talents, and pay no attention to Amir whatsoever, “Hassan and I were skimming stones and Hassan made his stone skip eight times. The most I managed was five. Baba was there, watching, and he patted Hassan on the back. Even put his arm around his shoulder” (Hosseini 13).From this quote, the reader learns that the more and more Amir tried to impress Baba, and it seemed to him that Hassan would just get in the way once

again.
In chapter 7, Amir finally had the chance to impress Baba as he won the annual Kite flying and running tournament.

After he won, Hassan went to retrieve the blue kite, but he got stopped by the towns bully, Assef and his two companions, Wali and Kamal. Even though. Assef promised in the earlier chapters that he would get his revenge on Hassan, Assef told him that he forgave him, but he said “of course, nothing is free in this world, and my pardon comes with a small price” (Hosseini 72). If Hassan did not give Assef the blue kite that he would receive a punishment, however Hassan disagreed, “Amir Agha won this tournament and I ran this kite for him. I ran it fairly. This is his kite” (Hosseini 72). This quote shows that even in the most tough situations, Hassan will always defend, and stand up for Amir, but also remain loyal and pure. When Amir went looking for Hassan, and then finally found him, despite having won the kite, he had to watch his faithful Hazara friend get raped. “I had one last chance to make a decision. One final opportunity to decide...if I should stand up for Hassan...or I could run….In the end I ran” (Hosseini 77). From this quote, the reader sees Amir’s cowardice once again, and his hope to please his father. Throughout the rest of his life, he regrets the mistake he has made, but at that moment, paralyzed with fear, he wanted to bring the kite to Baba, and Hassan was the price that he had to

pay.
In conclusion, the relationship between Amir and Hassan was complex and varied throughout the chapters of the Kite Runner. At points, Amir felt that Hassan was his brother and that he would do anything for him, but in the end even though Hassan was always loyal to him, Amir betrayed him. The reader learned that in the end, Amir’s jealousy got the best of him, and his desperation for wanting to impress Baba seemed more important than Hassan.