Changes In The Kite Runner, By Khaled Hosseini

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In The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini, the author elaborates on the complexity of change through illustrating the main characters, Amir and Hassan, transition into adulthood. In the beginning of the book Amir states “I became what I am today at the age of twelve” thus alluding to his own development into becoming an adult (Hosseini 1). Specifically, Amir is speaking of the impact of witnessing the horrific scene in which his friend Hassan is being raped. As the story unfolds, the reader becomes aware of how complex this situation is as it is revealed that Hassan is Amir’s servant and also half brother, something both Amir and Hassan are unaware of until the later in the book. Amirs lack of action during the beginning of the novel haunts him …show more content…

Only being twelve, Amir wouldn 't have any way to defend himself but struggles with finding closure from the incident and as he ages Amir comes to realize the impact the event had on his development into adulthood. During the first part of the book, Amir starts off being jealous and oblivious towards Hassan. His jealousy is largely impacted by his lack of knowledge that he is actually half brothers with Hassan. In Amir’s father Baba, failing to mention that Hassan and Amir are half brothers because of him being ashamed of his past; sleeping with a 19 year old servant named Sanubar who is Hassan’s mother not only impacts hastens relationship with Hassan but also his father. In not knowing of their relation, Amir treated Hassan not as a friend, but just as a follower however, Hassan looked up to Amir and, in his eyes saw him as a close friend and someone he could trust. Despite Amir’s treatment, Hassan through out the novel would do anything for Amir no matter what; Specifically, Hassan even told Amir he would eat dirt for him, stating “For you, a thousand times over!” (67). Another key example of Amir’s devotion towards Hassan is when the two boys …show more content…

Amir shows change within his actions as we go through the novel, he realizes his father’s approval isn’t all he needs but also a way to redeem himself from allowing Hassan to be raped. Amir shows another side to his character when he took care of Baba while he was dying, he cared for him until he died. When Amir visited Rahim Khan and was told to find Sorab, just by agreeing it also shows he’s developed a more caring and compassionate side. Amir even allowed Assef to beat him senselessly just for the boy, showing that the boy was a priority to him and would give up his life to save the him just like Hassan did for Amir. In the end the two boys live together in San Fransisco only having each other left to lean on, and Amir treats the Sorab just like Hassan, treated him, he would do anything for him a thousand times

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