Father Son Relations in the Kite Runner
Father-Son Relationships
For years psychologists have studied how people evolve. Some believe that we are predetermined through genetics. Clichés such as, “The acorn does not fall far from the tree,” suggest that parents and lineage are the greatest influence. Others believe that role models are more influential. Another cliché “like father, like son” did not derive out of nowhere. The book, The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hossieni, exemplifies this belief. Early in their relationship, the protagonists, father Baba and son Amir appear very different. Amir glorifies his father but is disappointed when it is not reciprocated. Despite their initial differences, their parallels are shown as the book progresses. These similarities become even more obvious when the pair flee to America. Then, a shocking secret is revealed that forever tests the relationship of Baba and Amir. This forms the basis of the novel: the underlying similarities between Baba and Amir. Baba and Amir are similar because they both betray someone they love, they both express remorse for their betrayal and they both ultimately redeem themselves. Amir and Baba were both willing to betray people that they loved for their own gain. Early in the novel, a local bully confronts Amir and Hassan. The bully, Assef, threatens to beat them up and hurt them. It is at this time that Hassan steps in with his signature slingshot and threatens to shoot Assef. He stands up to Assef, calmly stating,
“You are right Agha. But perhaps you didn’t notice that I’m the one who is holding the slingshot. If you make a move they’ll have to change your nickname from ‘Assef the Ear Eater’ to ‘One Eyed Assef,’ because I have this rock pointed at your eye (Hosseini, 45-46).”
Assef, like most of the neighborhood kids, knows Hassan is deadly accurate with his slingshot. Assef wisely retreats. However, he warns Hassan, “You should know something about me Hazara,” Assef says gravely. “I’m a very patient person. This doesn’t end today
For years psychologists have studied how people evolve. Some believe that we are predetermined through genetics. Clichés such as, “The acorn does not fall far from the tree,” suggest that parents and lineage are the greatest influence. Others believe that role models are more influential. Another cliché “like father, like son” did not derive out of nowhere. The book, The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hossieni, exemplifies this belief. Early in their relationship, the protagonists, father Baba and son Amir appear very different. Amir glorifies his father but is disappointed when it is not reciprocated. Despite their initial differences, their parallels are shown as the book progresses. These similarities become even more obvious when the pair flee to America. Then, a shocking secret is revealed that forever tests the relationship of Baba and Amir. This forms the basis of the novel: the underlying similarities between Baba and Amir. Baba and Amir are similar because they both betray someone they love, they both express remorse for their betrayal and they both ultimately redeem themselves. Amir and Baba were both willing to betray people that they loved for their own gain. Early in the novel, a local bully confronts Amir and Hassan. The bully, Assef, threatens to beat them up and hurt them. It is at this time that Hassan steps in with his signature slingshot and threatens to shoot Assef. He stands up to Assef, calmly stating,
“You are right Agha. But perhaps you didn’t notice that I’m the one who is holding the slingshot. If you make a move they’ll have to change your nickname from ‘Assef the Ear Eater’ to ‘One Eyed Assef,’ because I have this rock pointed at your eye (Hosseini, 45-46).”
Assef, like most of the neighborhood kids, knows Hassan is deadly accurate with his slingshot. Assef wisely retreats. However, he warns Hassan, “You should know something about me Hazara,” Assef says gravely. “I’m a very patient person. This doesn’t end today
Cited: Hosseini, Khaled. The Kite Runner. Anchor Canada, 2003. Print.