Davis Knaub

Hassan > Amir

At first glance, this story seems like a simple relationship between two boys amidst an Afghany way of life that many seem to be oblivious to. I know, personally, that I was surprised to see Afghanistan depicted with such normalcy. For people of my generation, we have always associated the country Afghanistan with war and terrorism. It has been interesting in the preliminary parts of this novel to see this nation in a different light, a nation with the same children plagued with the same friendly rivalries and the same typical neighborhood bullies. I am finding the relationship between Hassan and Amir particularly intriguing. Born into a privileged life, Amir seems to have everything he could ever wish for, except his father’s affections. Hassan, on the other hand, is a Sunni Muslim born to a deformed father, both of which are constantly tormented for their looks and religion. I find it ironic that the one thing that Hassan has that Amir hasn’t is the one thing that Amir desires more than anything, Baba’s admiration. Amir knows that he is not the son that his father hoped for and often envies Hassan for it. This childish jealousy shows the naivety of both of these characters, specifically Amir. I immediately find myself drawn to Hassan over Amir. Basically, Amir is a little brat who has everything in life and cannot even show some decency to Hassan through his immature jokes making fun of his illiteracy. He is jealous of Hassan because Baba likes him more which is not really difficult to decipher why. Overall, I continue reading this book with an immediate dislike for Amir and a pure admiration for Hassan.