My comment on Jose's response

Camille Kelleher

I definitely agree with Jose’s response. Amir had described his relationship with Hassan as a brotherhood; however, all of the values of a brotherhood, such as trust, honesty, encouragement, and togetherness are absent from their relationship. I understand that their legitimate association is based on Rahim Khan’s servitude to Baba but that gives Amir no excuse for watching Hassan get beat up by the neighborhood boys. There is a separation between humankind and brotherhood, and the need for saving Hassan from this situation falls under the sphere of human kindness and generosity. It was Amir’s job as a civilian to save Hassan, whom he called his brother. Also, Amir’s inability to act is made even worse when Hassan left to run after the kite and screamed to Amir, “ For you a thousand times over.” Hassan’s loyalty is so pure and innocent that Amir’s unjustness is not forgivable.

After what I have read up to in the story, I look back to the first page and wonder if this is the event that Amir refers to as “my past of unatoned sins.” I think that Amir’s decision will cause a ripple of devastating effects and even worse decisions by Amir. Also, on the first page it was Rahim Khan who asked Amir to come visit him, not Hassan. I wonder if Hassan is still alive or if Amir and Hassan are even talking at that point in the story. The destruction of their friendship because of Amir’s insecurities and selfishness is devastating because it was totally avoidable.