The competition Amir constantly feels with Hassan is one that, from the reader's point of view, can seem cruel and unfeeling. Looking at it from Amir's point of view, however, the issue becomes more clear.
Amir craves attention from his father, who is always treating both boys as his sons. Since Amir feels a resounding guilt for a crime he has committed before entering the world (the death of his mother), he is tormented by the idea that perhaps he is not good enough. His father does not support what talents he has, and instead favors characteristics of strength and character. For this reason, Baba admires Hassan as much as the reader does.
Amir's insecurity and lack of love always makes him second guess himself. When he sees Hassan doing what is pure and good, he cannot help but feel a pinch of hatred. Like Atlas Shrugged explained, the jealousy and hatred for those who are capable and talented is common in most humans. The few people that are truly pure and talented are often despised by their peers. Amir's upbringing has made him cold and selfish; he loves Hassan as everyone else does, but also hates him because he himself cannot measure up to his character. He writes, "He was so goddamn pure, you always felt like a phony around him" (p. 58). Being around Hassan makes Amir feel inferior, yet he cannot deny that he has always been his greatest and most loyal friend.
Amir only wishes to be special; with a friend like Hassan, he often feels undermined.
No comments:
Post a Comment