Who is the Better Man?

After facing the scene of Hassan's rape and doing nothing about it, Amir does not know how to deal with his feelings of guilt and unhappiness. At first he tries to keep away from Hassan, who becomes a constant reminder to Amir of his own cowardice and selfishness. With avoiding Hassan, Amir thinks that this will mean that he will not feel shame any longer. But Hassan is a huge part of his life, so Amir can never escape him completely. When the two finally come face-to-face, Amir wants Hassan to punish him for his inaction. So, Amir pelts Hassan with the fruits, for instance, because he wants Hassan to hit him back. Punishment, Amir feels, is the key to his escape from the feeling of guilt and unhappiness and would at least begin to make up for the way he wronged Hassan. Hassan, however, will not retaliate, and this becomes the greatest torment for Amir. Hassan proves his love and loyalty to Amir are indestructible, whereas Amir proves that his love and loyalty are weak. From this, one of Amir’s constant fears is realized: Hassan emerges as the stronger, better person. Amir cannot tolerate this truth and tries to make Ali and Hassan leave. Yet his guilt is only heightened when Hassan admits to stealing the money and watch. Amir recognizes that Hassan is sacrificing himself again, despite knowing that Amir did not do the same for him when he was raped.