Final Response

Camille Kelleher

I closed the last page of The Kite Runner deciding that Amir has become good again. Throughout the entire novel, I unfairly judged Amir’s character and morals. I couldn’t believe that Amir would treat Hassan in such a terrible and inhumane way. I thought Amir was the antagonist that destroyed the lives of Baba, Ali, and Hassan. I never forgave Amir after the alley scene and his cold nature towards Hassan until he returned to America with Sohrab. Finally, I realized how Amir’s childhood was tainted by unfortunate circumstances and decided that I wouldn’t be able to act any better than Amir did in his situation. Amir has become good because he apologizes for his past by assuming fatherly responsibility over Sohrab. Instead of considering himself first, Amir prioritizes Sohrab’s safety over his own by not leaving Afghanistan until he has Sohrab, thus making Sohrab the center of attention. Through this, Amir acquires the role of Hassan and becomes more dependent on Sohrab’s decisions. Khaled Hosseini parallels the two kite running scenes to exemplify the reversal in roles between Sohrab and Amir who represents Hassan. I think that both Amir and Hassan signify the same amount of devotion to the other character in the scene when they say, “For you a thousand times over.” This is describes both the literal and metaphorical brotherhood between Amir and Hassan.

Along with Amir’s personal growth, I love how Khaled Hosseini develops Baba’s character even though he has passed away. At first, I thought it was terrible that Baba makes Amir feel guilty since he is the cause of his mother’s death. Amir felt this guilt for his entire childhood and even carried it over to America, “…this was the summation of his (Baba’s) life: one disappointing son and two suitcases.” In addition to this imposed guilt, Baba is very hypocritical since he designates stealing as the ultimate sin. It is clear that Baba stole Amir’s childhood. Baba lives in accordance with high and divine morals throughout the story like when he stood up for the woman who was going to get raped by the Russian. Baba presents himself as sinless and very wise; however, I learn near the end of the story that Baba committed an act deemed disgraceful by his culture’s traditions. Yet, my opinion about Baba changes for the better. His lack of righteousness supports the fact that all humans are imperfect. People will encounter a time in their lives when they do something that they will regret since all of the options are unsuitable. Finally, Baba seems human. I appreciate his decision to protect his legacy, safeguard Amir’s future, and provide a great life for Ali and Hassan given their rank in society.

Overall, both Baba and Amir’s secrets are protected while they live in America. This sense of catharsis brings Baba and Amir together because they can support and enjoy one other. Baba can watch Amir flourish while mourning over the loss of the Afghani culture and his reputation without the present guilt of Hassan. The juxtaposition between Baba’s life in Afghanistan and his life in the United States is ironic. Although Baba enters the lower class in the United States, he still remains the upper class in Afghanistan. It shows the relative difference in enjoyment of wealth, even if Baba is viewed as “dirt poor” in the United States. The fact that Baba and Amir’s social life drastically changes reduces the weight of their secrets and draws them closer together.

At the end of the story, I notice how difficult it is for Amir to help Sohrab adjust to America and accept that he can’t get his old life back. Sohrab sees Amir and his opportunities in America without gratitude because he wants his childhood back. While it is clear that Amir, with or without will, is going to adopt Sohrab as a son, I wonder what it was like for Ali to take care of Hassan while Baba was constantly watching. Ali must have felt some pressure from Baba to raise his child the way that Baba wanted him to be raised. I think that Amir became more comfortable raising Sohrab after feeling closer than ever with Hassan. Amir had to gamble his life for custody, beg for Sohrab’s attention, and potentially give up his relationship with Soraya to stay in Pashwar. After this reversal of roles, Amir feels worthy of his fatherly responsibilities over Hassan.

I grew to love this story. Hosseini’s clear and concise development of cultural traditions and limits, development of characters, and unexpected plot progression grabbed my emotion and affection. My favorite aspect about this unorthodox coming of age story is the different decisions that Amir makes to feel worthy of having Baba as a father and Hassan as a brother.