The Love and Tension Between Fathers and Sons

1. The Love and Tension Between Fathers and Sons By Gabrielle and Oliver

2. Throughout “The Kite Runner” the theme of Father and Son is prevalent in most places, being at the root of the cause for many of the events that happen over the course of the novel. • We have decided to focus on the Father-Son relationships between: Baba and Amir, Baba and Hassan, Ali and Hassan and Amir and Sohrab. • The tension between fathers and sons (or lack of) in The Kite Runner is the foundation for a couple of the main themes in the novel (primarily loyalty and betrayal). Such as Amir’s loyalty to Baba resulting in his betrayal of Hassan. • The most important/interesting Father-Son relationship in the text is between Baba and Amir due to the fact that it is the cause of Hassan’s Rape which leads on to many issues throughout the rest of the novel.

3. Ali and Hassan • Ali is Hassan’s adopted father • Relationship is healthy and both participants are happy despite living in poverty. “Sometimes tears would pool in Hassan’s eyes as I read him the passage… Personally I couldn’t see the tragedy in Rostams fate.” –Amir speaking of Hassan’s reaction to a book passage • Provides strong contrast against other Father-Son relationships being one of the only relationships in healthy condition. • The Ali-Hassan relationship is calm and lacks tension.

4. Baba and Amir • Baba is Amir’s biological father • Relationship between the two is far from healthy • Minimal common interests • Amir is constantly trying to impress Baba • Amir’s number one priority is impressing Baba, no matter the cost (Hassan Incident) “We spoke our first words, mine was Baba… looking back on it now I think the foundation of what happened in the winter of 1975 –and all that followed– was already laid down in those first words” -Amir • This relationship shows how quickly Amir would turn on his friends simply to temporarily please Baba (Betrayal)

5. Amir and Sohrab • Sohrab is actually the son of Hassan and is Amir’s biological nephew • Sohrab is rescued from the hands of the Taliban by Amir because Sohrab is the last remaining part of Hassan. • Things start off promisingly between Amir and Sohrab until Sohrab attempts to commit suicide due to depression • Being in high pressure scenarios together may have brought them closer. “You saved my life” –Amir to Sohrab • Amir finally saved Hassan (in spirit) from Assef and has Redeemed himself.

6. Hassan and Sohrab • Hassan is Sohrab’s biological father • We don’t now much about the relationship between the two other than the fact they were happy with what they had. • It was very similar to the relationship between Ali and Hassan • It was a generally healthy relationship • Hassan is killed in the street by the Taliban, it is possible Sohrab witnessed this. Sohrab wishes things would go back to the way they used to be and attempts to commit suicide. “I want my old life back”, “I want father and mother Jan” –Sohrab in hospital • In a lot of ways the Hassan-Sohrab relationship is a repeat of the relationship between Ali and Hassan, which is another way that Sohrab turns out just like his father.

7. Baba and Hassan • Baba is Hassan’s biological father • Hassan is unaware of the true relationship between them • “Agha Sahib was like my second father” -Hassan • Hassan is like the son Baba wishes Amir was. • Amir is often jealous of the way Baba treats Hassan and wishes at times that, that treatment was exclusive to him.“Baba gave US each a weekly allowance”, “I wanted Baba all to myself” –Amir • The discovery regarding Hassan’s real biological father is the topic of a large plot twist in the novel and a further drive for Amir to save sohrab due to the fact they are related.