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Friendship is a central theme in many literary works, often serving as a reflection of the complexities of human relationships. In Khaled Hosseini's novel, "The Kite Runner," the friendship between the two main characters, Amir and Hassan, is explored in depth, revealing the intricate dynamics of a one-sided relationship. This essay delves into the unhealthy aspects of Amir and Hassan's friendship, highlighting the presence of jealousy, shame, and lies, which ultimately lead to its downfall.
Amir and Hassan's friendship is built on an unequal foundation from the very beginning.
Amir, the privileged son of a wealthy Pashtun, enjoys the privileges that come with his social status. In contrast, Hassan, a Hazara boy, occupies a lower social class and is often treated as a servant. Amir's deep-seated shame over their class difference prevents him from fully embracing Hassan as a true friend.
Amir's shame is exacerbated when he overhears a hurtful remark from Assef, a fellow Pashtun, who questions Amir's friendship with Hassan.
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Assef's words resonate deeply with Amir, leading him to question the authenticity of his relationship with Hassan.
Amir's inability to openly acknowledge Hassan as his friend reflects the oppressive social hierarchy of Afghan society.
Furthermore, Amir repeatedly tests Hassan's loyalty to confirm his devotion. He poses the question, "Would you eat dirt if I told you to?" to Hassan, hoping for a negative response. This test reveals Amir's desire for Hassan to assert his own will and deny his unconditional loyalty. Amir's shame-driven actions and constant attempts to gauge Hassan's loyalty contribute to the toxicity of their friendship.
Jealousy festers within Amir, poisoning his relationship with Hassan. Amir's envy is primarily rooted in the attention Hassan receives from Baba, Amir's father. Hassan's physical attributes, athleticism, and unwavering loyalty make him the object of Baba's admiration. This admiration stokes Amir's jealousy, as he yearns for his father's approval.
Baba's comment, "I see how they push Amir around, take his toys from him, give him a shove here, a whack there. And, you know, he never fights back. Never," further fuels Amir's jealousy. Hearing his father's implicit wish for him to be more like Hassan intensifies Amir's resentment. He longs to possess the qualities that make Hassan Baba's favored son, creating a deep-seated rivalry.
Moreover, Amir's jealousy is exacerbated when Hassan receives a thoughtful and loving birthday gift: a surgery to repair his cleft lip. Amir is bewildered by this extravagant gift from Baba, as he has never experienced such an expression of affection. The stark difference in their treatment further ignites Amir's jealousy, causing him to harbor bitterness towards Hassan.
The one-sided friendship between Amir and Hassan reaches a breaking point when Amir's actions lead to Hassan's assault and betrayal. Assef's brutal rape of Hassan in the alley serves as a tragic turning point in their relationship. Amir's failure to intervene and protect Hassan is an act of betrayal that shatters their friendship irreparably.
After the assault, Assef cruelly taunts Amir, saying, "You're nothing more but an ugly pet. Something he can play with when he is bored, something he can kick around when he is angry." Amir's guilt and shame are compounded by Assef's words, reinforcing Amir's role in Hassan's victimization. Amir's silence during the assault reflects his moral failure, leading to the accumulation of lies and deceit.
Unable to bear the weight of his guilt and the lies he perpetuates about the incident, Amir resorts to desperate measures to rid himself of Hassan's presence. He frames Hassan for theft, an act that ultimately results in Hassan and his father leaving Amir's household. This heartbreaking act of betrayal and deception signifies the complete collapse of their friendship.
The tumultuous friendship between Amir and Hassan in "The Kite Runner" serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of one-sided relationships. Amir's shame, jealousy, and betrayal ultimately lead to the dissolution of their bond. The novel illustrates how toxic dynamics, fueled by social hierarchies and personal insecurities, can poison even the deepest of friendships.
Amir's journey towards self-redemption and forgiveness forms the core of the novel's narrative. He must come to terms with his past actions, seek forgiveness, and strive to make amends. "The Kite Runner" serves as a powerful exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the enduring impact of betrayal and regret.
In conclusion, "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini offers a compelling portrayal of a one-sided friendship marred by shame, jealousy, and betrayal. The relationship between Amir and Hassan serves as a microcosm of larger societal issues, highlighting the damaging effects of social hierarchies and personal insecurities on human connections. Ultimately, the novel's exploration of these themes serves as a powerful reflection on the intricacies of friendship and the enduring consequences of our actions.
The Complex Dynamics of Friendship in "The Kite Runner". (2016, Mar 06). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/one-sided-relationship-essay
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