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One poignant episode illustrating the theme of cruelty unfolds in the friendship between Amir and Hassan. Amir, the narrator, engages in relentless teasing, pushing Hassan to perform actions he's reluctant to undertake. In the opening pages, Amir reminisces about their childhood, recalling an incident where he coerced Hassan into firing walnuts at a neighbor's one-eyed German Shepherd, despite Hassan's clear reluctance.
This teasing extends beyond playful pranks; Amir exploits Hassan's limited understanding of words, providing false definitions to further expose his ignorance.
An example of this is Amir misleading Hassan about the word 'Imbecile,' claiming it means 'smart' and 'intelligent,' ultimately degrading Hassan by declaring him an imbecile. Amir's cruel thoughts towards Hassan, particularly when Hassan outsmarts him, remain unspoken but add a layer of emotional cruelty to their relationship.
Though these instances of cruelty are not physically violent, they elicit empathy for Hassan and create a strong disliking towards Amir among readers. It becomes evident that Amir's teasing stems from a desire for dominance and a willingness to conform to societal prejudices against Hassan's Hazara heritage.
The pinnacle of cruelty in Amir and Hassan's relationship unfolds when Amir abandons Hassan, leaving him to endure a traumatic incident.
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Overwhelmed by guilt and an inability to cope with the consequences, Amir devises a plan to rid himself of Hassan and his father, Ali. This plan involves framing Hassan by planting Amir's possessions in Hassan's belongings, a deeply cruel act driven by Amir's inability to face the repercussions of his actions.
As readers, our attitude towards Amir during this act of cruelty is one of resentment.
It becomes challenging to comprehend Amir's motivations, and a sense of moral ambiguity surrounds his character. However, beneath this cruelty, it is revealed that Amir, in his own way, loves Hassan, and the self-hatred he harbors adds complexity to his character.
The theme of cruelty extends beyond friendships to familial relationships, particularly the strained bond between Baba and Amir. In the early chapters, Baba exhibits a marked ignorance towards Amir, withholding love and attention. This dynamic leads to Amir feeling angry and unloved, prompting his persistent efforts to gain his father's acknowledgment.
Baba's constant preference for Hassan exacerbates Amir's jealousy, contributing to occasional bouts of anger towards Hassan. Baba's ignorance, demonstrated by his reluctance to spend quality time with Amir, further deepens the emotional chasm between father and son. The resentment Amir feels is palpable, particularly when Baba insists on Hassan's presence during their outings, denying Amir the desired one-on-one time with his father.
A significant aspect contributing to Baba's ignorance is the perceived disparity between Amir and his father during their respective childhoods. Baba, seemingly punishing Amir for not embodying the qualities he possessed as a young boy, expresses doubt about Amir's paternity. He goes so far as to claim, "I'd never believe he was my son," suggesting a fundamental misunderstanding and a sense of something crucial missing in Amir.
These familial dynamics, viewed through Amir's narrative lens, evoke empathy and understanding from the reader. The juxtaposition of Amir's internal struggles with Baba's ignorance creates a complex portrait of familial relationships.
Hosseini's strategic use of two narrative viewpoints, namely Amir's and Rahim Khan's, proves to be a powerful tool in engaging the reader emotionally. The reader is taken on a journey where emotions fluctuate, feeling anger and disgust witnessing Amir's cruelty towards Hassan and empathy when Amir faces neglect and indifference from his father.
The choice of free direct speech from Amir's viewpoint intensifies the reader's connection with the character, allowing them to experience the emotional nuances firsthand. This narrative technique invites readers to actively participate in forming opinions about the characters, fostering a deeper engagement with the story.
By aligning the reader's emotions with Amir's, Hosseini subtly guides them towards certain judgments and reactions. The intelligent use of free direct speech creates an immersive experience, making the reader feel as though they are making independent decisions about their affinity or disdain for Amir.
Hosseini's deliberate language choices play a pivotal role in amplifying the thematic depth of the novel. The use of irony is evident in Amir's declaration that Hassan is an 'imbecile.' This ironic statement gains significance when Hassan later smashes a pomegranate on his forehead, symbolizing loyalty and willingness to endure suffering for Amir.
Amir's sophisticated vocabulary and literary prowess, manifested in his dialogue, serve to highlight his intelligence. Words like 'illiterate' and 'lifted' reflect Amir's academic acumen, emphasizing the stark contrast between him and his surroundings. This intentional language choice intensifies the portrayal of Amir's unique character traits.
Hosseini's craftsmanship in 'The Kite Runner' captivates readers by invoking imagination and encouraging judgment. Each character is meticulously tailored, resembling individuals we know or have encountered in our lives. The novel becomes a vivid journey alongside Amir, allowing readers to keenly feel the various themes—sin and redemption, literature and intelligence, relationships, culture and homeland, love, and loss.
The narrative is an artful exploration of the human experience, with every character contributing to the intricate tapestry of emotions. The finely tuned language and descriptive prowess take the reader on a captivating journey, deeply immersing them in Amir's life and the multifaceted themes that shape his world.
In conclusion, 'The Kite Runner' delves into the profound complexities of cruelty within relationships, be they friendly or familial. Through meticulous narrative choices, language nuances, and thematic exploration, Khaled Hosseini ensures that readers are not mere spectators but active participants in the intricate emotional landscape of Amir's life.
Cruelty and Relationships in 'The Kite Runner'. (2017, Feb 24). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-theme-of-cruelty-the-kite-runner-essay
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