Amir And Hassan Character Analysis

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Throughout the novel, The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini, betrayal, cowardice, and courage are significant to Amir’s characterization. Each of these characteristics leads him towards redemption because of his change of view as he grows older. While in Afghanistan and when he first comes to America, Amir is defined as a coward who has no courage and is quick to betray. This characterization is most evident in his relationship with Hassan. Throughout their childhood, Amir and Hassan have a close relationship which is explained when Amir says, “Hassan and I fed from the same breasts. We took our first steps on the same lawn in the same yard. And, under the same roof, we spoke our first words.” Since they were born, Amir and Hassan shared a bond …show more content…

When Amir returns to Pakistan, he is asked to bring Hassan’s son, Sohrab, to an orphanage, and is told it is “a way to be good again.” At first, Amir is reluctant to go back to Afghanistan and search for Sohrab, but he believes this is a way to be redeemed for what he had done to Hassan several years before. While Amir was quick to betray Hassan and seen as a coward, he redeemed himself when he is searching for Sohrab. When he was younger, Amir was quick to run away from danger and had no signs of courage. However, when he got older, he learned to stay and protect what he believes in. This is seen through his fight with Assef so he could take Sohrab with him. “What was so funny was that, for the first time since the winter of 1975, I felt at peace.” Although, in the end, Sohrab has to save Amir from the Taliban, Amir believes he is redeemed. When he begins to fight with Assef and is beaten, he realizes this is what he deserves for what he did several years before. This combined with his ability to take Sohrab away from Assef is what resulted in his redemption. Although he quickly turned away from Hassan when he was younger, he had the courage to go and save Sohrab even though there was a larger chance of him

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