Strength In The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini, is a story about Amir who, as a child, witnessed a horrific act against his friend. He spends the next few decades struggling to come to terms with what happened to his friend, the role he played and finding atonement. The story is told by Amir and takes place during the time period of 1975-2001 in Kabul, Afghanistan, then moves to Fremont, California and then back to Kabul, Afghanistan. Strength of character is a prevalent theme throughout the novel. Three characters in the novel, Amir, Hassan and Baba demonstrate personal attributes of strength while dealing with hardships.

Amir demonstrates strength of character as he transitions from a selfish child to a selfless adult. He was born into an upper class

"And he laughs while he does it," he always added, scowling at his son. "Yes, Father," Hassan would mumble, looking down at his feet. But he never told on me. Never told that the mirror, like shooting walnuts at the neighbor's dog, was always my idea". (Hosseini, 2.2-3) Hassan's ability to suffer without becoming bitter really separates Hassan from Amir. Even years later after being driven out of the house by Amir and losing his father from a land mine, Hassan still writes letters to Amir to check on him to see how he's doing. Hassan is considered to be almost a Saint, after Amir betrayed him in the alleyway Amir describes his reaction as " The look of the lamb". (Hosseini,7.13) . Hassan shows strength of character when Amir is throwing pomegranates at him and calling him a coward trying to get him to hit him back but Hassan remains calm and does not fight back. Hassan always had Amir's back no matter what the circumstance was. Amir says, "Yes, Father, Hassan would mumble, looking down at his feet. But he never told on me. Never told that the mirror, like shooting walnuts at the neighbor's dog, was always my idea."(Hosseini,