First of all, Khaled Hosseini uses imagery and expression in order to show tragedy when Amir let Hassan be sexually assaulted by the local bully Assef.. Amir allowed this to happen because he was a selfish person. The reason that Hassan was raped by Assef was because he was kite running for Amir at the tournament. Amir had finally cut the last kite to win the contest and all that had to happen was for Hassan to run and go catch it. When Hassan finally made it to the kite , the local bully Assef and his friends demanded the kite from him or else there was going to be some sort of punishment. Hassan refused to give Assef the kite because he knew how much it meant to Amir, and unforgettably his punishment was rape. Little did Hassan know, Amir watched this entire event unravel. Amir watched Assef and his friends gang around saying "Your father won't find out," Assef said. "And there's nothing sinful about teaching a lesson to a disrespectful donkey.""I don't know," Wali muttered. "Suit yourself," Assef said. He turned to Kamal. "What about you?" "I... well..." "It's just a Hazara," Assef said. But Kamal kept looking away. "Fine," Assef snapped. "All I want you weaklings to do is hold him down. Can you manage that?" And didn't do a single thing about it. Amir didn't do anything about it for one reason only, he was looking for the compassion of his father. This symbolizes how desperate Amir is becoming to gain the attention of his father. He gave away Hassan's freedom in order to gain a kite to impress Baba. I believe that the author put this quotation in the story in order to show the reader that Amir has made a terrible mistake for not intervening. This image will haunt Amir for the rest of his life, why did he let Hassan do this for him? why was he such a coward. This completely contrasts the scene where Hassan saved Amir "I turned and came face to face with Hassan's slingshot. Hassan had pulled the wide elastic band all the way back. In the cup was a rock the size of a walnut. Hassan held the slingshot pointed directly at Assef's face. His hand trembled with the strain of the pulled elastic band and beads of sweat had erupted on his brow."(34) I predict that Amir will soon learn to hate himself for letting this happen to Hassan, he will realize that his father's compassion isn't worth what he has done.
Next, Khaled Hosseni used imagery and expression to enhance the jealousy that Amir has to everyone that has a close relationship with Baba. Amir for years has blamed himself for the death of his mother. Amir believes that Baba also blames him for her death. Throughout his entire life, Amir has been vigorously jealous of those that could maintain a close relationship with his father. Amir said "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. Mine was Baba. His was Amir. My name." about Hassan. This quotation shows how afraid Amir was to lose his father's admiration to some Hazara boy who was supposed to be of lower class to him. The author put this quotation in the story to indulge the reader into Amir's mind, the author wanted the reader to imagine what it must be like to be unloved by a family member. This incident creates emotional response as it provokes the reader to try and connect themselves into Amir's position. I wonder if this idea in Amir's mind will drive him crazy, how is he supposed to achieve such high goals for himself? How will Amir ever make up killing his mother to himself?
Finally, in conclusion Khaled Hosseini uses imagery and symbolism to enhance the story of jealousy and tragedy. I wonder where this roller coaster ride of Amir's life will end, will he make up for what has happened to Hassan?
Next, Khaled Hosseni used imagery and expression to enhance the jealousy that Amir has to everyone that has a close relationship with Baba. Amir for years has blamed himself for the death of his mother. Amir believes that Baba also blames him for her death. Throughout his entire life, Amir has been vigorously jealous of those that could maintain a close relationship with his father. Amir said "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. Mine was Baba. His was Amir. My name." about Hassan. This quotation shows how afraid Amir was to lose his father's admiration to some Hazara boy who was supposed to be of lower class to him. The author put this quotation in the story to indulge the reader into Amir's mind, the author wanted the reader to imagine what it must be like to be unloved by a family member. This incident creates emotional response as it provokes the reader to try and connect themselves into Amir's position. I wonder if this idea in Amir's mind will drive him crazy, how is he supposed to achieve such high goals for himself? How will Amir ever make up killing his mother to himself?
Finally, in conclusion Khaled Hosseini uses imagery and symbolism to enhance the story of jealousy and tragedy. I wonder where this roller coaster ride of Amir's life will end, will he make up for what has happened to Hassan?
Interesting observations! It didn't click until just now, reading this post, the significance of Baba telling Amir that the only sin is to steal. I thought that that was just a setup for later events when Hassan blames Amir for the loss of his watch, but what you said about Amir blaming himself for the loss of his mother makes it clear that he believes Baba thinks he 'stole' her from him.
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