Chapter three focuses mainly on the character of Baba, and Amir and Hassan's relationship with Baba. It opens with, 'Lore has it my father once wrestled a black bear [...] with his bare hands.' This tells the reader that Baba is a very strong man, and even though it's a very extravagant claim to make, people believe him which shows us he is a well respected man. Amir goes on to describe how he has dreams about this, stating 'I can never tells Baba from the bear.' This indicates that Amir is fearful of his fathers power, but looks up to him and sees him as being as powerful as a bear. The fact that bears are one of the only animals humans are advised to run from tells us that Baba is courageous and physically powerful.
Baba is also described using pathetic fallacy, for example his nickname is 'Mr. Hurricane' and he is described as a 'force of nature' which suggests that he cannot be stopped. The quote 'hands that looked capable of uprooting a willow tree' provides the reader with a very forceful image and supports the nickname Baba has been given. Amir uses the word 'thundered' to describe how Baba enters a room, which indicates that he catches attention and this is further shown by the quote 'Attention shifted to him like sunflowers turning to the sun.' As Baba is the sun in this image, it suggests that he is 'the centre of the universe' and everything revolves around him.
Amir says 'Baba was impossible to ignore, even in his sleep.' This tells the reader that even at the most vulnerable time when Baba was unaware of his actions, he cannot be ignored. His snoring is described as 'a growling truck engine.' which highlights the fact that he is like a machine with his engine always running and the use of 'truck' as opposed to 'car' supports the fact that he is forceful and unstoppable.
Amir tells the story of how 'Baba decided to build an orphanage.' The use of the word 'decided' in this sentence suggests to the reader that this wasn't a premeditated decision but was a spur of the moment idea. Amir tells us how 'Baba had drawn the blueprints himself despite the fact he had no architectural experience at all.' This shows the reader that Baba is a very proud man who is strong-willed and is full of self belief. Amir also boasts that he 'personally funded the entire project' including 'city officials who's mustaches needed oiling.' This tells the reader that he is a very independent man and probably would be too proud to accept help from anyone. It's also obvious that he has connections and power in the higher society, as he was able to convince or bribe them into agreeing with him.
When Baba asks Amir to fetch Hassan to go to Ghargha Lake, Amir admits 'I lied and told him Hassan had the runs. I wanted Baba all to myself.' This shows us that Amir is a selfish child, however he also feels like he's missing out on quality father-son time due to Hassan's presence. Amir recalls that Baba 'patted Hassan on the back' for skipping his stone eight times. This reveals to the reader that Amir is jealous of Hassan because he feels Baba is proud of Hassan but not of him. When Amir attempts to talk to Baba, the words 'Baba grunted' are repeated. This could be due to the fact that Baba is annoyed with Amir for interrupting his work, or it could be that Baba is too busy to listen to what Amir has to say. Baba does not give Amir the attention that he craves which leads to Amir saying '"I think I have saratan," I said. Cancer.' Baba dismisses this because he is annoyed at Amir for bringing something like this up without reason. Amir has said this as a shock-tactic, to try and gain Baba's attention, but it only leads to disapproval from Baba.
When it comes to the orphanage opening, Amir states 'they ran out of chairs.' This is another indicator of his popularity. At this point, Amir is very proud of and we can see this from the line 'He motioned to me to hold his hat for him and I was glad to because everyone would see that he was my father, my Baba.' After Baba's hat flies he says that 'he hoped the building was sturdier than his hat.' This tells the reader that he has a sense of humor and allows us to see Baba in a more human light.
We are told that 'people were always doubting him (Baba)' and they said he couldn't run a business. 'Baba proved them all wrong.' This indicates that he is a very strong-willed man, and it then goes on to say he had a 'successful carpet-exporting business, two pharmacies and a restaurant.' showing that he didn't stop after proving them wrong, but made a point of his independence and determination.
When Amir says 'With me as the glaring exception, my father moulded the world around him to his liking [...] Baba saw the world in black and white. And he got to decide what was black and what was white.' It gives a clearer view of how he thinks his father sees him, which from the first line, shows he thinks he is not to his father's liking and he feels inadequate to his father's expectations. 'Baba saw the world in black and white' tells us that he is a man to be feared as there is no in between for him, and he has a clear outline of what he thinks is good or bad. Where Amir talks about his father being able to decide what was black and what was white, it again indicates that he is to be feared. It shows us that he is a powerful man and people look up to and respect his opinion because he is a dominant man.
Amir begins to talk about what he learns in class such as 'the virtues of zakat'; 'the duty of hadj' and 'the five daily namaz prayers.' He also states how his teacher mad him 'memorize verses from the Koran' making them pronounce the words properly 'with the help of a stripped willow branch.' This gives the reader an insight to the everyday life of a Shi'a Muslim and shows us how strict their culture was and that corporal punishment was a standard procedure if they did not pronounce the Arabic words correctly. He is also taught that 'drinking is a terrible sin' and it is against their religion, indicating how strict the Muslim culture is.
Later on, Amir talks to Baba about what his school teacher has said, just as Baba is pouring himself a drink. It says 'He listened, nodded, took a sip from his drink.' From this sentence we can see that Baba has no high regard for that particular religious code however he doesn't seem disappointed that Amir has enquired about this, but more like he was expecting Amir to say something. The fact that he 'propped' Amir onto his lap also tells us that this is a discussion Baba is willing and almost happy to have with Amir.
Amir describes 'the air hissing through his mustache' which shows a slow build up with he use of 'hissing' - a sibilant consonant. Later on it also says that 'Baba crushed an ice cube between his teeth.' indicating how forceful and intimidating Baba is through the use of a plosive consonant.
When Amir says 'the ice clincked.' the use of a simple short sentence is very dramatic and tension building up to when he says 'Piss on the beard of those self-righteous monkeys.' which shows his complete disrespect and disregard for Amir's teachers. This also links to the fact that Baba sees the world in black and white, because he thinks that his opinion is the only one worth learning.
When Amir is giggling about what Baba has said, he describes how 'Baba's stony eyes bore into mine' which is a very intimidating image and completely emotionless and cold like a statue.
Baba says to Amir, 'I need to speak to you man to man. Do you think you can handle that for once?' This is degrading and shows us that Amir is a lesser man than Baba, causing him to feel he constantly disappoints Baba.
Baba talks to Amir about his beliefs about sin. He says 'there is only one sin, only one. And that is theft. Every other sin is a variation of theft.' He explains this by using the examples of murder being theft of life and lying being theft of truth. When Amir understands this, it makes him believe that he stole the life of his mother by killing her during childbirth, which is why Baba hates Amir.
Amir also describes how Baba designed and built his own orphanage, despite the fact that he had no prior experience. This tells us that Baba is stubborn and doesn't listen to discouraging advice, carrying on regardless. This is significant in terms of Baba and Amir's relationship as Amir identifies himself as the one thing Baba had not 'molded... to his liking.'
When Baba and Amir visit a Buzkashi tournament, it highlights the differences between Amir and Baba, and the person Baba wants Amir to be and who Amir really is. Baba says he can't believe Amir is his son, it forms the foundation of the relationship between Amir and Baba, and makes Amir constantly urge for his father's approval. In the last small section of the chapter, we see how Amir's desire to please Baba turns into a cruelty towards Hassan, that Amir identifies as the 'mean streak' that Rahim Kahn had said Amir didn't possess.
In chapter 3, we are shown clearly the dynamic and layout of the characters relationships with each other. The relationships that are outlined here define how the characters interact for the rest of the novel.
Sunday 30 September 2012
Chapter 2
The chapter starts with, 'When we were children,' which immediately indicates that this part of the story is an analepsis of Amir's life as a young boy. It goes through Amir's close and mischievous friendship with Hassan, detailing what they used to do and how Hassan looked in acute description. He talks about how they 'pelted each other with them, (mulberries) giggling, laughing.' This gives the reader a sense of innocence and childish playfulness. It's a very relatable image, allowing the reader to empathise with Amir and highlighting the fact that Amir was a typical young boy.
Amir describes the physical appearance of Hassan, and says he has 'a face like a Chinese doll' which creates an image of flawlessness for the reader, however he goes on to describe Hassan's imperfection, 'the cleft lip [...] where the Chinese doll maker's instrument may have slipped' which is detailed imagery and helps us to understand how Amir thinks and the fact that he's come up with ideas such as this tells us that he doesn't fully understand the cause of this condition, showing the naivety and ignorance of a child.
Amir has quite a manipulative personality, shown through the quote, 'I talked Hassan into firing walnuts'. This also tells us that he is the more dominant one in the relationship, while Hassan is the submissive one, wanting to please Amir and possibly gain his respect or make Amir proud of him. This also links to 'if I asked, really asked, he wouldn't deny me.' which tells us that Amir takes advantage of the fact that Hassan can never refuse him which makes the reader feel sorry for Hassan because the friendship is seemingly one-sided. It also says, 'Hassan never wanted to' showing the reader that out of the two, Hassan was more morally aware than Amir and has more of an understanding of the consequences. There is a definite social line between them, as Amir seems to be the rich, spoiled boy who is used to getting his way and Hassan is the poor, humble boy who is nice enough to give in but remains aware of the damaged caused by doing so.
He describes how when they got caught by Ali, Hassan's father, he would get mad 'or as mad as someone as gentle as Ali could ever get.' This tells us about Ali's character and the word 'gentle' suggests Ali is a kind man who is also quite humble. Although he disciplines, the reader can tell he is no threat to Amir and won't stop him from being troublesome. Whilst Hassan is being told off, Amir states 'he never told on me.' which shows how loyal Hassan is to Amir, but Amir's unwillingness to confess makes the reader doubt mutual loyalty between the two boys. Amir refers to his father as 'my Baba' which shows a very possessive attitude and the reader gains a sense of fear because Amir is clingy and scared to lose him to someone or something.
Amir begins to describe his fathers estate and the house which Baba designed and built. Phrases such as 'Intricate mosaic tiles, handpicked by Baba', tells us not only that he is wealthy, but he is a very proud man and has very specific taste. This chapter makes the distance between Baba and Amir obvious, and the fact that Amir desperately craves his fathers attention through quotes like, 'I asked Baba if I could sit with them. [...] "Go on now," he'd say, "This is grown ups time'. This highlights how much Amir craves Baba's approval and furthermore, 'He'd close the door, leave me to wonder why it was always grown ups time with him.' makes us feel sympathy for Amir, as we see how lonely he is. This is the moment where we see that although Amir has it 'all' in terms of lifestyle, he would probably give up his material goods just to spend some quality time with his father. Amir seems like a much more emotional character and in need of emotional attention than Baba is willing to give, as he comes across as a tough-love father. Around the time of the 1960's-70's, mothers were the nurturing and affectionate ones, so Baba may not have acknowledged that because Amir's mother is dead, it's his duty to show his son love and attention.
As Amir is describing the decoration, he begins to explain the photographs. The first is his 'grandfather and King Nadir Shah', which tells the reader that Amir's family have a history of wealth and have always been quite high up in terms of social status. The last photo Amir describes is one of Amir as a baby in his fathers arms, standing next to Rahim Khan. Amir says, 'Baba is holding me, looking tired and grim. I'm in his arms, but it's Rahim Khan's pinky my fingers are curled around.' This further describes the relationship between Amir and Baba and how even as a baby, Baba gave Amir no affection or attention and shows a distance between father and son.
The chapter continues to describe the luxuries throughout Baba's house from the 'mahogany table that could easily sit thirty guests' to 'a semicircular terrace that overlooked two acres of backyard and rows of cherry trees.' These are building on our idea of how wealthy Baba is and when Amir comes to describe the servants' home, 'a modest little mud hut', the contrast of the two living spaces shocks the reader, especially as with all the space Baba has and the fact there's only two people living there.
Amir describes how 'When the sun dropped low behind the hills [...] Hassan and I parted ways.' The fact that they don't go back to each other's houses acts as a constant reminder of the difference of social status between the two boys. When it comes to describing the servants' quarters, the lack of detail as opposed to Baba's house may shock the reader, as it is a small living space with only the basic furniture. 'There were two mattresses on opposite sides of the room', this further indicates the separation in class between the two boys.
The chapter then discusses Hassan's mother and how he 'Lost her to a fate most Afghans considered far worse than death: She ran off with a clan of traveling singers and dancers.' This seems to make Hassan even more of an outcast because his mother brought shame upon her family, which is still widely frowned upon, and his mother ran away from him.
Amir begins to show concern for Hassan's feelings about this by saying, 'I always wondered if he dreamed about her. [...] Did he ache for her the way I ached for the mother I had never met?' This seems like Amir is trying to find similarities to the way Hassan feels about his mother and the way Amir feels about his. It's almost as if he's looking for confirmation for the acceptable way to act about a situation like this.
When it comes to the point in the book where Hassan gets picked on by the soldiers, it really makes the reader feel sorry for him, because we now know that he is a decent boy and the underdog in the situation through no fault of his own. But at this point, you also get an insight to the close bond between Amir and Hassan, as Hassan doesn't react to the soldier at first, it's Amir who repeats, 'keep walking'.
After this incident at the cinema, Amir looks at Hassan and tells us that 'Tears were sliding down his cheeks.' This answers the question as to whether or not Hassan thought about his mother, meaning that now Amir has seen this, he feels that his situation is more relate-able to Hassan's and is reassured by the fact that Hassan feels the same way. Amir then comforts Hassan by repeating, 'He took you for someone else,' which is a very consoling and thoughtful this for Amir to have done.
The next section of the chapter describes Ali, Hassan's father. The first bit of description we get of Ali, is about his 'congenital paralysis of his lower facial muscles,' which instantly reflects Hassan and his cleft-lip, linking the image of the kinder, gentler one to the image of facial deformities.
We later find out some of the history between the Pashtuns and the Hazaras. Amir talks about how the Pashtuns had 'persecuted and oppressed the Hazaras' and how when the Hazaras tried to fight back, the Pashtuns "quelled them with unspeakable violence." We also find out that this conflict occured because the Pashtuns were Sunni Muslims and the Hazaras were Shi'a Musilims. This gives us an insight as to why the vast majority of Pashtuns and possibly other races, feel they can be racist and abusive towards the Hazaran citizens. It also shows the reader that the relationship between Amir and Hassan is not only to do with wealth, but also to do with race and beliefs, so their relationship was dictated by society and prefigured by history rather than just social class.
As a reader, we learn a little more about Sanaubar's (Hassan's mother) personality. It states 'Sanaubar joined the neighborhood kids in taunting Ali.' which tells us she was childish and spiteful with no care for anyone other than herself and how she appears to other people. We also learn that she was married to Ali in order to 'help restore some honor to his uncle's blemsihed name' even though Ali had 'no worldly possessions or inheritance to speak of.' This tells us that for some reason, Ali's uncle had a very bad reputation.
We are also shown how much love Ali has for Hassan, which led to their close father-son relationship from the quote, 'he had found his antidote (to the torment), the moment Sanaubar had given birth to Hassan.' This is also a contrast to Baba and Amir's relationship, and an indefinite cause for Amir to be jealous of Hassan.
We are also given description of Hassan's character when Amir states, 'Hassan was true to his nature: He was incapable of hurting anyone.' (referring to childbirth) 'Out he came smiling.' Showing us that Hassan has been kind and gentle from the moment he was born, indicating he was 'built' to function that way.
Sanaubar is described in contrast to both Ali and Hassan, 'Sanaubar had taken one glance at the baby in Ali's arms, seen the cleft lip and barked a bitter laughter.' The use of the word 'barked' is anamorphism and is a very vicious image, and makes the reader see her as a dog or wolf, almost as if she were attacking Ali and Hassan spitefully. The fact that 'she had refused to even hold Hassan' amplifies her feeling of hatred and disgust for both of them.
When we are told by Amir that 'Baba hired the same nursing woman who had fed me to nurse Hassan.' this shows Baba's compassion and empathy for Ali and Hassan, because he hired the same nurse that he trusted with his own child, indicating that he sees Hassan to be as valuable as Amir.
Amir begins to talk about the song the nurse used to sing, and how he and Hassan asked Ali to sing it to them, even though they had heard it many times, stating 'We just wanted to hear Ali sing.' This shows us that Amir and Hassan had great respect for Ali, even though he was a Hazara and Amir was a Pashtun.
The final section of the chapter says how Ali would remind them that 'there was a brotherhood between people who had fed from the same breast, a kinship that not even time could break.' This, although a positive image, sets the path for complication as it is almost a challenge that Amir and Hassan would have to prove the statement correct.
The last few lines of the chapter, 'And under the same roof, we spoke our first words. Mine was Baba. His was Amir. [...] The foundation for what happened [...] was already laid in those first words.' What Amir is trying to say here, is that their first words reflected who they wanted to feel accepted and respected by, and possibly who they wanted to be their equal. It also tells us that Hassan cares for Amir more than Amir cares for Hassan, so it's a very one-sided relationship and respect.
Amir describes the physical appearance of Hassan, and says he has 'a face like a Chinese doll' which creates an image of flawlessness for the reader, however he goes on to describe Hassan's imperfection, 'the cleft lip [...] where the Chinese doll maker's instrument may have slipped' which is detailed imagery and helps us to understand how Amir thinks and the fact that he's come up with ideas such as this tells us that he doesn't fully understand the cause of this condition, showing the naivety and ignorance of a child.
Amir has quite a manipulative personality, shown through the quote, 'I talked Hassan into firing walnuts'. This also tells us that he is the more dominant one in the relationship, while Hassan is the submissive one, wanting to please Amir and possibly gain his respect or make Amir proud of him. This also links to 'if I asked, really asked, he wouldn't deny me.' which tells us that Amir takes advantage of the fact that Hassan can never refuse him which makes the reader feel sorry for Hassan because the friendship is seemingly one-sided. It also says, 'Hassan never wanted to' showing the reader that out of the two, Hassan was more morally aware than Amir and has more of an understanding of the consequences. There is a definite social line between them, as Amir seems to be the rich, spoiled boy who is used to getting his way and Hassan is the poor, humble boy who is nice enough to give in but remains aware of the damaged caused by doing so.
He describes how when they got caught by Ali, Hassan's father, he would get mad 'or as mad as someone as gentle as Ali could ever get.' This tells us about Ali's character and the word 'gentle' suggests Ali is a kind man who is also quite humble. Although he disciplines, the reader can tell he is no threat to Amir and won't stop him from being troublesome. Whilst Hassan is being told off, Amir states 'he never told on me.' which shows how loyal Hassan is to Amir, but Amir's unwillingness to confess makes the reader doubt mutual loyalty between the two boys. Amir refers to his father as 'my Baba' which shows a very possessive attitude and the reader gains a sense of fear because Amir is clingy and scared to lose him to someone or something.
Amir begins to describe his fathers estate and the house which Baba designed and built. Phrases such as 'Intricate mosaic tiles, handpicked by Baba', tells us not only that he is wealthy, but he is a very proud man and has very specific taste. This chapter makes the distance between Baba and Amir obvious, and the fact that Amir desperately craves his fathers attention through quotes like, 'I asked Baba if I could sit with them. [...] "Go on now," he'd say, "This is grown ups time'. This highlights how much Amir craves Baba's approval and furthermore, 'He'd close the door, leave me to wonder why it was always grown ups time with him.' makes us feel sympathy for Amir, as we see how lonely he is. This is the moment where we see that although Amir has it 'all' in terms of lifestyle, he would probably give up his material goods just to spend some quality time with his father. Amir seems like a much more emotional character and in need of emotional attention than Baba is willing to give, as he comes across as a tough-love father. Around the time of the 1960's-70's, mothers were the nurturing and affectionate ones, so Baba may not have acknowledged that because Amir's mother is dead, it's his duty to show his son love and attention.
As Amir is describing the decoration, he begins to explain the photographs. The first is his 'grandfather and King Nadir Shah', which tells the reader that Amir's family have a history of wealth and have always been quite high up in terms of social status. The last photo Amir describes is one of Amir as a baby in his fathers arms, standing next to Rahim Khan. Amir says, 'Baba is holding me, looking tired and grim. I'm in his arms, but it's Rahim Khan's pinky my fingers are curled around.' This further describes the relationship between Amir and Baba and how even as a baby, Baba gave Amir no affection or attention and shows a distance between father and son.
The chapter continues to describe the luxuries throughout Baba's house from the 'mahogany table that could easily sit thirty guests' to 'a semicircular terrace that overlooked two acres of backyard and rows of cherry trees.' These are building on our idea of how wealthy Baba is and when Amir comes to describe the servants' home, 'a modest little mud hut', the contrast of the two living spaces shocks the reader, especially as with all the space Baba has and the fact there's only two people living there.
Amir describes how 'When the sun dropped low behind the hills [...] Hassan and I parted ways.' The fact that they don't go back to each other's houses acts as a constant reminder of the difference of social status between the two boys. When it comes to describing the servants' quarters, the lack of detail as opposed to Baba's house may shock the reader, as it is a small living space with only the basic furniture. 'There were two mattresses on opposite sides of the room', this further indicates the separation in class between the two boys.
The chapter then discusses Hassan's mother and how he 'Lost her to a fate most Afghans considered far worse than death: She ran off with a clan of traveling singers and dancers.' This seems to make Hassan even more of an outcast because his mother brought shame upon her family, which is still widely frowned upon, and his mother ran away from him.
Amir begins to show concern for Hassan's feelings about this by saying, 'I always wondered if he dreamed about her. [...] Did he ache for her the way I ached for the mother I had never met?' This seems like Amir is trying to find similarities to the way Hassan feels about his mother and the way Amir feels about his. It's almost as if he's looking for confirmation for the acceptable way to act about a situation like this.
When it comes to the point in the book where Hassan gets picked on by the soldiers, it really makes the reader feel sorry for him, because we now know that he is a decent boy and the underdog in the situation through no fault of his own. But at this point, you also get an insight to the close bond between Amir and Hassan, as Hassan doesn't react to the soldier at first, it's Amir who repeats, 'keep walking'.
After this incident at the cinema, Amir looks at Hassan and tells us that 'Tears were sliding down his cheeks.' This answers the question as to whether or not Hassan thought about his mother, meaning that now Amir has seen this, he feels that his situation is more relate-able to Hassan's and is reassured by the fact that Hassan feels the same way. Amir then comforts Hassan by repeating, 'He took you for someone else,' which is a very consoling and thoughtful this for Amir to have done.
The next section of the chapter describes Ali, Hassan's father. The first bit of description we get of Ali, is about his 'congenital paralysis of his lower facial muscles,' which instantly reflects Hassan and his cleft-lip, linking the image of the kinder, gentler one to the image of facial deformities.
We later find out some of the history between the Pashtuns and the Hazaras. Amir talks about how the Pashtuns had 'persecuted and oppressed the Hazaras' and how when the Hazaras tried to fight back, the Pashtuns "quelled them with unspeakable violence." We also find out that this conflict occured because the Pashtuns were Sunni Muslims and the Hazaras were Shi'a Musilims. This gives us an insight as to why the vast majority of Pashtuns and possibly other races, feel they can be racist and abusive towards the Hazaran citizens. It also shows the reader that the relationship between Amir and Hassan is not only to do with wealth, but also to do with race and beliefs, so their relationship was dictated by society and prefigured by history rather than just social class.
As a reader, we learn a little more about Sanaubar's (Hassan's mother) personality. It states 'Sanaubar joined the neighborhood kids in taunting Ali.' which tells us she was childish and spiteful with no care for anyone other than herself and how she appears to other people. We also learn that she was married to Ali in order to 'help restore some honor to his uncle's blemsihed name' even though Ali had 'no worldly possessions or inheritance to speak of.' This tells us that for some reason, Ali's uncle had a very bad reputation.
We are also shown how much love Ali has for Hassan, which led to their close father-son relationship from the quote, 'he had found his antidote (to the torment), the moment Sanaubar had given birth to Hassan.' This is also a contrast to Baba and Amir's relationship, and an indefinite cause for Amir to be jealous of Hassan.
We are also given description of Hassan's character when Amir states, 'Hassan was true to his nature: He was incapable of hurting anyone.' (referring to childbirth) 'Out he came smiling.' Showing us that Hassan has been kind and gentle from the moment he was born, indicating he was 'built' to function that way.
Sanaubar is described in contrast to both Ali and Hassan, 'Sanaubar had taken one glance at the baby in Ali's arms, seen the cleft lip and barked a bitter laughter.' The use of the word 'barked' is anamorphism and is a very vicious image, and makes the reader see her as a dog or wolf, almost as if she were attacking Ali and Hassan spitefully. The fact that 'she had refused to even hold Hassan' amplifies her feeling of hatred and disgust for both of them.
When we are told by Amir that 'Baba hired the same nursing woman who had fed me to nurse Hassan.' this shows Baba's compassion and empathy for Ali and Hassan, because he hired the same nurse that he trusted with his own child, indicating that he sees Hassan to be as valuable as Amir.
Amir begins to talk about the song the nurse used to sing, and how he and Hassan asked Ali to sing it to them, even though they had heard it many times, stating 'We just wanted to hear Ali sing.' This shows us that Amir and Hassan had great respect for Ali, even though he was a Hazara and Amir was a Pashtun.
The final section of the chapter says how Ali would remind them that 'there was a brotherhood between people who had fed from the same breast, a kinship that not even time could break.' This, although a positive image, sets the path for complication as it is almost a challenge that Amir and Hassan would have to prove the statement correct.
The last few lines of the chapter, 'And under the same roof, we spoke our first words. Mine was Baba. His was Amir. [...] The foundation for what happened [...] was already laid in those first words.' What Amir is trying to say here, is that their first words reflected who they wanted to feel accepted and respected by, and possibly who they wanted to be their equal. It also tells us that Hassan cares for Amir more than Amir cares for Hassan, so it's a very one-sided relationship and respect.
Saturday 29 September 2012
Chapter 1
Chapter 1 opens with 'I became what I am today [...]' which tells us immediately that something has happened to change the narrator's (Amir's) life dramatically and, as it says made him the person he now is. It describes the day this happened as being a 'frigid overcast day' which creates a negative atmosphere and gives the day almost a sense of doom, telling the reader that what happened to change Amir was probably something bad. Amir then goes on to describe how he was 'crouching behind a crumbling mud wall'. The word 'crouching' suggests that he was hiding from something or someone, and the fact that it was a 'crumbling mud wall' tells us that this probably took place in an under-developed country. He also describes how he was 'peeking' from behind that wall, which suggests to the reader that Amir was afraid of what he saw. Amir goes on to say how 'the past claws it's way back out' which is quite a desperate and violent image by use of the word 'claw' and also gives the past an animal-like description (anamorphism).
Amir then goes on to describe how Rahim Khan had called from Pakistan. He follows this with 'I knew it wasn't just Rahim Khan on the line. It was my past of unatoned sins.' This tells the reader that there has been a complication in his life and the narrator has dark secrets that will probably unfold and reveal themselves throughout the course of the story. It also tells us that the thing that changed him and made him what he is today, was most likely something to do with the 'unatoned sins' that he refers to.
He then describes his walk along the Golden Gate Park, which tells us where the present day is set and shows the reader a contrast of culture and paints an image of Amir running away from whatever happened in Kabul.
The fact that Amir focused and described the kites in detail shows us that they are somehow relevant to the story that is being told, though we don't yet know why. He uses the word 'soaring' which is quite majestic, and an optimistic description which tells the reader that this has triggered a positive memory for Amir. He says 'They danced high above the trees [...] like a pair of eyes looking down on San Fransisco.' The description 'danced' is again a very joyful image and the use of personification makes it seem as if he feels he is being watched through the memory of the kites. It could be that it reminds him of his more innocent days in Kabul with him and Hassan, which leads to 'suddenly Hassan's voice whispered in my head: For you, a thousand times over.' The reader now knows that there's a strong bond of some sort between Hassan and Amir, and that Hassan has a loyalty to Amir and a compassion towards him. However, there is no clue yet as to whether these feelings are mutual or not.
He then goes on to say how Rahim Khan's last words before he hung up were, 'There is a way to be good again.' This supports the theory that whatever happened to change him was an evil action, and somehow pushes the blame onto Amir, suggesting that he has done something to make Rahim Khan think he is a bad person.
After reflecting on this, Amir states 'I looked up at those twin kites. I thought about Hassan. [...] I thought of the life I had lived until the winter of 1975 came along and changed everything. And made me what I am today.' These few lines gives the reader a summary of the first chapter and some of the knowledge we have gained from this. It also tells us the time that the complication happened and informs us that it was a life defining moment and has stuck with him for 26 years. The line, 'And made me what I am today.' foreshadows the fact that the reader is going to learn what event happened that has stuck in his memory and haunted him so much and sent his life into a tangent, making him a different person to whom he would be had this event not happened.
As a character, Amir is viewed as a respectable person even though it is obvious he has a secretive past. We can tell this through the fact that he obviously has a guilty conscience and after the phone call from Rahim Khan, he is quite shaken up and very reflective of his actions. There is a sense of guilt and loss when he says 'Hassan the harelipped kite runner.' because of the short sentence and how it sums up how Amir sees him there is also a feeling of admiration and pride.
Amir then goes on to describe how Rahim Khan had called from Pakistan. He follows this with 'I knew it wasn't just Rahim Khan on the line. It was my past of unatoned sins.' This tells the reader that there has been a complication in his life and the narrator has dark secrets that will probably unfold and reveal themselves throughout the course of the story. It also tells us that the thing that changed him and made him what he is today, was most likely something to do with the 'unatoned sins' that he refers to.
He then describes his walk along the Golden Gate Park, which tells us where the present day is set and shows the reader a contrast of culture and paints an image of Amir running away from whatever happened in Kabul.
The fact that Amir focused and described the kites in detail shows us that they are somehow relevant to the story that is being told, though we don't yet know why. He uses the word 'soaring' which is quite majestic, and an optimistic description which tells the reader that this has triggered a positive memory for Amir. He says 'They danced high above the trees [...] like a pair of eyes looking down on San Fransisco.' The description 'danced' is again a very joyful image and the use of personification makes it seem as if he feels he is being watched through the memory of the kites. It could be that it reminds him of his more innocent days in Kabul with him and Hassan, which leads to 'suddenly Hassan's voice whispered in my head: For you, a thousand times over.' The reader now knows that there's a strong bond of some sort between Hassan and Amir, and that Hassan has a loyalty to Amir and a compassion towards him. However, there is no clue yet as to whether these feelings are mutual or not.
He then goes on to say how Rahim Khan's last words before he hung up were, 'There is a way to be good again.' This supports the theory that whatever happened to change him was an evil action, and somehow pushes the blame onto Amir, suggesting that he has done something to make Rahim Khan think he is a bad person.
After reflecting on this, Amir states 'I looked up at those twin kites. I thought about Hassan. [...] I thought of the life I had lived until the winter of 1975 came along and changed everything. And made me what I am today.' These few lines gives the reader a summary of the first chapter and some of the knowledge we have gained from this. It also tells us the time that the complication happened and informs us that it was a life defining moment and has stuck with him for 26 years. The line, 'And made me what I am today.' foreshadows the fact that the reader is going to learn what event happened that has stuck in his memory and haunted him so much and sent his life into a tangent, making him a different person to whom he would be had this event not happened.
As a character, Amir is viewed as a respectable person even though it is obvious he has a secretive past. We can tell this through the fact that he obviously has a guilty conscience and after the phone call from Rahim Khan, he is quite shaken up and very reflective of his actions. There is a sense of guilt and loss when he says 'Hassan the harelipped kite runner.' because of the short sentence and how it sums up how Amir sees him there is also a feeling of admiration and pride.
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