Notes on Characters

“…my entire life…has been a cycle of lies, betrayals and secrets.” AMIR He cannot meet his father’s expectations An insecure child Desperate to win the affection of his father Physically inadequate (car sick, not sporty)

A Friend and a Brother Friendship and brotherhood converge in Amir and Hassan’s relationship. The two boys have fed from the same breast and are inseparable childhood companions. Amir mocks and patronises Hassan. Amir betrays Hassan. Hassan remains loyal to Amir, despite everything he says and does. Amir is self-centred, cowardly and treacherous

Amir – The Mature Adult Amir is tormented by years of regret and shame. When he finally affirms the bond of brotherhood he proves to be a worthy friend and a morally responsible human being. The milestones of adolescence, graduation, marriage and career mark Amir’s passage from child into adulthood.

Amir – The Mature Adult Baba’s death leaves a huge gap and Amir can only take the place of his father when he has redeemed himself. Amir’s maturity is only achieved through his relationship with Sohrab, from whom he learns about parental responsibility.

Amir the Hero In the traditional ‘quest’ narrative the hero must prove his ability to confront danger. In doing so he overcomes evil and conquers his fear and failings. Amir affirms the importance of family values, respect for human life and dignity, the principles of justice and honour, the need for freedom and the importance of spiritual faith.

Amir the Hero Amir is a very flawed hero and it s difficult to admire or to like him. He makes too many mistakes. Indeed he often does not like himself. Amir redeems himself and the ending of the novel hints of a reward of fulfilment through parenting. How far is Amir a hero?

“…For you, a thousand times over.” HASSAN A Loyal Friend. Hassan’s virtues are love, compassion, honesty, patience, humility and wisdom. Hassan personifies unwavering loyalty & generosity of spirit. He disregards his own fear and courageously defends Amir against Assef.

He remains loyal even after he is betrayed. He sacrifices himself when accused of stealing. He tells his son Amir is the best friend he ever had. He dies defending Amir’s house.

Hassan: a Victimised Hazara Physically deformed lip. Hassan accepts his inferior social status. Assef justifies raping Hassan ‘only a Hazari.’ Amir justifies his own cowardice in the same way. Hassan represents his suffering people. He also represents suffering minorities.

Authorial Viewpoint Hosseini’s sympathetic portrayal of Hassan, the hair-lipped Hazari is an implicit condemnation of all kinds of racial prejudice.

“ There is only one sin, only one. And that is theft. Every other sin is a variation of theft.” Baba Power and success Baba is ‘a force of nature.’ Outwardly the epitome of masculinity. He is physically strong, successful in business, charismatic and sexually attractive.. He is also the son of a successful and highly regarded judge.

Power and success To prove himself Baba takes delight in marrying a princess and building an orphanage. Baba is courageous, willing to fight for injustice and dishonour. He displays his wealth by building a ‘most beautiful house’ and entertaining lavishly.

Baba’s Darker Side Baba has a heavily concealed emptiness and insecurity. He struggles to accept Amir who is so unlike him which shows he needs affirmation. Like Amir he has a guilty secret. His lust or loneliness drew him to Sanaubar.

Baba’s Darker Side Baba dishonours his friend Ali ‘in the single worst way an Afgan man can be dishonoured.’ Baba is also sometimes unreasonable and violent and has no capacity for self-reflection. Only Rahim Khan dares to criticise him. Baba shuts himself off from his feelings and surrounds himself with friends to fill an emotional void

Baba mellows with age He takes his son to the safety of the USA and works hard in menial jobs to support them. Baba is proud of Amir’s academic success and finally accepts Amir is different from him and reads his work. He conceals his pride and sadness as tenderness is weakness. His cancer is symbolic of his loss of power. His funeral shows how well he has concealed his warm heart and quiet generosity.

‘ I want my old life back.’ Sohrab Innocent Victim Sohrab is an innocent victim in an unstable and corrupt world. He is brutally orphaned, falls victim to Assef (like his father) and becomes a sexual play thing. He is stripped of his dignity but like his father he is intrinsically good. He has inherited his father’s skill and courage, eventually blinding Assef (as Ali threatened to do).

Sohrab is very damaged by his experiences and resists Amir’s initial attempts to win his trust. As Amir begins to make progress he lets Sohrab down (orphanage). Sohrab’s suicide attempt reveals the depth of his despair in the face of another betrayal. Sohrab’s long silence is a barrier against further pain. If he closes himself down he cannot be hurt.

The symbol of the soaring kite at the end of the novel represents Sohrab’s slow healing process. The kite is a symbol of the old and new life. Sohrab’s faint smile at the end of the novel is an indication of hope and trust.

Now you need to make the same structured notes on the remaining five characters: Soraya Rahim Khan General Taheri Ali Farid Use the Cambridge Wizard Student Guide