The kite runner exam revision Character of Baba

Who is Baba? Baba is the father of Amir, but we is also find out that he is also the father of Hassan. We don’t ever find out Baba’s name, but we know that Rahim Khan gave him the nickname “Toophan agha” which means Mr Hurricane.

At the beginning… Baba has a very good reputation and was well known for being wealthy and strong, very open about his opinions. “Baba, had built the most beautiful house in the Wazir Akbar Khan district…” – P4 “Sprawling house of marble floors… a crystal chandelier hung from the vaulted ceiling.” – P4 “There is only one sin, only one. And that is theft.” – P17 “When you tell a lie, you steal someone’s right to the truth. When you cheat, you steal the right to fairness.” – P17

Baba and Amir’s Relationship The theme of father/son relationship is a very important theme in the story. Amir looked up to his dad and worshipped his father – “Lore has it my father once wrestled a black bear… with his bare hands.” - P12 Baba is described by Amir as “a force of nature”

Baba and Amir’s Relationship Amir craves Baba’s attention but because of what Baba did he pushes Amir away and ignores him. – “Sometimes I asked Baba if I could sit with them, but Baba would always stand in the doorway. “Go on now ... This is grown ups’ time” Baba is portrayed by Hosseni as a bad father in the book as he treats his sons differently and is very harsh on Amir.

Baba’s Guilt Baba was a man who was applauded for the good things he did for the community they lived in, but it wasn’t for the people he was doing it for it was himself. “Baba decided to build an orphanage” – P13 “Baba had drawn the blueprints himself” – P13 Amir realises that all the times Baba had done things for Hassan and mentioned him was because he was trying to let his guilt out. “ Baba hiring Dr. Kumar to fix Hassan’s harelip.” “Baba never missing Hassan’s birthday” When Baba said “Hassan’s not going anywhere… he’s staying right here where he belongs.” – P208

Baba in America… When Baba and Amir immigrate to America due to the war, Baba changed from being a wealthy and successful business man to working in a gas station. “Six days a week, Baba pulled twelve-hour shifts pumping gas, running the register, changing oil, and washing windshields.” “One of his greatest fears. That an Afghan would see him buying food with charity money…”

Baba in America… Baba worked hard at the gas station to earn as much money for Amir and for his future, he sacrifices his own happiness. Although the only time we see Baba be happy in America is when he sees Amir graduate, and they go for a drink and then Baba gives Amir his present, the car. “Then he saw me and waved. Smiled.”- P122 “I wish Hassan had been with us today.”- P124

Baba’s Cancer “It started with a hacking cough and the sniffles” – P141 “Baba’s was called “Oat Cell Carcinoma” Advanced. Inoperable.” – P143 Baba’s cancer got worse and worse, he was spitting blood and feeling tired and then he began to have seizures and that’s when Amir knew it was worse than he thought. Baba’s cancer almost symbolises the guilt in him and that it was literally killing him.

Baba’s Cancer progressing… Baba clearly knew that he was dying and wanted to make the most of it. He “spent $35,000, nearly the balance of his life savings, on the awroussi, the wedding ceremony…” It was like even though Baba had endured a tough working life and is now dying from a critical illness, he still feels guilt and wants to redeem himself by paying for Amir’s wedding to allow him to be happy with the one he loves.

The ending Baba took it upon himself to decide when it was his time to go. “Baba never woke up.”- P160 Baba’s funeral was very fitted to the character and personality he had about him. By Megan Cowan