The Kite Runner - Chapter 2

Summary

• The reader is introduced to Hassan properly, revealing his loyal and innocent temperament.
• Amir and Hassan’s bond is built up to show the closeness and importance of their relationship in the novel. 
• Cultural differences become established and the social hierarchy of Afghanistan is seen.
• Amir’s desire to gain his father’s acceptance and hero worship.
• The relationships are established between Ali, Baba and Sanuabar and Rahim Khan.

Analysis

Even in childhood games the faithfulness of Hassan is emphasised through the immoral requests of Amir where he shows the willingness to be the “lamb” despite the consequences he may be faced with. By never denying his friend’s wishes the reader is subjected to the loyalty of the character and the foreshadowing of future sacrifices to come. 

The separation of the different cultures is also brought to our attention with the use of “Hazara” and the keen interest Amir portrays when learning about “Hassan’s people”. The text focuses on the discrimination between Muslims, but this can also be relatable for Western readers because of the universal conflict which exists within other religious groups. The relationship appears to be strengthened despite the differences and a kinship is found through these societal struggles. In the theatre after Hassan’s confrontation with the soldier the private moment captures the intimate brotherhood between the Pashtun and Hazara, depicting the beginning of overcoming challenging circumstances.

The relationship of Amir and Baba is a seemingly long journey of seeking approval. There are already signs of Amir’s dependence upon his father’s acceptance in his narration by referring to him as “my Baba,” to show the possessiveness and the idolisation of him through his achievements like having built “the most beautiful house in the Wazir Akbar Khan district.”  The narrator seems to hero worship his father but never quite being able to please him fully.

However in terms of paternal figures there are two shown in this chapter concerning Amir’s development. Although the reader is not yet subjected to the relationship between Amir and Rahim Khan directly within this chapter, it is through a simple description of a photograph that the reader understands the strong sense of parental connection. Imagery is used to display the contrast of, “I’m in his arms, but it’s Rahim Khan’s pinky my fingers are curled around.”  This shows the responsibility of Baba and Rahim Khan as figures in Amir’s life, where Baba’s concern is to form Amir as a courageous adult, and Rahim Khan’s is to instil morals and guidance. In some ways it could be argued that Rahim Khan serves to be the more positive role model in Amir’s life than Baba.

Finally the chapter ends by alluding to the year of 1975 which is repeated several times before the event itself building on the suspense and curiosity of the reader. Amir and Hassan’s first words are clues to upcoming events and establish the character relationships and foreshadows of future complexities within the novel.

Key quotes

“Hassan never denied me anything.” Page 4

“[Ali] He didn’t say anything. Not then, not ever. He just kept walking.” Page 7
“He was incapable of hurting anyone.” Page 9
“Mine was Baba. His was Amir.” Page 10
“Looking back on it now, I think the foundation for what happened in the winter of 1975- and all that followed- was already laid in those first words.” Page 10