Chapter five holds much historical context; the chapter starts off with the bloodless coup of 1973 in which the monarchy became ‘a thing of the past’ and the country formed into a republic under Daoud Khan; this is the change that Amir eluded to at the end of chapter four. The introduction of the Antagonist of the story Assef hastily follows the events of the night before which complements his tyrannical traits. He aligns himself with Hitler not only in mental state but also that of a physical state as he is one of Hitler’s ‘Aryan’ race; this alignment will cause an instantaneous response of dislike for Assef due to Hitler’s tyranny.
In the chapter there is irony when Hassan stands up to Assef’s tyranny where many others hadn’t due to his boundless devotion to Amir. This event is what inevitably sets up the downfall occurring later on in the novel. Another hint that builds up tension for the event that is going to happen is when Amir talks about the winter Hassan ‘stopped smiling’.
Emotions are turbulent throughout the chapter as the chapter starts out in fear which is ended by Amir’s happiness from his father’s embrace; this is then followed by yet more fear of Assef which is then overcome by Hassan’s Courage; which is then yet again followed by yet more fear of Dr Kumar and the operation that will take place, which is then followed by Hassan’s happiness of his harelip being removed.
No comments:
Post a Comment