Essay presentation: The Kite Runner: Choosing two passages, explore the extent to which Hosseini wants the reader to side with his narrator

Hosseini’s portrayal of Amir as a narrator develops drastically throughout the novel. If we were to take a passage from the beginning of the novel (Chapter seven) and compare it to a later passage (Chapter twenty-two) we would see a dramatic difference in the depiction of Amir, and the reader’s ability to empathise with him.

“I had one last chance to make a decision. One final opportunity to decide who I was going to be. I could step into that alley, stand up for Hassan-the way he had stood up for me all those times in the past-and accept whatever would happen to me. Or I could run.

In the end I ran” (Chapter 7, page 68)

This is arguably the pivotal chapter, in which Hosseini decides the fate of the characters in the novel. In doing so it is illustrated that Amir is a “coward”. In this passage it is questionable as to whether or not Hosseini wishes to delineate Amir in a positive light.

Hosseini neglects to prompt Amir’s character to provide justification of his desertion of Hassan. This has the effect of further condemning Amir from the reader’s perspective. In itself the paragraph is fragmented. Separated. The phrase “Or I could run” appears rhetorical. The decision that Amir made is presented on the next line. Structurally this brings the reader into more immediate contact with the horror of Amir’s choice.

“I forgot what I’d done”(page 69)
“For you a thousand times over”(page 59, Hassan)
“Hassan was the price I had to pay, the lamb I had to slay”(page 68)

In contrast, chapter 22 shows Amir to be a character that the reader can respect. It does indeed show Hosseini’s novel to be one of bildungsroman, with reference to Amir’s development as both a character and as a narrator.  

“My body was broken- just how badly I wouldn’t find out until later- but I felt healed.” Amir’s betrayal of Hassan has clearly haunted him throughout his life and the relief he feels at putting his deed right through taking this beating is evident. It is possible, in this chapter, for the reader to see Amir as a courageous and likeable character.

“You’ve done much more than I paid you for. I don’t expect you to come in with me.” In chapter 22, there is a clear contrast between Amir’s thoughts and his dialogue. He tells Farid he doesn’t expect him to come in with him but his internal narrative states that he wished he would. This is a contrast to chapter seven, where Amir states “he could run” and does exactly that.

Page 250: "It was my turn"-Hassan was the lamb Amir felt he had to slay. In chapter 22, Amir becomes that lamb, so it's as through Amir's pain that he becomes "good again". One could argue that this makes him a more likeable character, in view of his transformation.