Home > The Kite Runner Summary & Study Guide > The Kite Runner Group > Discussion Board

The driving force behind all of Amir’s actions are because of his yearning and love and acceptance from his father Baba. Discuss. 

This is certainly true for Amir's childhood.  His jealousy towards Hassan stems at first from his observation of Baba's relationship with the servant.  Although Amir has been best friends with Hassan while growing up, he has also been vying for his father's attention.  When Baba suggests they take Hassan along on a day trip, or when Baba gives Hassan extravagant gifts, Amir begins to see Hassan as a threat, someone in the way of him getting Baba's attention. 

When Amir witnesses the brutal rape of Hassan and says nothing, we must remember a few things.  First, he is a young boy himself and would not have truly been able to physically defend Hassan against Assef and his gang.  When he continues to say nothing and furthermore tries to frame Hassan as a thief in order to exile him, it is probably not onlyto assuage his guilt, but to also gain all of his father's attention for himself.