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   rhetorike Teacher
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   For me, the most poignant aspect of this novel is probably the sense of overwhelming betrayal that Amir repeatedly enacts against Hassan, mostly due to his jealousy toward the other boy. His jealousy stems from the fact that his father praises the servant boy, at the same time that he seems to have little admiration or respect for his own son. So, time and time again, the theme of betrayal (and guilt) builds, until the reader realises that Amir's guilt stems from all the various acts of betrayal against Hassan, who, after all, is in some ways weaker, is clearly socioeconomically disadvantaged, and yet has nothing but love for Amir, who knows he doesn't deserve Hassan's admiration. It is an ongoing irony that Amir knows he is nowhere near as noble as Hassan, and yet continues to battle for his father's admiration, knowing he doesn't deserve it. There is then an ongoing theme of weak character versus strength of character, and an internal battle for Amir in becoming a person he himself can respect. How he goes about doing that is a major part of the character development Amir undergoes.

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   Posted by rhetorike on Wednesday July 30, 2008 at 1:08 PM