Student Question
Who said "Ethnic cleansing. I like it. I like the sound of it" in The Kite Runner and what is its significance?
Quick answer:
Assef, a character in The Kite Runner, says "Ethnic cleansing. I like it. I like the sound of it" to express his admiration for the idea of purging Afghanistan of ethnic minorities like the Hazara. This statement highlights his cruel and sadistic nature, drawing parallels to Hitler, and serves to emphasize the moral contrast with Amir, who seeks redemption by opposing Assef's evil actions.
Assef brings out his affection for the phrase after he describes the way Afghanistan seems to him and his Taliban buddies. He describes Afghanistan as a beautiful house that has been filled with trash and himself as a Hitler like character who has been given the opportunity and power to take out all that trash and cleanse the country of the minorities like the Hazara.
Assef serves as a very flat character in the story with only brief hints of any sort of humanity that are quickly overshadowed by his cruel and sadistic nature. He plays this role in order to serve as the foil to Amir and the opportunity for Amir to find redemption in opposing this horrible evil.
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