"The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini is a novel that lends itself well to a post-colonial reading. This theoretical lens is concerned with the lasting impact of colonialism and imperialism, particularly the ways in which the dominant culture can impose its values and power dynamics onto the colonized culture, leading to cultural displacement and destructive power dynamics.
In "The Kite Runner", the central characters Amir and Hassan grow up in Afghanistan, a country that has been subject to various forms of foreign intervention and influence over the years. The novel explores the cultural displacement that results from this. For instance, the power dynamics between the Pashtuns (the dominant ethnic group to which Amir belongs) and the Hazaras (the marginalized ethnic group to which Hassan belongs) mirrors the power dynamics established during colonial rule. The Pashtuns, similar to colonial masters, exert their authority over the Hazaras, who are treated as inferiors, and this power dynamic shapes the friendship between Amir and Hassan.
Amir, despite his close relationship with Hassan, is unable to fully acknowledge him as a friend due to the societal norms and prejudices against the Hazaras. This internal conflict within Amir, and his subsequent actions, exemplify the destructive effects of cultural hegemony and the power dynamics it creates. Amir's guilt and his eventual return to Afghanistan can be seen as an attempt to reconcile with his past and the cultural displacement he experienced.
Furthermore, the novel also highlights the impact of Western influence, particularly American, on the Afghan culture and society. Amir's life in America and his struggle to reconcile his Afghan identity with his new American life is a prime example of cultural displacement. The depiction of Afghanistan before and after the Taliban rule also underscores the destructive effects of power dynamics and how foreign intervention can disrupt the societal fabric.
Overall, a post-colonial reading of "The Kite Runner" reveals the profound effects of cultural displacement and power dynamics imposed by cultural hegemony, providing a deeper understanding of the characters and their actions.
The generated response is accurate in its examination of Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner through the lens of post-colonial literary criticism. It correctly defines this critical theory and applies it to the book in appropriate ways. The response offers excellent examples to illustrate the application of the theory.
To fill out the response, you might consider Amir’s experiences in America in greater detail. He goes to college, marries, and starts a new life. He retains his culture but only to a point. Then he is called back to Afghanistan to rescue Sohrab. There he must confront the culture and the violence and the power dynamics that he has left behind. He must step out of himself and out of his comfort zone for the sake of another.
When Amir finally gets Sohrab out of Afghanistan and back to the U.S., they must once again learn how to adjust in the midst of two cultures, which they have to balance as they also learn how to become a family.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.