One example of a cause-and-effect relationship concerns Amir's feelings of jealousy for Hassan, which dramatically influences his decision not to intervene while Hassan is being raped. Since Amir is jealous of Hassan and resents the fact that Baba shows him more affection and attention, he refuses to help Hassan while he is being raped. After witnessing Hassan's rape, Amir experiences overwhelming guilt and can no longer face his best friend. Another effect that is directly related to Amir's decision to not intervene is Amir's later decision to make it seem like Hassan stole his birthday gifts in an attempt to get him out of the house.
Another cause-and-effect relationship concerns Baba's decision to flee Afghanistan. Since the Russian Army invades Afghanistan, Baba fears for his life and is forced to escape Afghanistan with Amir. Since Amir and Baba flee Afghanistan and immigrate to the United States, they are forced to...
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rely on each other, and their relationship dramatically improves.
A third cause-and-effect relationship involves Amir's decision to travel back to Afghanistan to save Sohrab. After speaking with Rahim Khan over the phone, Amir flies to Pakistan, learns the truth about Hassan, and finds redemption by saving Sohrab. This leads to a final cause-and-effect relationship in the novel: Sohrab's choice to remain silent once he immigrates to America. Sohrab's difficult, traumatic childhood has negatively affected his social development and he refuses to speak once he arrives in America.
EXAMPLES OF CAUSE AND EFFECT IN THE KITE RUNNER.
- Because Hassan is so determined to run the losing kite for Amir, Hassan is left isolated when he is confronted and attacked by Assef.
- Because Amir refused to come to Hassan's assistance when he is raped, Amir's guilt results in his own insomnia.
- Because Hassan refused to hit Amir with a pomegranate (and symbolically repay Amir for not coming to assist him when he is assaulted by Assef), Amir realizes he must plant evidence against Hassan so that he will leave the household for good.
- Because Ali and Hassan leave the household, they are not able to escape Afghanistan with Baba.
- Because of Amir's sins against Hassan, an overwhelming guilt hangs over him for more than 20 years.
- Because Hassan passes on his skills with the slingshot to his son, Sohrab, Sohrab is able to save Amir from Assef.