In The Thorn Birds, Archbishop (later Cardinal) Vittorio di Contini Verchese is a wise, tolerant and kindly father-figure to Ralph de Bricassart. Archbishop Vittorio is a relatively minor character, whose main function is to advise and assist Ralph.
In the same way, Rahim Khan in The Kite Runner acts as a benevolent father-figure to Amir. He listens to Amir and encourages him with his writing in a way that Amir's real father, a more forbidding and demanding figure, does not. Like Archbishop Vittorio, Rahim Khan supports and guides the protagonist, and has his best interests at heart. The two men are also alike in being soft-spoken and self-effacing, and in being paragons of calm and sanity while those around them are driven by intense emotion.
In A Thousand Splendid Suns, the character who most resembles Archbishop Vittorio is Hakim (Babi), the father of Laila. Like the Archbishop, Hakim is seen principally in terms of his positive effect on Laila, guiding, educating and encouraging her. His relationship with his protege is the closest of the three, since she is actually his daughter, but like Vittorio and Rahim Khan, he focuses on education, as well as spiritual and moral progress, telling Laila that she can be anything she wants to be, and that she has a vital role to play in the future of her country. He is also modest and humble, in the same way as Vittorio.
Who in The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns resembles Cardinal Vittorio?
Archbishop (later Cardinal) Vittorio di Contini-Verchese is a minor character in The Thorn Birds whose main role is to act as a mentor and father figure to some of the younger characters, Ralph de Bricassart in particular. He is a kindly, wise, modest man who, although his priestly vocation prevents him from literally being a father, is an ideal "Father" by the standards of the Church, selflessly guiding and advising the younger men.
In The Kite Runner, the nearest character to Cardinal Vittorio is Rahim Khan, who is a wise and encouraging father figure to Amir. Amir's actual father, Baba, is a strong character but has little time for his son, and it is Rahim Khan who best understands and supports the boy, particularly in his writing, and guides his moral development.
Hakim in A Thousand Splendid Suns is the father of Laila. Like Cardinal Vitterio, he is calm and thoughtful, always ready to offer help and encouragement. He is particularly concerned with Laila's education and continually tells her that she has an important contribution to make to the future of her country. Like Rahim Khan, therefore, he resembles the Cardinal both in his personality and in the role he plays in the life of a major character in the novel.
Who is Cardinal Vittero in The Thorn Birds most like in The Kite Runner or A Thousand Splendid Suns?
In numerous ways, Cardinal Vittorio Scarbanza di Contini-Verchese in The Thorn Birds resembles Rahim Khan in The Kite Runner and Hakim in A Thousand Splendid Suns. The main similarity lies in their paternal function in relation to a main character. Although only Hakim is actually a biological father, the three serve as mentors in various ways, including emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. They differ as well in that Hakim has a daughter, while the other two are father-like to young men.
Cardinal Vittorio had been an archbishop when he began to influence Father Ralph, and he plays a significant role in helping the inexperienced young priest rise through Church ranks to become an archbishop himself. Along with spiritual guidance, he helps Ralph understand the political dimensions of Church hierarchy.
In The Kite Runner, Amir has a difficult relationship with his father, Baba. Rahim Khan helps guide Amir toward the creative life he desires and is helpful once more after Baba’s death. Amir had not understood why Baba was so demanding of him. Rahim shares the crucial information that Hassan was also Baba’s son and helps him toward the crucial decision to raise Hassan’s son.
Hakim is the father of Laila, one of two main female characters in A Thousand Splendid Suns. While not as ambitious or decisive as the cardinal, Hakim was a positive influence on his daughter, especially in regard to instilling a passion for education in her. Although she could not pursue higher learning, his encouraging attitude helped her stay strong during tough times while raising her own daughter.
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.