The Kite Runner -

Book Review # 114128

English > Analysis
Literature > American

The Kite Runner -

An analysis of the theme of selfishness in relationships in "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini.

1,456 words () | 0 sources | 2009 Canada

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how, in the novel "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini, the principle of selfishness and the ideas surrounding it are brilliantly illustrated through the book's many characters and their predicaments. It looks at how problems occur when the character Amir does not take to mind the concerns and values of his nephew, Sohrab, while in Pakistan and how disastrous situations arise when Amir becomes egocentric around his childhood friend and servant, Hassan. The paper also examines how Hosseini's novel also shows that life as a family can become unbearable when a father does not fully appreciate his son because of his high expectations. Lastly, the paper attempts to show how it becomes evident that burying significant details of another's life simply because of selfish desires leads to intolerable circumstances. When there is a lack of stability in a relationship, it will not be fruitful.

From the Paper:

"A wealthy and powerful man in Afghanistan is created in order to instruct the human race in forming and prospering from successful relationships. Baba has a son, Amir, whom he is essentially embarrassed about, as he does not believe that Amir has demonstrated the qualities of a true man. He explains to his cohort, "A boy who won't stand up for himself becomes a man who won't stand up to anything." (Hosseini, 24) He works to find faults in his son and does not recognize any of Amir's fantastic traits - he is a formidable writer, he is very sensitive and he has, to say the very least, a virtuous and noble conscience. Baba says, "I'm telling you Rahim, there's something missing in that boy." (Hosseini, 24) Consequently, Amir becomes distanced and upset. He is incredibly distraught because he is led to believe that the best of him is not good enough for his father. "