Chapter four opens with the story of how Ali became Baba's childhood friend as well as his uncle. Amir describes how difficult it is to overcome history, and set aside differences in religion. I loved when Amir stated, "But we were kids who had learned to crawl together, and no hisory, ethnicity, society, or religion was going to change that either." Amir goes on to tell about how Hassan and he enjoyed watching John Wayne. Hassan also enjoyed when Amir read to him. I found the part when Amir tricked Hassan into thinking 'Imbecile' means intelligent. Amir(in this specific incident) is symbolic of so many people today who try to do or say awful things to others out of jealousy. Then Amir tells Baba that he has written a story. After a few short moments of being ignored, he is "rescued" by Rahim Khan. Amir reads Rahim Khan's note over and over. Rahim has wrote that he has talent and is not to waste it. Amir wishes that Rahim was his father. Amir then tells his story to Hassan. He is very offended when Hassan questions his writing. Amir also feels that the fact that Hassan is illiterate is something that he can hold over his head.
In the beginning of Chapter 5, Afghanistan is being invaded. Hassan, and Amir are overtaken with terror. Ali fibs and says, "They're shooting ducks." Soon, Baba arrives home, and wraps Amir and Hassan in his arms. Amir claims that he is "glad about whatever happened that night." The next morning, Hassan becomes very fearful that he and his father be taken away. Then we are introduced to Assef, a young boy who towers over the other children. It was not uncommon for Assef to harass Ali or the boys. Assef says that if and when Daoud Khan comes to his house for supper, he will tell him how Hitler was a great leader. He then looks at Hassan and says "Afghanistan is the land of Pashtuns. It always has and always will be." Assef asks how Amir can call Hassan his friend. Then the truth comes out as Amir thinks to himself: "He's not my friend. He's my servant." The day ends, and time lingers on until it is Hassan's birthday. Hassan is introduced to his birthday present, a plastic surgeon to fix his cleft palet. Hassan's lip heals well and it chaned from a grotesque wound to a jagged line. Then at the end of the winter it became a faint scare. He ends the first chapter by saying that it was ironic because that was the winter Hassan stopped smiling.
6 comments:
"Amir(in this specific incident) is symbolic of so many people today who try to do or say awful things to others out of jealousy."
Very well said! That is very true about many people in society with an attitude like "If I'm not able to have this or that, I will not let you have it either"
Country Bear- I'm confused on how Amir can say,"But we were kids who had learned to crawl together, adn no history, ethnicity, society, or religion was going to change taht either," but say in only a couple of paragraphes ahead how he never really thought of Hassan as his friend. To me this statment seems to contradict itself.
I have to agree with you about Amir tricking Hassan into thinking "imbecile" means intelligent; although, does Amir truely do this because he whats to hurt him or is it because he is only trying to protect him from the true meaning? What do you think?
Great analysis! It is strange how Amir says how special the time he and Hassan spend together is, but wont go so far as to say that he is his friend. The fact that Amir says that Hassan is not his friend, but is his servant. This is an important part of the story as it reinforces how Hazaras are looked down on. The way chapter five ends is sure to be important later on.
I thought that Ali was the one who comforted the boys on the night of the shooting. It said in the book that Ali wrapped them up in his arms and when Hassan began to cry he pulled him in closer, Amir tried not to become jealous.
Yes you are right Larry. However, Baba ran over to the boys with fear in his eyes when he arrived home. Therefore they both comforted the boys.
Hi country bear! I also found it very ironic that Amir can talk about the history between himself and Hassan, then later say he's simply his servant. It's sad that because Hassan's a Hazara that he has to be looked down upon even by Amir, who seems to be like a brother to him. Also, that's really true about Amir doing negative things toward Hassan, being jealous of him, but how can he be jealous of him if he's actually embarrassed of him???
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