Conflict

Author Khaled Hosseini uses conflict throughout his novel The Kite Runner to illustrate the power of truth and the damages that lies can cause.  The main character, Amir is a rich, insecure child who is trying to get approval from his father.  He struggles with his own imperfections and constantly compares himself to his best friend and servant Hassan.    Amir’s dream is to impress his father Baba and make him proud of whom he is as a person.  This is difficult to accomplish as Baba values physical strength and athleticism, not a son who likes to read and write.  Amir becomes jealous of Hassan’s abilities as the best kite runner in Kabul because he knows his father values this skill.   As the novel progresses, the reader discovers that Hassan is also Baba’s son, whom he gave away to his servant when he was born with a harelip.  It is ironic that the physical abilities that he so admires is an attribute of the son he gave away and not the one he kept.  Conflict arises again when Hassan is raped by Assef after fighting the bully to keep the winning kite for Amir.  Hidden so that others do not see him, Amir witnesses this violent act and does nothing to intervene.  Fear seems to immobilize him. The reader wonders if this is really the case or was Amir looking for a way to eliminate the competition for Baba’s affection?  The guilt of not coming to his friend’s aid creates further inner conflict for Amir.  He pushes Hassan away and tries to get him fired so he will not have to see him every day.   The invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union, results in Baba and Amir immigrating to the United States. This destroys any chance of redemption with Hassan as the two will never meet again.  Amir tries to forget about what happened but his guilt follows him everywhere and happiness seems to elude him.  It is only when he returns to Afghanistan to rescue Hassan’s son, that he is finally able to master his fears.  He agrees to fight Assef and saves Hassan’s son from a terrible life in war torn Afghanistan. He atones for the mistakes he has made in the past with Hassan by adopting his son Sohrab and giving him a new future.