The friendship between Amir and Hassan in The Kite Runner has elicited a range of responses from readers. Some readers view the friendship as a pure and loyal bond that transcends societal and cultural barriers. They admire the way Hassan stands up for Amir despite being from a lower social class, and how Amir ultimately seeks to redeem himself for betraying his friend.
Other readers have criticized Amir’s actions towards Hassan as cowardly and selfish, arguing that he should have done more to protect his friend from harm. These readers question whether true friendship can exist when there is such an unequal power dynamic between the two characters.
Cultural and societal factors also play a role in shaping readers’ views on the friendship. Readers from Afghan or Middle Eastern backgrounds may relate more closely to the cultural norms that shape male friendships in their societies, while Western readers may see things differently due to their own cultural values.
Overall, it seems that The Kite Runner has sparked important conversations about the nature of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal, both within Afghan society and beyond. By examining these themes through the lens of literature, readers are able to gain deeper insights into complex issues that affect us all.
