HASSAN

HASSAN

1. Hassan is the driving force of the novel. His loyalty to Amir is what drives him on his journey to redemption.

2. Physical appearance

   • 'A face like a Chinese doll, chiselled from hardwood'. This is Amir's idealised representation of Hassan. It could also be said that this description gives the idea that Hassan, is Amir's belonging. This reinforces the cultural context of the Hazara and Pashtun relationship.
   • 'Eyes that looked, depending on the light, gold, green eve sapphire'. These are rich colours, maybe suggestive of Hassan's value to Amir, as he is looking back over their childhood.
   • 'And the cleft lip, just left of midline,'.
     • Highlights Hassan's place in society.
     • Baba pays for it to be fixed, reveals his love, and also highlights how class is important or Baba, as the cleft lip is a symbol of low class.
     • Amir also gains a split lip after his fight with Assef. Symbol of hi redemption. 'Blood from my split upper lip staining the mauve carpet'.
   • Compared to a lamb. Highlights his sacrifice as well as his innocence.
   • We only hear Amir's description of Hassan which maybe coloured by 30 years of guilt.

3. Defining Characteristics

   • Loyal. No matter how many times Amir betrays him, Hassan remains loyal. He even accepts the blame for a crime he did not commit. 'This was Hassan's final sacrifice for me'.
   • Grateful. In complete contrast to Amir, every little thing Amir did for Hassan was always met by thanks. This is ironic because Hassan looked after Amir the majority of the time.
   • Supportive. He was always supportive of Amir. 'I had the distinct suspicion that Hassan had let me win'. Before the Kite competition, Hassan describes a dream to Amir whereby him and Hassan defeat their fears and are rewarded. Page 56. It is perfect timing and gives Amir the confidence he needs to win the Kite competition.
   • Wise. 'How could I be an open book to him...' 'I was the smart one. Hassan couldn't read a first grade text book but he's read me plenty'.
     • Readily acts like an adult more often than Amir. Been forced to grow up faster.
   • Resignation in his attitude. He takes both Amir's questions with resignation and with willingness to take whatever if forced upon him. He is used to carrying burdens and coming off second best. 'Would you ever ask me to do such a thing, Amir Agha?' When Amir attacks him with the pomegranate he literally turns the other cheek.

4. Hassan's letters.

   • Show his unwavering loyalty to Amir. Even after everything Amir did to Hassan he is still willing to write to him.
   • 'I dream that someday you will return to Kabul to revisit the land of our childhood. If you do, you will find an old faithful friend waiting for you.'
     • Even after everything that happened Hassan still view the place of his childhood positively, because it reminds him of Amir.
   • Only time we hear Hassan's perspective.
     • Hassan's adult perspective. Insight into the character Hassan must have been. Uses a kind and considerate tone, he holds no grudge against Amir.
     • 'Hassan open and closes with religious invocations...they are obviously of greater importance to Hassan than we might assume from Amir's tales.

5. He is 'The Kite Runner'.

6. 'exists in most of the novel as a presence, looming over the narrative rather than as a character taking parts in events.' (York Notes).

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