Baba

Baba

1. Attitudes

   • Baba wants to keep the fact that Hassan is his son a secret so he doesn't put shame upon the family
   • Although Baba likes to drink he believes in two important values, these are; Nang and Namoos. this means honour and pride
     • This shows that he still hold the values of his country close to his heart and believes that these are important to have a good and rewarding life.
   • As he does not have a loving bond with Amir (or a bond we would class as loving) this seems to affect Amir a great deal
     • This could be the reason Amir betrays Hassan we he doesn't tell anyone about Hassan's rape

2. Language

   • Vocabulary
     • Baba uses traditional Afghan words as well as English words
       • The use of the Afghan words show his pride for his homeland and the nostalgia it brings
   • Lexis

3. Life

   • The events that have happened to Baba effect his life in several different ways.
     • The fact that Baba can't show Hassan the love and affection he should as a father hurts Baba so he treats him as if he is his own and this hurts Amir in ways that Baba does not see
       • Maybe this is why Amir doesn't tell anyone about the rape of Hassan
     • Baba is a proud Afghan. this could be why he is so reluctant for help when he is dying of cancer.
       • The proudness he feels is totally the opposite to how he should feel as Hassan is his son.

4. Relationships

   • Amir
     • Baba is Amir's father.
       • We see throughout the novel Baba is hard on Amir. he doesn't like the fact that Amir wants to become an author.
         • Baba Tells Rahim Kahn that he would not believe that Amir is his son if he didn't see it for himself.
         • The result of this is; Rahim Kahn seems to be more of a father to Amir than Baba.
         • Later on in the novel it seems that Baba comes to see Amir in a real light and is no longer ashamed of him in any way.
   • Hassan
     • Baba is Hassan's biological father.
       • this is unknown to both Amir and Hassan
       • Baba always seems to favour Hassan over Amir. This could be because he cannot show his true fatherly instinct that he wants to show.
         • Amir starts to resent both Hassan and Baba for this. This could be another reason why Amir does not tell anyone about the rape of Hassan
         • The audience could start to believe that Hassan is actually his son and he loves him unconditionally but his real son is never shown the same amount of love
   • Rahim Kahn
     • This is Baba's business partner and best friend. He seems to tell Rahim everything. This includes his secret that would bring shame upon is family.
       • This could mean that Rahim Kahn is a well trusted person.
         • This could be why Amir finds solace in talking to him.
           • This could be why Amir looks to Rahim as a replacement father figure when Baba does not show any interest in Amirs life.
           • We know that Amir values Rahim Kahn's love more as we see him take his birthday present from him to America to start his new life.