Amy Yao
EN201-1
Identify Amir’s strongest emotions in Chapters 1-12. Which emotions are persistent, and which change over time? Based on these emotions and how are presented, compare Amir with one other character from the novel and judge (a)which of these characters is more in touch with their true emotions and (b) which of them is more justified in feeling the way they do.
“That was a long time ago, but it’s wrong what they say about the past, I’ve learned, about how you can bury it. Because the past claws its way out.” (Chapter1) If the soul of a man inevitably engraves with the mark of time, then the childhood undoubtedly guards the secret gate of life. For Amir, the event occurred in the winter of 1975 left him an unforgettable scar while also aroused his inner feelings to a large extent. In contrast with Hassan’s consistent obedience, devotion and forgiveness, Amir’s complicated emotions towards Hassan which drives himself to the quest of redemption are worthy of deliberate judgement. In my point of view, throughout Amir’s emotions from first 12 chapters, guilt and sorrow are persistent and strong toward Hassan and mixing with the awe to Baba. Whereas, superiority and jealousy changes over time as complicated emotions. These emotions prompt Amir to be more in touch with his true emotions comparing to Hassan and he is also more justified in feeling the way he does according several external factors.
To start with Amir’s persistent emotions toward Baba and Hassan respectively. Throughout the story, Amir stands in awe of Baba and is constantly seeking for Baba’s approval. “Mine was Baba.” (Chapter2) reveals Baba’s dominating impact in Amir’s inward thoughts. For Amir, Baba’s success and honor is a kind of impenetrable existence in his lifetime, which contributes to his exceeding longing for Baba’s praise even if the price is being a betrayer. (“In his arms, I forgot what I’d done. And that was good.” (Chapter 7)) While in retrospect, the desire for Baba’s approval is a an incident that touches off Amir’s betrayal and redemption to Hassan. Hence, unlike the straightforward emotion towards Baba, guilt and sorrow toward Hassan are reflected in Amir’s memoir which are extremely intense and consistent——Everything should be traced back to the origin of memory in that merciless winter: “The rest of my life might have turned out differently if I had. But I didn’t. I just watched. Paralyzed. (Chapter 7)” and ultimately “In the end, I ran. I ran because I was a coward. (Chapter 7)” The most fatal character flaw——cowardice, which discloses Amir’s ineluctable sense of guilt and grief in his rest of life, as well as be doomed to his road of redemption. Yet as time passes, Amir has carried a substantial amount of guilt as he fails his assumption that if Hassan is out of sight he would also out of mind. Instead, the thought of Hassan triggers feelings for him when he gets older and these feelings become increasing strong. “Looking back now, I realiz...
