Introduction

The purpose of this web page is to explore the different levels of loyalty and betrayal in the New York Times  bestseller, "The Kite Runner". The Kite Runner is about two boys, Amir and Hassan, who grow up together in Afghanistan. Amir and Hassan were best friends, almost like brothers. However, Hassan was a Hazara, an ethnic minority in Afghanistan. Hassan and his father Ali are Amir's and Baba's servants in Kabul, but this does not change their relationship.

   One day, Amir and Hassan run into three bullies name Assef, Wali, and Kamal. Assef, having prejudice the Hazara, threatens to beat up Amir for being his friend. Hassan then pulls out a slingshot and uses it on Assef to stop him. This does not take well with Assef, and he vows to get them back one day.

   Not long afterwards, Assef and the other boys corner Hassan in a back alley after Hassan has run a kite for Amir. Amir does not know where Hassan is and is frantically looking for him. Finally, Amir arrives to witness Assef raping Hassan to "teach him a lesson". Amir, being afraid, does nothing and runs away. This is one of the first examples of betrayal that occurs in this book.

   As I stated earlier, in these next few posts I will present some of the themes of loyalty and the themes of betrayal. We will also look into the topic of Kite Running, to further explore what it meant to Amir and how it relates to his life.