A ripple in one’s relationship with an individual may be the difference between a friend and an enemy. Len Wein once stated, “A true friend is someone who is there for you when he’d rather be anywhere else.” The interaction with others is just a small gesture of being a friend. But, being a true friend is more than just doing the bare minimum in a relationship. These people can help to further develop an individual’s character by pushing one to make the right choices and helping them to be the best version of one’s self. Throughout the novel, Khaled Hosseini’s, The Kite Runner, it depicts the true struggles of friendship through the friendship shown to the readers between Amir and Hassan. The story takes a place in Afghanistan where two levels of society live together. Furthermore, Hosseini demonstrates the problems of interaction with friends who are in the lower level of society while growing up under the same roof. Commitment and the act of being selfish will influence not only the relationship but also the individual’s perspective of life.
Finding an individual who will devote time to one and be there for a person through life’s obstacles can change one’s ideology in society. In this quote, Hosseini writes. “Then he [Ali] would remind us that there was a brotherhood between people who had fed from the same breast, a kinship that not even time could break. Hassan and I fed on the same breasts. We took our first steps on the same lawn in the same yard. And, under the same roof, we spoke our first words.” (chapter 2) Hassan and Amir are depicted to be relatively close and treat one another as brothers. Moreover, the readers assume that the two boys have the same father, but unfortunately towards the end of the chapter, the boys find out that the theory was not true. When an individual meets with a person early in their life, there is a high probability that these two individuals will remain close friends in the future. Furthermore, these two boys come from two different levels of society, which proves that social class will be overlooked in a friendship.
Throughout a relationship, many individuals spend a lot of time with one another. Although, happiness and loyalty are not always guaranteed, as tension may build causing a ripple in the relationship. Hosseini states, “But before you sacrifice yourself for him, think about this: Would he do the same for you? Have you ever wondered why he never includes you in games when he has guests? Why he only plays with you when no one else is around? I’ll tell you why Hazara. Because to him, you’re nothing but an ugly pet. Something he can play with when he’s bored, something he can kick when he’s angry. Don’t ever fool yourself and think you’re something more” (chapter 7, 108). Unfortunately, Hassan was assaulted and raped by Assef, the street. The author uses dramatic irony, as the audience is aware that Amir is listening in and watching this unfortunate encounter between Assef and Hassan. Amir is questioning himself between what is more important, making his father proud or being loyal to his friend. During the conversation between Hassan and Assef, the speech is prophetic but descriptive about feeling bad about oneself and being worthless. However, it is controversial if Assef’s description is correct or inaccurate. In the novel The Kite Runner, Assef represents the damage and the outcome of selfishness within a friendship in society. The perfect relationship does not exist, however, Amir used to read Hassan and spend almost his free time with him. Moreover, Amir doesn’t know what Hassan means to him, is he a friend or is he a servant due to the defense in social class. Selfishness and commitment are opposing ideas, however, both ways can lead life-changing moments.
After all, devotion and self-indulgence are just two of the main components that defy that of a person’s character towards the loyalty of friendship. Amir and Hassan were considered brothers since a young age. However, because of the strain of being a part of different social classes, Amir has changed his perception of Hassan as he feels ashamed by the consequences of his actions. In society, going against one’s social class can be difficult, but going against one’s loyal friend may be more challenging. Amir will eventually live with that fact that he bore witness to the assault and rape Hassan. Many people regret the past and have anxiety wondering about the near approaching future. One may ask them self, what’s more difficult, going against societal norms or not having the friend that may support you through one’s journey.
