Throughout this novel, there is a definite lack of communication between Baba and Amir, which impacts both of them. However, Amir is the one who is more negatively impacted. The most important thing in his life is to have Baba's love and approval. This causes him to miss out on opportunities in his life and never truly be happy.
During Amir's childhood, Baba's lack of affection greatly affected him. He felt empty inside. This emptiness made Amir even resent Baba at times and got to the point where Amir even wished he had a different father. Amir said, "when they left, I sat on my bed and wished Rahim Khan had been my father." (Hosseini, page 85). That is a very hateful thought for a twelve year-old boy to have. Rahim Khan had always been more supportive and proud of Amir, which is why Amir resented his father at times.
Baba's lack of affection and communication towards Amir causes him to have low self esteem. Amir feels like he will never be able to please Baba and win his love. Amir even said, "I always felt like Baba hated me a little." (Hosseini, page 19). This causes Amir to always be second guessing himself. He spent much of his life more concerned about what Baba thought, rather than doing what his heart told him to do.
This poor communication between the father and son made Amir jealous of Hassan. Baba appeared to have a better relationship with Hassan and this made Amir upset. As a result, he never wanted to be close friends with Hassan. This inner insecurity resulted in Amir trying to show off to Hassan, whether it be through knowledge (being able to read) or wealth (his family had money and Hassan's did not). Amir was even willing to watch Hassan be raped in an effort to win Baba's love.
If Baba and Amir had been able to communicate better, things may have turned out differently for Amir. He may have been closer with Hassan and he may have had many great memories with his father. Most importantly, however, Amir may have been happier throughout his entire life.
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I definitely agree with this statement. Poor communication has shaped this novel. I think that if Amir and Baba were able to communicate about their feelings I think it's possible that Baba might have admiited to Amir about his sin. Maybe Baba would have admitted to Amir that the reason he was so hard on him because his other son Hasaan was so much more like him. Or quite frankly maybe Baba wouldn't have been hard on Amir at all because everyone would know that Hasaan was his son and then Baba could be proud of both his sons for the different qualities that they each had. Also,if Amir had known the true identity of his brother I believe Amir would never had let the rape happen. In the end this whole story probably wouldn't have turned out this way if communication had been a great skill of Baba's.
ReplyDeleteI think that your observation that Amir is more concerned about what Baba thinks of him is absolutley correct. I think that Baba is a good father in terms of morals and life lessons, but when it comes to the loving and supportive aspect of a father-son relationship, Baba doesn't fulfil his duties. Hassan's rape would not have happened if Baba had equally supported the 2 brothers and gave Amir the attention he needed, or better yet, if he told Amir and Hassan that they were, in fact, half brothers.
ReplyDeleteVery insightful, you three! So, despite Baba's strength, his fear of what people would think of him or his desire to preserve his reputation robbed him of both his sons.
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