CHAPTER TWO QUESTIONS

The narrator introduces Hassan by reminiscing about previous memories that they had shared, suggesting that he enjoyed Hassans company. However the way in which Hassan "never wanted to"shoot stones at the dog, or play with the mirrors, yet would do if amir "really asked him to". This shows how manipulative Amir can be, but also shows that he is only concerned with what he wants rather than what his best friend wants to do. This perhaps reveals a selfish streak within Amir. with regards to Baba and Amirs relationship it seems somewhat strained. the quotation "Baba was holding me tired and grim" is ironic, as it shows that even after birth Baba wasn't the stereotypical besotted father. Another telling quote is "its Rahim Kahns pinky my fingers are curled around. This reveals that even as a small child, Amir had a stronger connection with Rahim than his father. With regards to Hassan and Alis relationship it contrasts heavily as their close relationship and love for each other is made much more apparent. "He had found his joy, his antidote". This quote summarises their entire relationship. Hassan not only brings Ali happiness, he is also his salvation. A similarity that both friends share is their absence of a mother, however both situations are very different. Hassan's mother abandoned both Ali and Hassan, making Hassan and Ali become even closer as they shared the same situation, and comforted each other. On the other hand Baba's wife died whilst giving birth to Amir, making Baba see Amir as the cause for his wife's death. This creates a loose relationship that lacks affection. This also causes Amir to be jealous of Hassan, making Amir act selfishly towards him. I think another theme that the writer wants us to notice is racism. It is made apparent by the shocking revelation on the segregation in Afghanistan within a close proximity. The effect of only finding out the narrators names at the end of chapter two is that it causes the reader to be suspicious, as they end up questioning why he didn't reveal it earlier. Personally it made me think that Amir is uncomfortable with his own identity and so is embarrassed to reveal his name.