Halfway Post

                   
Question: Describe a problem faced by the main character.

Answer: Amir faces the problem of not getting Baba's attention. Baba wants his son, Amir to grow up to be a strong, young man but he does not live up to his expectations. One time,"[Baba] sees how [the boys] push him around" (Page 24) and in reponse "[Amir] never fights back". (Page 24) He can not defend himself in front of Assef, let alone a group of his neighbours. However, Hassan is able to, which makes Baba admire him even more. Amir tries very hard to establish a father-son connection. But, he also thinks that Hassan is getting in between the two of them because Baba pays more attention to him than Amir.

Question: Explain how the main character deals with the problem.

Answer: Amir is unable to deal with his problem in a mature way. Instead he tries to make Hassan the "bad guy". For example, he purposely places his watch and money  underneath Hassan's mattress and blamed him for stealing his belongings.

Question: Make a personal connection to this.

Answer: When I was in elementary school I wanted to make my father proud every time he saw my report card. It was the final report card of seventh grade; I was heartbroken when I didn't get the grade I wanted in math. I saw the angry look on my father's face. He told me I shouldn't have gotten that letter grade because he was helping me with my assignments. Now, I realize that the grades I get are for me. It is my future, not his.



Question: Write your opinion of a character's action or reaction to a situation in the book.


Answer: The way Amir reacted when he saw Hassan get beat up and raped by Assef was absolutely disgusting. "[He] just watched" (Page 78) Hassan in pain and did not call for help. Instead he ran home but did not tell anyone. He didn't care how Hassan had to get it, all he wanted was the kite, which is very selfish of him. Later on, he reflects on how "the rest of [his] life might have turned out differently if [he] had". (Page 78) If Amir had made the right decision, he would not be living in guilt.  Hassan gave him his loyalty but Amir could not give it back. I feel like at the age of twelve he should have at least known to call for help if he witnesses something terrible happening. 


Question: Do you think it was the appropriate course of action?

Answer: Absolutely not. What kind of a person would not help their friend if they were in trouble. Amir was definitely not Hassan's true friend.

Question: Would you have done the same? Why/why not?

Answer: If it was me, if I happen to see my best friend or even a stranger being ganged up on; I would call for help from an adult nearby. If I had the power to save someone life I would not hesitate to do it. But it depends on the surrounding and environment I am in . Obviously if it is not safe then unfortunately the safest thing to do is call the police immediately.