This is an intense chapter. I'm not sure if you noticed or not, but major things go down in this chapter, and as they say, "Nothing will ever be the same again."
Rather than getting into a discussion of what happens - I'm sure it's etched indelibly in your brains - I wanted to ask you to respond to one of these questions. So pick ONE, don't answer both, and post a comment with your answer to the question. Be deep, my young Padawans. (We're looking for a short response here, no more than 200 words.)
1. What is the significance of the two inserted scenes (the italicized passages) that Amir imagines as he watches the scene in the alley. Analyze the meaning of these flashback scenes.
2. Who is ultimately to blame for what happens in the alley?
80 comments:
1st Comment! -GAB
#2. personally, i think its Amir's fault, with Assef mixed in. Amir should have stood up for Hassan before it .. began i suppose. I'm not saying Assef would have stopped, maybe he would have. Or maybe he would have had his goonies run off and beat Amir. But Amir should have protected Hassan instead of cowering in a corner, and Assef should have... controlled his urges i guess?
2) I’m not totally sure who is at fault for the alley scene. I know that everyone is going to say it is Amir’s and obviously I think Amir should have stood up for Hassan and stopped Assef, but I also can’t help but understand why he didn’t. Ultimately I think that Amir made a mistake and a mean, selfish choice however I don’t think it is fair to say that he is to blame for what Assef did because Assef made that decision himself and is completely at blame for it. I think that what happened is Assef’s fault however Amir did have the ability to stand up to Assef and possibly stop what was happening. Thus Amir does share some of the blame of letting it happen just as Assef’s friends do.
2. Who is ultimately to blame for what happens in the alley?
....
On the surface, I think that it's partially Amir's fault. While Hassan was being violated, Amir was just kind of cowering and refusing to stand up for Hassan. However, Amir doesn't think of Hassan as a friend. Hassan wasn't Amir's friend in Amir's eyes. This may have influenced Amir's actions. However, in the end, you have to do the right thing. And anyone who could've put a stop to the rape is at fault.
Question 2:
Well of course it is partially Assef's fault, considering he was the one that did it to Hassan. However, the situation could have been avoided if Amir hadn't run away, which points most of the blame at him. Amir should have stayed and stood up for his friend, someone who has been so loyal to him. Instead, he left because he was ashamed. Even if it would have been impossible to stop Assef, Amir should have tried after everthing that Hassan has done for him.
2) There are a couple people that are to be blamed for this. There are the more obvious ones, and then there are the few that many people wouldnt have thought about. First Assef is obviously the one who did the ..raping..so it was his fault. He did the action so the blame was on him. It was wrong, but he still did it.Then it was Amir because Amir did absolutely nothing! He just stood there and watched his "best friend" get sexually harassed and manipulated. If Amir was a true friend, he would have stood up for his best friend because, thats what friends so. I am almost positive that Hassan would have saved Amir in that situation. I also realize why Amir didn't; because he was scared. He under estimated Assef and didnt want to get beaten up. Next, I blame Assef's father because there was obviously some thing that made Assef the way he is now. Normal kids' parents dont raise them to be rapists, bullies or Hitler lovers. His dad probably did not spend very much time with him and barely raised him. This is a huge damper in a child's life. It effects their mind for sure. Last, Society itself is to blame because obviously there was some sort of force that made Assef beleive he had the power to do this to Hassan. In normal society being rape doesnt mean pride, and overtaking, and "showing a lesson", it is for pleasure or selfishness. There was something in Society that made Assef think that raping Hassan (a lower class citizen)would give him a "beating"... Single blame cannot be put upon 1 person, many reasons have to do with why this happened, not just one reason.
Question #2
I thought it was Amir's fault, because Hasssan sees him as a friend, and would always stand up for him, and even sacrificed himself, just so that he can give Amir the pride in Baba's eyes. but Amir is so coward, that he became scared even watching, and ran away.
it was also Assef and his friends's fault, because they chose to bully Hassan, and even if the rest didnt, they helped Assef.I know that Hassan is really loyal, but I also think that he should have stood up for himself. and at last, I think its Ali and Baba's fault, because Baba spend so much time on his work, that neither of the father taught their kids takowndo or any self defense...
I sort of want to do the first one, just to be different... Eh, I'll try it...
1. The first of the flashback scenes reflects on his relationship with Hassan. If the memories in these scene are boiled down to their main points, the first memory focuses on the close ties Amir has with Hassan. The second memory has Hassan willing to find out the "truth" from an old fortuneteller that seems to frighten Amir, who is unable to display the same courage. These two points make up the core of the present scene, with Amir wanting to save the friend he cannot admit to, but being unable to do it, despite the fact that Hassan has done similar things for him in the past. The second flashback is about Amir's relationship with his father. Assef said he would let Hassan keep the kite, which would help win Amir his father's approval. His vision of himself as an unseen "ghost" is his father's current view of him, but he emerges from the snowstorm surrounded by kites and the metaphorical light of his father's recognition. If fears he will lost that if he moves to save Hassan.
2)—I think everyone can agree that Amir should have stood up for Hassan, but I don't think that it is his fault for being afraid to do so. I agree with Nelly, when she said that society played a role in what happened, but I don’t think it affected Assef as much as it did Amir and Hassan’s relationship. A true friend would be much more likely to stand up for Hassan (just as Hassan stood up for Amir, by defending the kite) than Amir was. The societal values of Afghanistan prohibit Amir to be Hassan’s true “best friend.” If society would be arranged so Hazaras and Pashtuns could have better relationships with each other, Amir would internally consider himself to be Hassan’s real best friend, and everyone would respect that. If that were the case, Amir would have been much more likely to stand up for Hassan and prevent the situation. It seems as if Amir doesn’t care about Hassan as much as he would if Hazaras and Pashtuns weren’t so opposed to each other. Ultimately, Assef might have been stopped if society hadn’t influenced Amir’s feelings and attitude towards Hassan.
Question #1
I think the italicized passages were inserted in this scene to give the reader an idea of what emotions were running through Amir's head and how he characterized the moment. This helped the reader better understand Amir's decision (not that I'm saying it's right in anyway - he totally should have stood up for Hassan). The first passage talks about how Amir and Hassan have a connection because they fed from the same breast (overall, it shows Amir's guilt). The second memory talks of Hassan's courage to know the future, while Amir gets scared out of it (this foretells Hassan's ultimate decision). The third dream is of Amir getting lost in a snow storm and then someone coming to save him (this shows how Hassan feels completely alone and like a ghost to his father as well as Hassan's pure loyalty to Amir - he always rescues him). FInally, the fourth memory (skip a page) is of the traditional cutting of the sheep's throat (I'm not really sure about this one, but I think it shows how Amir sacrifices his friend, Hassan, for the love of his father).
1. I think Amir is at fault at most by not standing up for Hassan, especially since he knows what Hassan is sacrificing to make him happy by passively agreeing to the terms and barely resisting at all. Christian and Nelly made a point by saying the society is also at fault by creating the social inequality between Pashtuns and Hazaras. However, I disagree because no matter how anyone is raised and influenced, he or she still can decide to not be trapped in the circle drew by society. If Amir truly has any sense, he should have recognized his friendship with Hassan weighs more than the servant-master relationship. If Amir viewed his friendship as real, he should have stood up for Hassan, considering what Hassan has done for him, and not take it as granted. Also, I blame Baba a lot for almost ignoring his son’s existence. A true parent should accept his or her children as who they are, and most importantly, show it. This made Amir desperate to a point to not value his friendship with Amir just to win approval of his father. However, Amir also could have decided to not care and just move on.
Firstly, lol@the fact almost everyone's doing 2. (Personally, though, I left Kite Runner at school, so I can't do 1 anyways...)
2) I am going to be special and argue it's Hassan's fault. He made the decision - keep the kite, rather than giving Assef the kite and running. He was devoted to Amir to the extent that he made this choice so Amir could be happier, regardless of the fact Amir didn't really do the same for him. After all, Amir didn't really consider Hassan a friend. Even then, Hassan treated Amir like the best of friends.
(Though actually, this is Amir's fault for not stepping in to help, though if he had tried to he may or may not have succeeded, so it's Assef's fault for being so mean and doing this in the first place. Or blame Baba for sleeping with Hassan's mom in the first place. Or Assef's parents. Or Baba again for Amir. Really, every action has so many consequences it sets off [karma!] that narrowing this down is merely a debate about opinion, and supporting your own opinion.)
#2
I believe that Assef is the person to blame for the things that occurred in the alley because it was he who was the sociopath. Amir is not to blame because he just did what all humans would have done. Think about themselves before others.
The other possible person who may be to blame is Hitler. I think that maybe if Hitler hadn't come up with ideas of ethnic cleansing and genocide Assef would never have come up with the idea of killing all Hazaras. If he never came up with the idea of killing all Hazaras he probably wouldn't have raped Hassan.
2. I'd say Assef is ultimately to blame for what happened in the alley. I get how people might say it's Amir's fault for not standing up for Hassan, but none of it would've happened if not for Assef because he's the one who actually did it and chose to. Every person in the scene had a chance to stop it but no one did, so I think you can either blame everyone or not blame anyone other than Assef.
2. Assef is the one who raped Hassan. You can argue that Amir let it happen, which he did, and that Hassan was too naive, which he was, but Assef is ultimately the one who raped Hassan, so he is the one who should be blamed. Obviously other factors contributed to the circumstances-- Amir should have stood up for Hassan from the beginning and definitely should have stopped Assef right before it happened. There are a million ways it could have been prevented. If you want to throw the blame somewhere besides at Assef, the only other place it can go it towards the social structure in Afghanistan, and maybe also at Hitler. If Hassan hadn't been pretty much programmed to feel inferior, he would not have stood up for Amir as adamantly as he did, and he could have stood up for himself in the alley. Amir wouldn't have been embarrassed of Hassan or reluctant to stand up for him if he hadn't also been ashamed of Hassan's race, and obviously, if Hassan had not been a Hazara, the incident (probably) never would have occurred. Really, though, the only person who is at all responsible for the actual act of the rape is Hassan. Every other factor was an accessory to what happened, so they definitely bear some responsibility, but trying to throw the bulk of the blame anywhere besides at Assef is irrational.
*Really, though, the only person who is at all responsible for the actual act of the rape is Assef.*
1) The first flashback gives depth to the relation between Hassan and Amir. The first third of this is telling that they were fed from the same breast, thus forging a bond that is unbreakable, according to Rahim Khan. The second part is foreshadowing that something really really bad is going to happen to Hassan, possibly foreshadowing the rape. The third section of the first flashback shows us how much Hassan means to Amir, as he is completely lost, and then the hand of Hassan reaches out, and leads him out immediately. This shows how important Hassan is to Amir, as when all hope is lost for Amir, it is ultimately Hassan who rescues him. The second flashback describes the look on Hassan's face. He realized what is about to happen, but is unable to do anything about it. He also knows, or feels, that what is about to happen might be for a better cause, such as gaining more of Amir's friendship.This is showed in the feelings that Amir believes the sheep to have each year before it is killed. Overall, these two flashbacks give more depth and meaning to what is happening, as it really gets to the guts of what Amir is thinking and feeling that the time.
The italicized passages add a greater significance to the events in the alley. The very first part shows the deep connection between Hassan and Amir and how they have practically been brothers since birth. At this point, Amir knows he should stand up for Hassan, but he is afraid. The second part of the first italicized passage where the fortune teller stops before telling Hassan his fate is also significant. A shadow crosses his face when he feels Hassan's eyes. This is foreshadowing Hassan's misfortune as well as highlighting the fact that Hazaras are in a bad position in society. In this passaage, Amir refuses to have his fortune read when the man does not tell Hassan's. This shows some measure of loyalty, but apparently not enough to stand up for Hassan in the alley. The dream about the snowstorm shows how Hassan is always there for Amir no matter what, even if it is painful for Hassan. The second italicized passage parallels the events in the alley. Amir talks about watching the sheep being killed and seeing the look of acceptance in its eyes. Like the sheep, Hassan does not resist Assef in the alley. Both images haunt Amir. Overall, the inserted passages in this chapter add layers of deeper meaning to the events and give us insight into Amir's emotions.
YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!! I thoroughly enjoy reading these.
I (also) believe that the blame ultimately lies with Assef, as he is the one who actually committed the act. While one can try to blame Assef’s father for how Assef was raised, or society in its teaching of discrimination so blatantly to mere teenagers, I think that both of those are only outside factors that contributed to Assef’s childhood. In the end, it was Assef who made the decision, however colored it may have been with the ideals he grew up with (and the people he looked up to). I feel like Amir should be blamed, at least partly, for what happened in the alley, but, in the cut-and-dry sense, he simply looked out for his best interests and fled, which was the “rational” response. However, I don’t believe that Amir did what “all” humans would have done, as some people most definitely would have interfered. Amir’s possible actions could have completely changed the outcomes of that day. There is always strength in numbers, and perhaps Amir’s presence could have changed Assef’s plans, from rape to simply violence (against Hassan and Amir, as a united front, no matter how weak Amir might have been). All in all, I believe Assef holds the majority of the blame, but Amir should also share the blame, in not doing what he should have done, to change the results of Assef’s anger/prejudices/insecurity (which led to his bullying).
So I definately thought it was Amir's fault that Hassan got raped. I mean the obvious blame was to Assef by doing such a horrible thing to someone who was just trying to stand up for their friend, but as they say, standing by and doing nothing is just as bad as the act itself. So Amir could have easily stepped in and stopped the assult. I really resent Amir for that because here he is sitting by all innocently while his best friend goes to extreme lengths to be loyal to him. Amire is a HUGE coward and it is sort of sickening how he can just sit by and watch something that horrendous occur. I'm not exactly saying that its easy for him to do this, but I don't understand why he won't step in and do the right thing for once instead of just caring about what his father thinks of him.
2. Personally, I think it is technically Assef’s fault for what happened to Hassan, but Amir shares blame for not stopping it when he could’ve. While Amir didn’t show bravery, he also did not physically commit this act..although I think him standing by the wayside is significant to the book. Also, what about all the people that taught Assef to be intolerant of human differences? They deserve some guilt over this incident.
2) It is Amir's fault for what happened in the alley, or at least mostly his fault. He should have done something to help Hassan, even if it would have gotten him into trouble. It ties back to what Amir thinks to himself the last time they encountered Assef. The 'but he's not my friend' part. By staying hidden and watching Hassan and Assef, Amir makes his decision that Hassan is not his friend. Amir unknowingly supports Assef by finalizing the gap between servant and master and Pashtun and Hazara. Assef could also be blamed, it depends on whether you think mentally ill people should be punished for the crimes they commit, because Assef is definitely a sociopath.
#2) I think it is the blue kite's flier that is to blame for this incident. If he had cut Amir's kite then Hassan would have never ran after it and catch if for Amir. If he didn't have to run after the kite then he wouldn't have been cornered by Assef and his fellow bullies, and then he wouldn't have been "violated" by Assef. Although Assef needs to "control his urges" as jost26 said, it was ultimately the person who flew the blue kite's fault.
I think society is ultimately to blame for what happened in the ally. Assef and Amir's actions were all do to the society they were raised that exposed them to racial ideas about Hazaras. If Assef had not known a prejudice on Hazaras then he would have been no more of a bully to Hassan as he was to Amir. If Amir had not been served by Amir all his life, and had not been pressured to be mean to Amir by others, than they could have had a real friendship, not the one sided relation ship with Hassan being the true friend. Amir also would not use Hassan being a Hazara as a reason for justifying his cowardence. If either Assef or Amir were raised in a different society, than the events in the ally would have transpired differently.
What's a Padawan?
Anyways
#2 Truthfully. I don't think that anyone is to blame. I understand Hassan's loyalty and meekness... if that is a way to describe it. To be commited to a cause until the end is something all we should aim for. Hassan, like always, has not done anything wrong. I sort of think of Hassan as a serf in the Dark ages -- he is brave, but has no power to fight, and is ultimately tied to his loyalty with the "lord". Assef. Is just a jerk. No other comment about it. I think because the whole book, up until now, in the eyes of the reader, has been aimed at that powerful loyalty and bravery exhibited by Hassan to fight for Amir. We automatically think that there should be some kind of commitment on Amir's part to Hassan; and when he doesn't, I would think that we called him a wimp for not standing up for his "friend." After all, that's what makes a sad story. But if you put yourself into that position; if you wanted to be brave, you'd go in like a hero. I would believe, however, that most people would run of embarrassment, especially if Amir says that Hassan is his "friend."
This is sort of off topic; but personally, I think that sometimes when we read a story, we resolve ourselves so much into the story and the character's view that our own voice is lost in the story. I think that Amir is a good example of this. If YOU were in this position, what would you do?
Hannah
#2.
I think it is Amir's fault for what happened to Hassan. Granted, Amir doesn't think of him and Hassan as "friends" but when you are watching someone, regardless if you know them or not, or how well you know them, stopping rape is definitely an important thing to do. Amir could have spoke up, and stopped what Assef was doing. I think Amir is at fault for what happened to Hassan continuing and escalating to the level it did
#2 obviously this whole instance that happened to Hassan had blame owed to more then one person. Majority of blame is on Amir for not defending Hassan. It's disgusting enough for Assef to do what he did,but for Amir to just watch and do nothing is even worse. How could he?! That is his best friend! and he was so fixated on grabbing the attention of his disproving father he didn't even care.
85081
2) I believe that the blame to what happened in the alley can be spread amongst multiple characters. The most obvious of course being Aseef because he's the one who raped Hassan, but I also believe that society is to blame for this incident. Upon their initial encounter with Aseef, even though Amir didnt stand up for himself, Hassan didnt have to stand up to Aseef for him. It was because of society, Hassan believed it was his duty to stand up for Amir, not because of Amirs own doing. It is in this way that society can be blamed for the violation of Hassan. Finally, Amir deserves blame due to his refusal to act when Hassan needed him most, but at the same time even if Amir had spoken, I believe that it would have little effect on what would end up happening.
1. I think that...
The first memory establishes that Amir has strong ties to the Hazaras despite being a pushtan. He has an ubreakable bond with Hassan and also was fed from the breast of a Hazara woman.
The second memory reestablishes Hassan and Amir's personalities. Hassan is braver and has a little more courage, seen both when he gets his fortune told and defends the kite for his friend, while Amir has a weaker personality, shown when he wouldn't have his fortune told and therefore also foreshadows that Amir will run away from the situation, and in this way he betrays Hassan.
Then in the dream it keeps going, when Amir becomes a ghost in a snowstorm. But then a bloody palm reaches out to him. This hand represents Hassan's rape, when Amir ignores it he's given in to the pressures of society and is a ghost in a snowstorm, but when he grabs on to it and acknowledges it he becomes material again and is able to be himself, not the person society or his father wants him to be.
#2
Personally I believe that Amir is mostly to blame, but also a little bit of Assef and Hassan. Amir could of stopped Assef and at less postponed the rape from occuring. Also, Hassan should of had the common sense to listen to their deal of to give up the kite and not get beat up, but Amir did tell him to get the kite at all costs. Also, Assef didn't have to be so selfish, violent and abusive to very one he doesn't like. But overall it was Amir's fault because I personally believe a true friend will stand up for you, instead of cowering in a corner like Amir. -ADieff
I personally think it was Amir's fault for what happened in the alley. True, you could say that it was Assef's fault because he did what he did, but assuming it was a mental condition (it was mentioned earlier that he was a sociopath), he is not entirely to blame for this. Amir, on the other hand, could have stopped it all had he simply said "Give him the kite, Hassan." He wouldn't have had to get in a fight, he wouldn't have had to live the rest of his life in guilt. But instead, his pride took over, and all he cared about was winning his father's approval.
--DAC
2. I think that Assef is to blame for the indecency at the end of this chapter because he, obviously, was both the initiator and the perpetrator. Assef began the situation with his cronies after the kite running by cornering Hassan and trying to get the kite from him. The "weak" nature of Hassan and Amir's lack of bravery simply made it easier for Assef to accomplish his goals. After Hassan maintained his loyalty to Amir, Assef then had the abnormal urge to experience gay sex. Assef is clearly the most corrupted little boy in this book, so as the bad guy, he is at fault.
The first memory shows the guilt and remorse Amir feels as he is likely torn between his fear of Assef and his undeniable and instinctual love for Hassan (pretty inevitable for having shared so much history and for having developed together). Also, the fact that the woman was Hazara yet nourished Amir shows the equality of people. Maybe not by societal standards, but through the shared love and similarities of humanity. The second memory shows not only Amir's cowardice, but reflects his very actions of the moment. He does not want to see the truth. Hassan is given the "bad news" in the memory while Amir prefers to retain his happiness through ignorance (or at the very least not be affected by placebo) and so withdraws his hand from the truth. In the present situation, Hassan is being raped and Amir is attempting to withdraw within himself from the truth of what is before him. He shuts his eyes and bites the hand that could be offering help.
2) I think that Hassan is respnsible for what happened to him. Ultimately, society (his environment) made him who he is in order to make this decision though. His loyalty was brought upon him from his father and everyone else around him. This gave him the inability to do something against Amir no matter the cost, like giving up a kite he promised him. The Hazara to Pashtun/Servant to Master relationship in Afghanastan in the 1970s is the evil behind everything that happened. Obviouisly there were other factors coming from the society though. Amir is not to blame, he DID have the ability to stop it, but he didn't cause it, other than affecting Hassan to act the way he did just like Ali. Assef, also influenced by society, takes as much blame for the incident as Hassan.
Angela is totally right. I read hers after I posted my comment. You can't compoletely choose just one person to blame. I do however believe that societ is the strongest influence in this situation.
I could go into all the people and things that lead to what happened to Hassan. However, since the question is who is ultimately at fault, I would say it is Assef. He is the one who actually committed the crime. He happens to be a human being with a brain and the ability to make his own decisions regardless of society, his parents, or whatever else. And I think it should be mentioned, that what Assef did is NOT something even remotely OK in Afghani society. If you noticed, even his little mini henchmen, were uncertain and said "it's sinful". Besides, in real life situations, when someone is a victim of abuse, you tell them that all the blame is on the abuser, not anyone else. So Assef is ultimately to blame for what happened to Hassan.
Answering #2 I personally think it was Amir's fault because he could of stopped them or at least tried to. If he picked up a rock and threw it at Assef then he would have stoped it. But he was a coward and ran away. He was also the person that made Hassan have the idea that he MUST get the kite and this is the reason that Hassan didnt give it up.
2. I think it is partially Amir's fault because Hasaan went to "run the kite" for Amir and that is when the alley scene happens. Also, Amir should've stood up for his friend and made Assef stop, no matter what happened to himself. It is also partially Assef's fault because he shouldn't have done what he did just because Hasaan is a Hazara.But, since Amir could've stopped what happened, the blame is mostly put on his shoulders.
The fortune-teller doesn't want to tell Hassan's fortune because it looks bleak. This is foreshadowing for the rape scene following the passage. When the fortune-teller reaches for Amir's hand, to tell Amir's fortune, Amir moves his hand. This shows Amir's fear of what the future might hold. Perhaps, fear that he does something to make Hassan's future look so terrible.
Also in the same passage, Amir has a dream where he is lost in a snowstorm. Amir is lost, and almost suffocating, but a bloody hand reaches out to help him. This bloodied hand represents Hassan. Hassan is willing to hurt himself because he will do anything to help Amir. Hassan pulls Amir into safety. There is a beautiful scene with kites flying above. The kites represent freedom, the liberation from fear and threats that Hassan brings to Amir.
The second passage describes the ritual slaughtering of sheep. This particular sheep has "crooked black ears" (perhaps a symbol of Hassan's harelip). Like the sheep, Hassan is fooled into being in an all-loving relationship with Amir. He believes Amir is as kind as he is. Also, like the sheep, Hassan is stabbed in the back. Amir betrayed Hassan in letting Assef rape Hassan. (sheep also had a moment of realization about his fate, and even acceptance... possible foreshadowing?)
2) I think that ultimately it is Amir's dads fault. Of course Assef has to take some of the blame, and Amir has to as well, but if Amir's dad had shown Amir the love and acceptance of who he was that Amir desired so much, Amir would not have felt the need to gain the kite to please his father no matter what. In the alley Amir has a vision of him walking in to the room triumphantly with the kite and his father congratulating him. He wants this more then anything else so he lets Hassan get raped to gain the kite instead of standing up to him. If his father had excepted him he would not have felt the need to get the kite and probably would have protected Hassan.
2#
The fault has mostely been placed on amir and assef but i think, on the surface, it was Hassans fault. first: if he hadint been so loyal, then he could of given assef the flag and got of scott free. Second: if they had taken the beating from assef early in the book this wouldn't have happened, but we dont know how far assef would of gone so it could of been worse for both. deeper though, its also Amir's fault. Throuaght the book, Amir has tested Hassans loyalty. This caused Hassan to have this loyalty ingrained it him, never allowing him to act in his own self interest.
It no one's fault in particular. Assef and Hassan were both constants; both of their natures were responsible for this event. Amir is not to blame either, although blame can be placed on his decision-making; however, what could he have possibly done against three bigger, tougher guys, one of whom is a complete sociopath? The only fault I see in Amir is not his cowardice to stand up to Assef, but rather his cowardice when considering whether to tell an authority figure.
I believe that it is partly Amir's fault and party Assef's fault. Yes, Assef is the one who did that to Hassan, but he could have been stopped. Amir just watched and didn't help his friend. So, what happened to Hassan could have been stopped very easily if Amir would have helped his friend. Assef might have had his followers attack Amir, but at least Amir would have done the right thing. -Steph P
#2
Many people are saying that what happened in the alley is Amir's fault. I agree in the sense that Amir could have stepped up and protected Hassan when he saw Assef, but I don't think Amir is the one to ultimately blame. I agree with Thomas in saying that it is societies fault for what happened to Hassan in this case. If the social background of Hassan didn't come into play, then Assef wouldn't have wanted to get back at him. The reason Assef did what he did to Hassan is because he was a Hazara and in this society, Hazara people are thought of to be lower, and less respected.
I believe there can be no specific person to blame and it is partially Amir, Assef, and Hassan's fault. Amir could have intervened and prevented what happened in the alley. Assef was the cause of the problem and it was his fault that the incident happened. It is also partially Hassan's fault for not letting Assef keep the blue kite. One can say Hassan was being too faithful to Amir and should have given Assef the kite and sacrificed the reward in order for his own saftey.
Ok, NOW THAT THIS THING WORKS AND WILL LET ME COMMENT AFTER I HAVE ALREADY TRIED T-W-I-C-E...(sorry had to let off some steam from this stupid thing and this does not count in my word count)
So, I think that there are 2 people responsible for the TERRIBLE thing that happened to Hassan. The first person is Amir. He stood by and just let what happen to his "friend" happen. He didn't jump in to rescue him, stop it, or go grab an adult...stupid kid. BOYS... Also, Hassan wouldn't have been defending the blue kite so fiercely if Amir hadn't won the competition. Obviously, Hassan would have run the kite even if Amir had not one just because of his skills, but because he won Hassan was so obsessed with keeping the kite. As he said before, Hassan would do anything for Amir, which he demonstrated with the blue kite.
The second person that was to blame was clearly Assef. He was the neighborhood bully, and if he did not have that mentality of wanting to beat everyone up already then he probably wouldn't have done such a horrible thing to Hassan. Assef had the terrible idea and was so mean that he didn't back down whenever his friends questioned him. If he was any other kid, Assef would be embarrassed that he had even had such an idea to begin with. Also, HOW DID THESE 11 YEAR OLD BOYS KNOW WHAT RAPE IS!!!??? THEY ARE 11!!! SICK WORLD...
Therefore, both Assef and Amir were to blame for Hassan's rape. Amir was indirect and Assef was direct.
(The only reason this is in so late is because i am a wretched sickling)
In ch 7 I was very disturbed and moved but I also was shown the moving, underlying force behind the whole book. -from Cam
2. Assef is the main person to blame for what happened to Hassan, because if it weren't for him, nothing would have happened in the first place. But Amir was just as responsible for letting what happened, happen. If Assef hadn't possessed the kind of thoughts that drove him to do what he did, then obviously nothing would have happened. But if Amir was stronger, and had a stronger will and stronger beliefs, he could have stopped this horrible thing that was happening right in front of him to his best friend.
What Assef and his two friends did to Hassan was completely wrong and later troubles in Amir and Hassans life could be avoided if this would not have happened. Amir should not get accused for what happened to Hassan. In times of fear (from the ones who have more control and power) you are not able to control yourself in doing the right thing. When there is fear in someone’s life or moment of someone’s life, your body only responds for the safety of your life and it is very hard to risk your life for someone else. As we saw in earlier chapters, Hassan challenged himself and threatened his life by protecting Amir from Assef. Although Amir did not help Hassan(chapter 7), Amir could have made a better decision (not running away) in at least trying to help Hassan. If Amir tried to help Hassan, Amir would not have a great blame on himself.(Adam Mefrakis 1st)
#2 The scene in the alley was very complex. The rape was no one's fault in particular. Assef of course has the biggest responsibility for what happened because he was the one that devised and preformed the evil deed. It can also be argued that it was Hassan's fault because he was to loyal to Amir and could have chosen to hand over the kite. It could very well be Amir's fault as well because the whole time he was watching, too scared to save Hassan, who had been so loyal to him all his life. I believe there is no single person who is to blame but it is all three of the characters because they all had a part in the unfortunate scene
2: i think that it was assefs fault. I think this because assef was the one that wouldn't let go of his own racisms and downwright hatred of everyone who is poor or different. if he had seen himself doing what he had done then even he a near heartless person would see that what he did is wrong and gross.
i think that it is amir's fault. in the initial confrontation between hassan and assef, amir did not stand up for himself and this forced hassan to make his stand. i think that if amir looked back upon that moment, he would probably wish he had denied his friendship with hassan just so that hassan would be safe. also, in the alley if amir had shown his face and stood up to assef, things would have turned out differently. amir could have stepped in and ordered hassan to leave the kite alone, but that would have been unlikely because amir is a coward that only thinks of himself. he would lose a friend that almost worships him in exchange for a paper kite.
2)
I think that you can't blame just one person for what happened in the alley. It is partially both Assef and Amir's fault. Amir could have prevented what happened and stood up for his "friend", but he doesn't. And Assef takes advantage of this. But, if Amir would have tried to stop Assef, then things could have been different. However, you still can't only blame one person, because what happened in the alley was a result of both their actions, as Amir could have pottentially stopped the incident (which puts blame on him), but then Assef was the one who did everything, putting blame on him also.
2. I think that Amir and Assef are to blame fairly equally for what happened.
Assef is obviously to blame for the actual action. He both commanded and carried out the violent action mercilessly.
Amir is also to blame. While Hassan, his friend/servant (and if he is a servant, should he not be protected and cared for?) is being injured. What is more, this was not some random conflict. Hassan has no interest in getting into a fight except to protect Amir's kite. Because Hassan is being amazingly loil and standing up for Amir, Amir should try to help Hassan out. However Amir is to selfish and cowardly to do so much as call for help, let alone try to confront Assef.
From Sam P.
I think that the incident in the alley no one persons fault. There were several things that certain people did (or didn't do) that led to the event. First of all, Assef's nature- his Aryan and his Pashtun heritage both added up, giving him a feeling of superiority and a bully-like hitler loving attitude-a superiority that when resisted can bring out the worst of his cruelty. So then, when Hassan resists Assef, taunting him with a slingshot and his "one-eye Assef"comment, Assef leaves with a thirst for vengence. So retribution was to be expected when you find out that Assef and company have been running the same kite as Hassan. His choice of such a gruesome form of retribution once again was as a result of Hassan being of a subordinate class and Assef's superiority nature. The majority of the fault here goes to not one person, but the combinations of backgrounds and histories between Assef and Hassan. Amir could have potentially prevented the event, however, that doesn't make it his fault.
2. I think that it's Hassan's fault for what happened in the alley because he didn't try to make an obvious effort to stop Assef. Amir stood and watched and didn't try to stop what was going down either...but he didn't bring any of this on his friend. I guess...Hassan didn't bring Assef's hate for him upon himself. However, I feel like this was Hassan's situation that was happening, and you have to be incharge of your own situation. Though your friends can help you (And Amir should have stepped up), ultimately it comes down to your own will to make something happen or in Hassan's case..stop..if you want it to.
#2 I think it's Amir's fault because Hassan is his best friend and if he really values that friendship then he should have defended him. But I really wouldn't blame Amir completely because fear plays a part in this as well because Amir can't help but fear Assef and since Amir is going to be afraid then he would just want to take the easy way out of it which is just to run. Society also plays into this because since Hassan is just a servant, Assef would pick on him because he just thinks that he is so much better then him, so if there wasn't a distiction between the upper and lower classes then Amir would be the one being picked on instead of Hassan.
i believe Amir is the one to blame for this because he didn't stop Assef at the begining and didn't stand up for Hassan, which, if Hassan knew Amir was there, probably would have expected Amir to stand up for him since Hassan considered Amir his friend. Amir probably didn't stand up for him because he thought something was going to happen to him so he took care of himself before Hassan, who was really gettig the real damage
I believe that there are many factors that went in to the incident in the alley, with many people to blame. Assef's parents are partially to blame for influencing his values of racisim and hatred. However Assef is the one who carried out the act of hatred in the alley, putting the majority of the blame on him. Amir, though, did not stand up for Hassam because he wanted to protect his reputation and was afraid of the consequences it would bring. Therefore, Amir also deserves to be blamed for not stopping the violence.
I think the blame can be placed on Aseef, Hassan and Amir. All three characters had to ability to stop the rape. Amir didn't because of his cowardice, Hassan because of his loyalty to Amir, and Aseef because of the cruelty and violence in his personality. Therfore the rape happened because of the flaws in each characters personality and blame has to be distributed to each of them.
2. I don't think you can really blame anyone for what took place in the alley. It was a culmination of events, and it's impossible to tell if something else would have happened if the outcome would have been different or the same. If Amir had stood up for Hassan would he have been victorious, or would he have also become a victim? If Hassan had just given Assef the kite would nothing have happened or would Assef have gone through with his plan anyway? Or earlier, in Chapter 5, if Hassan hadn't threatened Assef, would the repercussions have been as severe? There are too many little things that if just one had been changed the end result might have been completely different. It would be silly to put the blame on one thing when it was the result of several different layers of reasons.
#2 Well, honestly i think it's Assef's fault because Amir has never had the guts to stand up for anyone. He doesn't even have the courage to stand up for himself and in the end he still sees Hassan as his servant. The social prejudice is drilled into Assef and he sees some people as inferior because of his upbringing. His idol is Hitler for heavens sake, he doesn't have much compassion for anything.
1. The flashback scenes are there to give meaning (or more meaning) to what just happened and points a lot of blame and guilt on Amir. I don't necessarily think that it was Amirs fault, but rather everyone's.
2. In the alley there can't really be one person that is to blame, but rather a combination of Assef and his accomplices and then Amir. Assef had an obvious large part in the happening in the alley, but if anyone was to feel guilty it would be Assef's accomplices and also Amir. All three of them sat back and did nothing to stop Assef when you could tell that they knew they should have.
#2
i stronly think that if amir had stood up for hassan, there would've been NO conflict between hassan and amir later on.
of course, assef was the guy who started the problem,
but i think that this incident was ultimately testing the amir and his heart for hassan.
also, this wouldn't of happened if amir would stand up for himself at the previous conflict instead of hassan having to give the ultimatum to assef, which lead to this malicious revenge
2) i thinkk Amir is to blame if you had to place blame on someone. i mean if he was a true friend he should have stood up for is friend but i guess you could throw in a little blame to Assef cause he ultimatley did it so if he would have not than this whole situation would have never happened! but you have to assume that he would have anyways so id place blame on Amir cause he didnt step in- WHITE STALLION33 A.K.A. FeNtReSs
Although the incident could have been avoided in thousands of ways, the blame is to be put on Assef. While Amir could have stood up for Hassan, and Hassan could have stood up for himself, Assef chooses his own actions. To say that someone is responsible for someone else's actions solely because they did not take the responsibility to stop the action is wrong. Blaming anyone other than the person who executed or just thought of the action would require a rule stating that everyone anywhere must always to their best ability try to stop an illegal or "bad" action from taking place. While this is a fabulous idea in theory, it would not work at all. Who is to define "bad" actions? And if the said rule was limited to purely illegal actions, then people who do not know the definition of every and all actions existing (as in either illegal or legal), which I can guarantee not a single person on the planet does, would likely get themselves into trouble for either interfering with a legal action, or not interfering with an illegal one. A rule like this could be stretched far enough to say that Hassan's mother is at fault for even getting pregnant with him in the first place. Really, if she hadn't gotten pregnant, none of that would have happened. But of course no one is going to blame Hassan's mother for this, which is why they shouldn't blame anyone on account of what they didn't do, only Assef, because of what he did do. If someone sits and does literally nothing their whole life (which, if they did absolutely nothing, would really only last a few days), they should not be blamed for anything. People should not consider lack of action a gamble in life, they should consider action a gamble. This may lead you to question why people in our society get into trouble for not doing things (such as paying bills), but this is because they first purchased something, and then they didn't pay the bills. Paying bills is the obligation that comes with a purchase, and they made the gamble of purchasing something. It is not the same as doing nothing in the first place. If a random place is bombed by a suicide bomber, you wouldn't blame the victims for just being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
I believe that ultimately, this is no one's fault. It would have been a big help if Amir would have at least tried to help Hassan out, even though he was afraid. Hassan has stood up for Amir so many times, and I think that someone needs to be there to protect Hassan. Not only was this an unfortunate event, but I think that it made everything worse whenever they both had to come back home to a happy family that was so proud of them. I'm sure Amir wasn't proud anymore because he knew what his best "friend" had gone through, and felt guilty. Hassan himself most likely wasn't happy either because not only would nothig ever be the same again, but he had to pretend like nothing ever happened.
Ya, sorry i completely forgot so and didnt realize i could still post so...
2. I gotta say that Assef is to blame for what happens. You could make arguments saying that maybe Amir or Hassan were responsible, but Assef isnt forced by either to do what he did. He decided to do bad things all by himself. It wasnt like he was doing it for a justifiable reason. The main reason behind his actions was that he hated Hassan. Both Hassan and Amir could have stopped it from happening but so could have Assef.
Angela.....NO!!!
Thats what we do in America, we blame the victim! its not their fault, they were violated, thats not for them to be blamed
The first memory, the one about Amir and Hassan feeding from the same breast is a memory trying to remind Amir that he and Hassan have that special connection. I think this memory was not exactly in Amir's control, but came to him as the "scene" was happening, tryinng to save him before he ever failed. The second memory was much tougher to analyze. Amir nd Hassan see this Forune Teller and when Hassan pays, the Fortune teller halts, looking torubled, and never tells Hassan his Fortune. I don't know whether Amir, Hassan, or I believe in Fortune tellers, but nevertheless I think this symbolizes the Fortune Teller seeing this exact scene in Hassan's future, and when he asks Amir if he wants his Forune told, and he says know, this symbolizes the Forune Teller testing Amir, and Amir failing. In the end the whole situation is Amir's fault, except for Assef choosing to do it. Amir near the end of the chapter, was finally coming to the realization that Hassan was his friend... probably his best, but Amir sat there and did nothing. I understand his fears of doing so, but letting the whole thing happen is far worse than anything else that could have happened. And after it all, Amir only makes it worse by not admiting that he let it happen.
What happened in the alley way was amirs falt. When he first walks into the alley Assef and his minions are facing hassam, not amir, so had amir not been so scared, he could have taken on assef and maybe won becasue he had the ellement of suprise and could have used some item in the alley way as a weapon, like a brick or rock to further give amir the atvantage. Further more if you walk into an alley and see your friend, your brother is about to be in some deep poo then, personally, I think it is your job as a friend to help them, period, no question.
I AM SOOOO SORRY!!! I have blanked for a while :( ok here goeeeeeees
1. Ok so like the flashbacks in the book show Amirs and Hassan's relationship that they shared as children. It shows them right from the start to where they were now showing how much Hassan should have meant to Amir! Theres one flashback though that shows that something terrible is going to happen to hassan........... but Amir isnt going to be able to do anything abouot it.
2. My reaction is that its really everyone's fault EXCEPT hassnan's(i mean really i would feel bad if anyone put that but im sure theres a reason if they did) i see it as much of Amir's as Assef's fault. Amir hid in his little corner as the person in his life who had never failed never lost hope in him got .... u know ... Just the psychological disorder u would have to have to do that to someon e is beyond me and Assef needs a major blame to him Amir could have said something done anything Assef doesnt respect Hassan but AMIR he wants amir to join with him so just maybe seeing that he pleaded assef to stop he might of given up and let hassan go trying to gain amir's favor. Even if he hadnt stopped amir wouldnt have to deal with the fact that he might have stopped such a terrrible and horryifying crime. Just the sickness behind it all just infuiriates me. No matter how scared u r u should always try and stick up for your friends. AMir is a revolting charactor not even looking to hassan as anything more than a servent .....
2)Ultimately the blaim lies with Assef because he is old enough to know that what he did was wrong. Amir should have helped Hassan but he is too young to have to deal with rape and violence of the sort. It is unfair to place blame on Amir. In addition if Amir did decide to help Hassan what would have stopped Assef from raping him aswell, and what good would that do...both boy's would be physically and mentally harmed. Another person to blame was Assef's 2 followers, they should have stood up to Assef, they were older boys who should know better. The two older boys could have kept it from happening just by refusing to hold Hassan down.
i lost mine that i just sent, so phooey. i spent like thirty minutes writing. it was a piece of genius. I blame Wali and Kamal.
THANK YOU FOR ONE EXTRA CREDIT POINT!!
GO BACON!!!
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