Betrayal in the Kite Runner revised

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Betrayal in the Kite Runner
Theme Statement- Betraying someone is often accompanied by a great feeling of guilt, especially when the affected party is a close friend
Quote-“I was afraid of getting hurt. That’s what I told myself as I turned my back to the alley, to Hassan. That’s what I made myself to believe. I actually aspired to cowardice, because of the alternative, because of the real reason I was running was that Assef was right. Nothing was free in this world. Maybe Hassan was the price I had to pay, the lamb I had to slay to win Baba (Hossein 65).”
In the novel The Kite Runner, the plot revolves around Amir and his betrayal of Hassan, his best friend. Betrayal occurs in a constant cycle and helps fuel the book through the main characters’ need for redemption. Through the story, the author is able to bring up several important questions such as does betrayal happen without warning? Does a single incident of betrayal lead to another bigger betrayal? Is it possible for one to redeem themselves after betraying someone they share a close relationship with? In Khaled Hossein’s story, the main betrayal takes place in the 7th chapter. Amir fails to come to Hassan’s aid as he is raped by Assef. This is despite the fact that in the past, Hassan has always been there for Amir. Amir points out that he had one opportunity to decide whether he will stand up for Hassan just the way he did in the past or to turn and walk away. He says “I had one last chance to make a decision.

One final opportunity to decide who I was going to be. I could step into the alley, stand up for Hassan –the way he stood up for me all those times in the past- and accept whatever would happen to me. Or I could run (Hossein 65).” He decides to walk away, thereby committing a great act of betrayal. He is immediately consumed by guilt as shown by the attempt to justify his action. He blames his actions on fear before shifting the blame on Baba by stating that Hassan’s friendship is a sacrifice he had to make in a bid to win over Baba. This incident plays an important role in shaping the future interactions between Amir and Hassan. Amir is consumed by guilt and starts treating Hassan indifferently thereby adding another twist to the story.
Amir develops a disliking for Hassan and wants him out of the household. He intentionally plants stolen items under Hassan’s bedding. His main intention is to make Baba believe that Hassan is a thief who should be sent away from the household. Instead of refuting the allegations, Hassan accepts that he indeed stole the items thereby showing how loyal he still was to Amir despite his initial act of betrayal. This incident clearly shows how an initial act of betrayal can lead to greater betrayal. Despite being a victim of Amir’s betrayal, Hassan shows great desire to remain his friend.
Work Cited
Hossein, Khaled. The Kite Runner. Penguin, 2003.