The Kite Runner

Loyalty between Amir and Hassan had a very different meaning for each of the two boys. Hassan was very loyal to Amir despite everything Amir had done to him. Amir on the other hand, was willing to sacrifice Hassan’s friendship for the approval of Baba.

“I could step into that alley, stand up for Hassan-the way he'd stood up for me all those times in the past-and accept whatever happened to me. Or I could run. In the end I ran,” this shows just how loyal Amir was to Hassan (77). After this act of betrayal towards Hassan, Amir was stricken with guilt. I believe he had realized he had gone too far to turn back. Amir continued to physically and verbally abuse and taunt Hassan. But Hassan continued to befriend Amir regardless of his taunts. Amir ultimately decides the only way to get rid of his guilt is to get rid of Hassan. Amir eventually succeeds and Hassan leaves his life for good. “I saw in his slumping shoulders that the life I’d known since I was born was over,” Amir knew this decision would change the rest of his life (108). Amir would never see Hassan again, the only memory Amir had of Hassan was a Polaroid. Amir is able to redeem himself in the end when he faces Assef and rescues Hassan’s son.

“For you a thousand times over,” were the words that Hassan said to Amir when