Amir's Moral Ambiguity is important to this story because he provides readers to like and hate him. In Afghanistan there are two major ethnic groups. However, as an adult, Amir shows his love for Hassan by adopting his son, Sohrab. Use examples from the story to support your answer. Unable to have children of her own, Soraya willingly agrees to the adoption of Sohrab. She was Ali's notoriously beautiful first cousin and second wife, who ran off with a troupe of dancers. "The Kite Runner Characters". However, he feels betrayed when bullies attack him and rape him, and Amir merely watches from a distance without coming to his aid. This is how he redeems himself of his past guilt. Free trial is available to new customers only. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. I enjoyed the book a lot, but I thought the movie was so-so. There is a slight bit of hope when, in the end, he chases a kite-like his father Hassan and smiles for the first time in a long time. Rahim finally speaks the truth to Amir to save himself as well as Amir from their guilt of the past. Include at least two quotations from different characters and explain each quotation. Furthermore, Rahim Khan's encouragement was probably the only reason that Amir finally decided to redeem himself. But Rahim seems to be the whole storys moral centre. (one code per order). The History of Afghanistan during the Time of The Kite Runner, Read the Study Guide for The Kite Runner, Amirs Quest for Salvation in The Kite Runner, A Journey for Redemption in The Kite Runner, Redemption in Kahled Hosseini's The Kite Runner, Emotional Intertextuality Between Death of a Salesman and The Kite Runner, View the lesson plan for The Kite Runner, View Wikipedia Entries for The Kite Runner. Hassan disappears from the novel for a while and reenters as a married adult with a son, Sohrab. This is the man who follows his conscience and summons Amir back to the Middle East to try to make things right. (Barker, Guilt and Shame).A wrongdoer must deal with guilt by making atonement- by making reparation and penance. As a child, he is the neighborhood bully who rapes Hassan. Rahim Khan symbolizes the journey toward redemption and goodness. Hassan epitomizes the perfect servant who is loyal to his master, even after the master betrays him. As we have said, some characters arent tich and fully-developed. He was raised in America but speaks perfect Farsi. Baba builds an orphanage, while Amir. Shame means that you feel remorse for something weather it is your actions or the actions of another. Trying to use Amir's feelings in order to persuade Amir to tell him about what Amir had seen happen to Hassan and lying about the American couple orphanage runners are two examples. Also, it was Rahim who said Amir to come back to Afghanistan to atone for his and Baba's sins. After the country became a republic instead of a monarchy, the former Soviet Union invaded the country. More importantly, Rahim Kham is a father figure to Amir and, at times, serves as Amir's moral compass. Maybe I'm jaded because I read the book first, but I thought the movie did a lot of things well without pulling it all together. Amir is reluctant, but he knows there is something deeper in Rahims invitation. Amir thinks he is cruel and does not understand wanting a child until the secretary tells him that Raymond Andrews's daughter committed suicide. It is possible that Hosseini based the character of Assef on the reclusive one-eyed Taliban leader, Mullah Omar. In your opinion, is Rahim a good person? My mother actually fainted. The official at the American Embassy who urges Amir to give up trying to rescue Sohrab. I highly recommend you use this site! These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Amir has conflicted feelings about his father, Baba, and his playmate, Hassan. In conclusion, Rahim Khan is an important yet minor character within The Kite Runner. Some characters in plays and novels simply aren't rich, fully developed characters. He has tried his best to instill the same qualities in his son, Amir. Baba sacrifices his life in Afghanistan for Amir to have an education in America. Copyright 2023 Literary Devices. Baba thinks that a person should have the courage of his conviction to the point of laying down his life for it. The next time I saw him smile unabashedly like that was twenty-six years later, in a faded Polaroid photograph. An ethnic Hazara, Ali is Babas servant and Hassans father. Amir constantly lets him down in this regard, and he has trouble showing affection toward his son. Rahim Khan isn't the most fleshed-out character in the novel. Why does Amir accept Soraya even after she tells him of her past? Rahim Khan is Baba's best friend and business partner. What are good character traits for Rahim khan in The Kite Runner? Rahim Khan includes these words in his final letter to Amir. '', Rahim Khan, in Chapter Seventeen, has just told Amir the truth about Hassan's biological father, Baba. While Amir prepares for school in the morning, Hassan readies Amir . Soraya's mother. Amir abuses his privileges over his servant and loyal friend, Hassan, and then fails to come to his aid when Hassan is being raped by local bullies after a kite -fighting tournament. Hassan and Ali are from a lower class than Amir and Baba, but Amir and Hassan are best friends regardless. His family reacted very strongly (death threats!) Amir's father. How does Rahim directly impact the plot of the story? Later, he understood that the only way Amir could feel better about himself is by taking the chance to sacrifice something for Hassan, allowing him the knowledge of Sohrab and how to save him. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! Amir 's childhood playmate and companion, a Hazara boy with a cleft lip. His father was a diplomat, and the family lived in Paris when the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Rahim Khan takes care of Baba's house, brings Hassan back to Kabul. And you know how he always worried about you in those days. He then becomes a focus of the plot when he comes across Assef and Amir, who we learn is actually his uncle. I am moftakhir, Amir, he said. Baba thinks that a person should have the courage of his conviction to the point of laying down his life for it. Chapter 7 Quotes He stopped, turned. Ali is a Hazara whom Baba's father took in when his parents were killed. The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini, tells the story of a boy named Amir and his story and journey throughout his life. As a Hazara and a Shia Muslim, he is an outcast in Kabul; despite this, Baba treats him with love and kindness. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. He draws a comparison between Hassan and the lamb sacrificed during the Muslim holiday of Eid Al-Adha to commemorate Abraham's near sacrifice of his son to God. His comment to Amir about being good again catalyzes Amir to return to the Middle East and begin his journey toward goodness. When Baba ignores Amir, Rahim Khan is right there with an encouraging word. Additionally, Rahim Khan is utilizing this story to try and manipulate Amir into confessing his betrayal. As they grow up together, Hassan, who is skilled with a slingshot . With this statement, Amir, realizing that Rahim Khan knows about Amir's treachery, returns to the Middle East and begins his journey toward redemptive goodness. Ali is killed by a land mine when Hassan is already grown. In this novel, the author demonstrates the journey of one boy through his struggles with. She dies peacefully when he is four. These words are from Rahim Khan's final letter to Amir. People like our family, friends or close relatives can influence us. Answer the remaining questions in a similar way. Amir loves parts of his father and resents other parts. As an adult, Assef is a member of the Taliban and buys Hassans son, Sohrab, and subjects him to sexual abuse. Guilt is an emotion that comes from believing one was responsible for a particular mistake whether the assessment was accurate or not. They are in America and times have been difficult. Furthermore, Rahim Khan enables Amir to seek redemption and forgiveness after he betrays Hassan, his best friend, servant, and unknown half-brother. Terrified of returning to a situation as he had with Assef, Sohrab tried to kill himself. He is Baba's foil, serving as a counterbalance to Baba, who seems gruff and uncaring toward Amir, who is sensitive and creative. 9 chapters | Make sure to get rid of the space before the com? Rahim Khan. For example, he tells him that only people who have a conscience and goodness can suffer. Despite failing to recognize Hassan as his son, Baba showers him with affection, setting the stage for Amirs jealousy of Hassan. In the culture of Afghanistan, a man's betrayal of his friend is an extremely shameful situation. Hassan and his wife are killed, and Sohrab is orphaned, setting the stage for Amir to reenter and rescue the boy. Include at least two quotations from different characters and explain each quotation. Amirs kite became the ultimate kite flying on the empyrean. All that a man had back then, all that he was, was his honor, his name, and if people talked We couldn't tell anyone, surely you can see that. Amir. A bully to the core, he carries steel brass knuckles to fix the boys who do not fall in line with him. Rahim Khan, Baba's best friend and business partner, symbolizes redemption. General Taheri in The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini | Character & Analysis. Also, if the question asks for specific details from the text, make sure to include that information in your response. He is one of the few people who knows Hassan's real identity and about his rape. Even though Hassan knows that Amir is lying, Hassan confesses to the crime before he and Ali, the man everyone believes was Hassan's father, leave. Explain with specific details from the story. Explain with details from. Honor is one of the most important things a man can have. All this confirms that Rahim Khan is a stand-up guy. Although her role, like the role of all Afghan women under the Taliban, is minor from a plot perspective, the importance that she has on Amir's character development is immense. He is an Afghan man who had a privileged childhood in the Wazir Akbar Khan neighborhood of Kabul. He then assumes the role of Sohrabs father, adopts him, and takes him to America. Honor is one of the most important things a man can have. Rahim Khan, Baba's former business partner, explains, ''She was a vision. In essence, humans are always searching for something on their journey through life. Rahim Khan. Next. Amir's most loyal and devoted servant, who is born with a clept lip. Someone with conscientious traits acts carefully and takes purposeful action. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. The same is with Rahim. 9 chapters | He is evil in the beginning of the story, but as he matures and grows up as an adult. A very kind and loving lady, she helps Amir to have a different view of the world around him; that is, to treat near and dear ones with care and love. All rights reserved. Amir reflects on Rahim Khans words spoken over the phone. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. Is Rahim Khan a flat or dynamic character? After Amir wins a kite fighting competition (he cuts the string of his opponent's kite), Hassan chases the freed kite for Amir to have as a trophy. It helped me pass my exam and the test questions are very similar to the practice quizzes on Study.com. And that's OK - they might serve another purpose. At Amir's thirteenth birthday party, Rahim Khan narrates a story from his young adulthood, describing a time when he loved a Hazara woman, which was forbidden. Baba is a force to be reckoned with--in fact, Rahim calls him 'Mr. He felt himself causative for the death of his mother who passed away during childbirth. Baba wishes Amir were braver and stronger and that he could openly express his love for Hassan. on 50-99 accounts. Baba's closest friend and Amir and Hassan's confidant. The Kite Runner describes the life of Amir. These last two sentences reflect Rahim Khan's love and compassion. ''Children aren't coloring books. Rahim Khan encourages Amir to write and gives him a leather-bound notebook at Amir's thirteenth birthday party. In conclusion, Rahim Khan is an important yet minor character within The Kite Runner. He is always loyal to Amir, even when Amir betrays him. It was obvious in the expression on his face. The The Kite Runner quotes below are all either spoken by Sohrab or refer to Sohrab. Farzana and Sohrab share similar traits, both quiet, polite and intelligent. Amir hasnt talked to Rahim in years. SupportiveWhen Rahim Khan does speak, it is usually out of the need/want to help someone, either defending Amir, congratulating/praising someone, or giving advice. Why or why not? Many critics consider Hassan's character "too good to be true," for even after he is betrayed by Amir, Hassan continues to lie for the person he considers his friend. List three or more character traits for Rahim Khan. A dancer, she is considered by Afghan society to be a woman of bad character. As a servant to Baba and Amir, Hassan grows up with a very particular role in life. It was a great moment in their relationship. It takes three times for Rahim to convince Amir to go through with the rescue. He is persuasive because he convinces Amir to travel to Pakistan and adopt Sohrab. The Kite Runner is a novel by Khaled Hosseini. Moreover, Rahim Khan shows his openness and acceptance of Amir and this newfound talent. Rahim has always been like a father figure for Amir even after years of no connection. In reality, he is Babas son, and therefore he is Amirs half-brother, which Amir does not discover until he visits Afghanistan as an adult. I remember he said to me, 'Rahim, a boy who won't stand up for himself becomes a man who can't stand up to anything.' Rahim Khan is another important character of the novel, who stays very important on account of his business relations with Baba and his belief in Amir. Often, Amir is jealous of the way Baba treats Hassan, although Amir realizes that Hassan socially has a lower place in society. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 88,000 It happened like this: After Rahim Khan hears of Baba's death, he drives to Hazarajat to search for Hassan and asks him to move to Kabul with him. Hassan wasn't exactly the Hazara I imagined but he did look different to the rest haha! However, as an adult, Amir shows his love for Hassan by adopting his son, Sohrab. UnderstandingLinked in with being caring, is that Rahim Khan understands Amir and how what he did (betray Hassan) had affected him, as well as the effects Baba's disappointment had on him. Amir risked his life for Sohrab, Hassans son, to repay the wrong he commits toward Hassan. The author provides the reader with mixed feeling about Amir. Hassan is illiterate but smart and stands up for others. Not only was Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, almost entirely destroyed, but the cost to human life was also huge. This was accompanied by intense violence and the consequences were immense. Hassan. And that, I believe, is what true redemption is, Amir Jan, when guilt leads to good. Rahim Khans letter to Amir (p302), Understanding - AmirBut I hope you will heed this: A man who has no conscience, no goodness, does not suffer -Rahim Khans letter to Amir (p301), Manipulative - AmirI have a wife in America, a home, a career, and a family. One feels guilty when there is a feeling of responsibility for an action one regrets. He insults Hassan every chance he gets. The narrator identifies Hassan as a childhood playmate and emphasizes, quite pointedly, Hassan's cleft lip. This is because those parts that he does intervene in Amir's life are vital for his transition from boy to man. All Rights Reserved. Some scenes were a little unemotional I found too, like when Amir runs back with the kite to see Baba, but I suppose that's because the mind imagines things with emotion, not subtly haha. - Analysis & Quotes, Sanaubar in The Kite Runner: Analysis, Redemption & Quotes, Relationship Between Amir & Sohrab in The Kite Runner, Relationship Between Amir & Hassan in The Kite Runner, Relationship Between Amir & Baba in The Kite Runner, 12th Grade English: Homeschool Curriculum, AP English Literature: Homeschool Curriculum, NYSTCE English Language Arts (003): Practice and Study Guide, Comprehensive English: Overview & Practice, CLEP American Literature: Study Guide & Test Prep Course, 10th Grade English: Homework Help Resource, Child of God by Cormac McCarthy: Summary & Quotes, Child of God by Cormac McCarthy: Theme & Analysis, Blood Meridian: Quotes & Character Analysis, No Country for Old Men: Book Summary & Quotes, Dr. Samuel Johnson: Life, Works & Dictionary, Gabriel Garcia Marquez: Biography, Books & Short Stories, The Book of Laughter and Forgetting by Milan Kundera: Summary & Analysis, A Separate Peace by John Knowles: Summary & Analysis, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith: Summary & Analysis, Annie Dillard: Biography, Poems, Essays & Books, Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather: Summary & Themes, Working Scholars Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. Amir further betrays Hassan, planting money and a watch in Hassan's home, and then accuses Hassan of thievery. He returns to Afghanistan at the age of thirty-eight and ends up adopting Hassan's orphaned son, Sohrab. He comes to know this pain, even more, when he marries Soraya, and they are unable to have children. Even as an adult, Assef uses a pair of brass knuckles to demonstrate both his power and cruelty. Rahim Khan is a minor but important character in The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. and Rahim Khan never married the woman, but the story lets Amir know that someone else he admires thinks of the Hazara ethnicity as equals. Hassan is loyal to Amir even though in their childhood Amir was not a good friend. Daughter of a former Afghan general, Taheri, Soraya is a loyal wife for Amir. The Kite Runner study guide contains a biography of Khaled Hosseini, 100 quiz questions, a list of major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. He protects Baba's honor by not revealing his relationship with Sanaubar (Hassan's mother, who was Hazara; Baba would have been looked down upon by society). Whether it is Rahim Khan's statement "There is a way to be good again" or his lie about the American couple wanting to take Sohrab, Rahim Khan pushes Amir toward Afghanistan and self-forgiveness. And Ill tell you this, Amir Jan: In the end, the world always wins. Rahim Khan is encouraging, persuasive, and wise. CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what you're studying, CliffsNotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. Amir, not being the physical specimen his father was when he was younger, cannot live up to his fathers expectations. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. When Amir stays at his house, Wahid is kind to him and does not judge him for being American. 110 lessons Character Analysis. My sisters splashed her face with water. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! Analyze Rahim Khan from The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Then he is a sex slave to Assef until Amir rescues him. He fears that his love of reading and writing, Through this event, Amir wished to get his fathers attention. We try to understand fear, loss, and time. Leaving Amir money and trying his best to look after Baba's house in his absence also shows just how caring Rahim Khan is for his friends. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. Only their five-year-old son, Ali, survived. As a young man, when he was in love with a Hazara woman (forbidden in his society), Rahim Khan wanted to be honorable and marry her. His obsession and guilty conscience, along with his adult perspective looking back on childhood events, render him a usually reliable yet simultaneously potentially suspect storyteller. He goes from having wealth and a position of power to working a low-paying job at a gas station and living modestly. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. How has Rahim Khan impacted Amir? Ace your assignments with our guide to The Kite Runner! Calm & ReservedUnlike Baba, Rahim Khan is very reserved and speaks in few, yet eloquent words. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. Character #5 Sohrab. After his parents are murdered, he stays in an orphanage in Karteh-Seh. Rahim Khan's character is consistently proven to be loyal and caring. I shall hear any story you have to tell. Active Themes Amir is the villain of The Kite Runner because he is greedy for Babas love, this leads to his disloyalty to Hassan and demonstrates his cowards because of his feelings of his guilt. And this is what I want you to understand, that good, real good, was born out of your fathers remorse.
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