Friday's Lesson

Friday's lesson- Chapter 19.

Not only in this chapter do we see a change in Amir, but also a change in his driver, Faird. At the beginning of the chapter we are reminded of Amir's weakness; "Again, the car sickness" yet we as the reader develops an admiration for Amir, as he tried to overcome (or just cover up) his weakness's; "You were right, I do feel better' I lied". It is as if now that Amir has a responsibility to take care of, he has matured and realised he cannot be protected and shielded from the world.

You also see a change in Farid, Amir's driver. At the beginning of the journey, he is cold and harsh towards Amir, "Farid gave me a dismissive look". This could be argued that he is like this towards Amir because he feels almost betrayed by Amir for leaving Afghanistan before the war became worse. Perhaps also he acts cold towards Amir because, as said previously in the book, honour and pride is very important to the people of Afghanistan, and he may feel that Amir has breached this by leaving. You do see some of Farids Afghan pride show through on page 201; "Farid snickered, 'It's not like fancy American medicine, I know, just an old remedy my mother taught me'". When Farid approaches his family, he is warm and welcoming- the complete opposite to how he treats Amir. However when Amir tells why he has business in Kabul, Farid's emotions change towards Amir, as he sees that his intentions are great.

A quote I found shocking, (which I am sure Hosseini's intentions were) was; "They hadn't been staring at my watch at all. They had been staring at my food." Amirs ignorance to how bad things had gotten for the poor families in Afghanistan made even myself feel guilty and feel sorry for the starving children. Yet it again shows Afghans pride, that they would sacrifice their dinner for guests.

Even though we found out that Hassan has died, he still has a big impact on Amir. When Amir wakes up with "a scream in his throat" after having a dream about Hassans' death (and being the person who shot him) he wakes up with a start, shocked by his own sub-conscience. It almost foreshadows how important Hassans son will become in Amir life.

In my opinion, The Kite Runner is at its 'juiciest', the plot is thickening and really makes you want to read on and finalise the events of Amir's troubled life.

:)