Kite Runner                                Second Blog

Why is childhood such an important time of life? When does it end?

Childhood is important because it creates the base layer for someone's character. Often subconsciously, the things that happen during childhood stick with us for the rest of our lives and affect our decision making. Childhood is a time to learn life-lessons and about yourself.  

 On any standard Amir had a privileged childhood. His dad was well known and he had more than enough money to live a happy life in Kabul. During his childhood Amir's biggest struggle was trying to please his father. He wanted to impress the mad he admired so much and it became his daily goal to do so. Amir entered the kite tournament that winter day to win it for his father. When he saw Hassan in the alley there was a part of him that wanted to help but his main focus was getting the kite for Baba. 

In a way Amir's childhood ended when he watched Hassan being raped in the alley. After that moment Amir had to live with so much guilt that he couldn't just enjoy being a child anymore. Hassan and Ali left and Amir had to watch Baba, the man he was just trying to please, suffer through this. Amir's childhood was over and replaced with a demon. That demon ate away at him and influenced him into trying to "make things right" as an adult.

Kabul (Amir's home city) 1970's vs 2000's:

                     

                     

The Kite Runner

First Blog

How do people cope when their lives are changed by forces they can not control?

Uncontrollable situations/forces can be either a nusience or a blessing. In these situations someone's true character comes out because all they can do is react to the uncontrollable situation. No two people will cope the same way because everyone has different motives driving their decision making. After a tragedy someone could become depressed and keep to themselves because they are so stricken with grief. Another individual might learn to cope through perfection, striving to impress. 

Hassan being raped was not an uncontrollable event or force for Amir. Amir had an opportunity to intervene, to have control and possibly stop Assef so his coping is different. Amir has to live with guilt because he did not take control when he could have and he knows that he made the wrong choice. This event changed Amir's life and he went through a lot of coping but it was definitely a controllable situation. 

Hassan learned how to deal with uncontrollable events very early in his life. Hassan's mother abandoned him and his father after his birth. This frequently upset Hassan and he coped with grief. Hassan was born into the life of a servant but this uncontrollable force never seemed to upset him. He liked where he lived and told Amir that it was his home. Hassan always seemed to be able to deal with what life threw at him until that day in the alley. That was something Hassan did not know how to cope with, possibly because Amir was not by his side to help him. Hassan may have been upset about his mother but he could always turn to Amir to be there and take his mind off of it. After Hassan was raped Amir abandoned him, and with Amir went Hassan's ability to cope. 

Final Persepolis assignment

Final Persepolis assignment

Uncle Anoosh

Characterization

In the book

In the book Anoosh gives more detail about his family and life. He talks about his children and how he and his wife got divorced because, "(She does not) know how to love." This detail does a great job characterizing Anoosh and making the reader feel a connection to him. It makes him an amiable character by letting many readers make personal connections to his family life. Anoosh also has a stronger relationship with Marji in the book making him even more likeable.

In the movie

In the movie Persepolis voices are frequently used as a characterization tool. Being a narrative, these voices have even more power and meaning. The voices tell the story from their own perspectives and it lets the reader feel as if the characters are talking to them. This is a really fascinating article by Linda Graham on the neurosciences of attachment:

http://lindagraham-mft.net/resources/published-articles/the-neuroscience-of-attachment/

The article explains that listening to and becoming accustomed to someone's voice gives a feeling of attachment. In Persepolis, Anoosh has a very relaxing and lulling voice which builds his character and makes the watcher feel attached. He's a war veteran and the voice was casted well to fit the character.

                                                     

                                                     Iggy Pop- The voice of Uncle Anoosh

Similarities

Both the movie and book do a great job using characterization techniques on Marji's uncle Anoosh. Persepolis being a graphic novel helps the reader to visualize the characters and scenes in the literature. Once the reader can visualize Anoosh they feel like they know him better. This is how Satrapi and the directer used faces and visual interactions for characterization.