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:
I thought your blog was very well written and the pictures gave it a really good touch. I agree that i think Amir's childhood ended when he witnessed his best friend being raped and did nothing to stop it. Ever since that happened he lost all interest in doing his normal childhood activities such as reading to Hassan, going to the movies, pretty much anything that would remind him of what he failed to do, which was to help his childhood friend Hassan. Once he lost his childhood friend, he also lost his childhood.
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