Amir and Baba's Relationship in The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner is an ambiguous story in the sense that is covers so much ground. It not only tells the story of two friends who are microcosms of the Afghan society, but it also tells of Afghanistan’s struggles, it depicts multiple sides of humanity, and portrays the conflict between a father and a son. The relationship between Baba and his son, Amir undergoes significant phases throughout the novel. The reader quickly becomes aware of Amir’s desire to be noticed by his father, Baba’s frustration with his son, and the battle they suffer to try to understand one another. But as their worlds begin to fall apart and they are forced out of their country to escape the rise of the Taliban, they realize their dependency on one another and form a stronger bond. Their relationship contributes and relates to the prime struggles throughout the novel.

The first chapters of The Kite Runner give a thorough background of the relationship between Baba and Amir. Amir is constantly vying for his father’s attention and often feels like an outsider in his father’s life. As a highly respected diplomat in society, Baba received a lot of attention. The novel portrays the feelings that Amir felt when he was in public with his father; he was proud for the people to see that he was his son. However, the book shows that Amir has most definitely taken after his deceased mother, who was a literature teacher at a university. In one of the chapters, it describes how Baba tries to steer him in the other direction. He tries to get Amir to play soccer, which he fails at miserably. He then tries to simply take Amir to watch soccer games. Amir tries to show interest to impress his father, but his true lack of interest could not be hidden. Baba had to accept that Amir did not receive any of his traits.

After Amir wins the kite running tournament, his relationship with his father changes. Baba finds something to be proud of Amir for. Amir then receives the closer bond with his father that he always wanted. However, the day of the kite tournament is the day that Amir witnesses Hassan’s tragedy in the alleyway. Amir is beginning to feel the guilt for betraying his friendship with Hassan and not coming forth with the truth. Thus, the strength of Amir and Baba’s relationship cannot last. In the text, Amir states, “We’d deceived ourselves into thinking that a toy made of tissue paper, glue, and bamboo could somehow close the chasm between us,” (Hosseini). This quote offers more insight on everything else going on in the story. Deception cannot hide the truth, and eventually one has to face reality and confront their awaiting battles.

It is not until Baba and Amir escape to America together that their relationship becomes a more solid one. As their native country becomes a land they no longer know, they are both forced to turn their backs on their pasts and start a new life together. Baba expresses his pride in his son’s accomplishments, such as when Amir graduates college. Amir takes care of his father. It is not a perfect father/son relationship, but it finally reaches a medium. There is still conflict, as in any relationship. For instance, Baba expresses his discontent in Amir’s decision to become a writer. However, Amir decides to stand his ground. This type of relationship truly brings The Kite Runner full circle. One cannot deceive himself to forget the past and accept the benefits of something undeserved or unreal. One has to work through the tasks in their path and do what it takes to be good again.