The Kite Runner: Section 2: Hassan and Amir's Friendship

          In the novel The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Amir and Hassan come from very different backgrounds but still have a very close friendship.  Although they each view their friendship differently.  Hassan sees himself as having complete loyalty to to Amir and Amir sees his friendship as somewhat dispensable.  After Amir witnesses Hassan being raped Amir will not talk to Hassan and avoids him because of his own guilt.  He will also not tell anyone because of his guilt; he is not completely loyal to Hassan.  Because of his guilt he framed Hassan for stealing some of his money and things.  "I lifted Hassan's mattress and planted my new watch and a handful of Afghani bills under it," (Hosseini, 104).  Amir did this because he could not bear to be around Hassan any more.  His view of Hassan and his relationship shapes the entire novel.  It drives the plot line for Amir to not talk to Hassan or to get him to leave.  This difference in value also characterizes Amir as someone who carries guilt and burdens only to himself.