The Kite Runner: The Relationship Between An Owner and his Servant

In the beginning of the book, The Kite Runner, Amir (rich son) and Hassan (family’s servant) are really good friends. This is a rarity that Amir was often made fun of for. And most of the time, Amir actually began to realize that Hassan was a back up friend and he only played with him when all of his other friends left. Plus, he never helped Hassan with his work and never said thank-you or realized how ridiculous it was for Hassan, a young, illiterate boy, to be working for him.

I began to realize that the relationship between a child and his servant is complicated.

They were the best of friends. The worst. Hassan always seemed to be looking out for Amir, when on duty, but especially off. He never lied, always spoke with truth and dignity, and truly cared about Amir. Amir seemed to only like him when there was no other to be with, he also lied to his face (more complicatedly as the book goes on), and not truly care about him at all. I think these behaviors occurred because they could. A servant: humble. The owner: cruel. How the world makes it to be.

In the beginning, life just passes by for the both of them. The same childish activity everyday. Then one day, when Amir wins the kite flying competition, Hassan goes off to find the kite. A joyous, innocent game, turned into the day that would ruin both their lives.

Hassan is trapped by the bullies in an ally and when he won’t hand over the kite, the boys terrorize him. The next thing that happens is true horror. Amir observes silently, and does nothing as the bully proceeds to rape Hassan. Amir does nothing. This is when I knew that the behavior of a coward comes out, and he truly doesn’t care enough to stand up for Hassan, as Hassan would for him.

And because he is the owner, and Hassan is the servant, none of this seems to matter. It seems to be okay, and that is how the world sees it. Is this okay?

The relationship between an owner and his servant is possibly the most complicated one out there.