Comparing Power In The Kite Runner And A Thousand Splendid Suns

Have you ever done something or avoided something out of fear? If so, then you know the overwhelming amount of power that fear has upon us. Power is a common theme throughout literature, however, the way power is displayed may differ. Throughout Khaled Hosseini’s books, “The Kite Runner” and “A Thousand Splendid Suns”, the topic of power is shown through fear. In Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner”, fear of humiliation and shame takes away an individuals power. In one of the vilest parts of this novel, Hassan is raped. This sickening act leaves him feeling ashamed and afraid of humiliation, should anyone find out what happened to him. By avoiding possible humiliation and staying quiet, Hassan is allowing his raper, Assef, to have power over him. When Amir witnessed Hassan getting raped he did not stand up for him or say anything. Ashamed of his actions he will never talk about it again. Through Amir’s fear of shame, he allows his best friend to be pushed out of his life; never to be seen again. Fear of humiliation and shame deprives people of their power. …show more content…
Both Mariam and Laila are afraid of the Taliban. They are afraid of the Taliban because of what they might to do them if they are found out of the house without a male relative. They are afraid of what they may do to Laila’s children. This fear gives the Taliban power over Mariam and Laila. However, when Laila decides that seeing her daughter is more important than obeying the laws of the Taliban, she takes away the power the Taliban have over her. The threats and lashings mean nothing because she is more determined to go see her daughter. The fear of others, or lack thereof, is a source of power in Hosseini’s “A Thousand Splendid