Figurative Language In The Kite Runner

In 1979 the Soviets invaded Afghanistan (US Department of State 1). They took control of the country and its people before proceeding to retreat, leaving the country more broken than before and allowing open opportunity for the Taliban to take over. Characters Amir and Hassan face this invasion into their lives in the Khaled Hosseini’s narrative. Through the characters and setting of his novel The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini creates a story that is allegorical to the political situation of Afghanistan. The Kite Runner, rich in history and full of figurative language, provides much more than simply a story. Main characters in the novel, Amir and Hassan, are both born of different ethnicities and social status. However, their close relationship and knowledge of their place in that relationship allows them …show more content…
Because of Hassan’s background as a Hazara, he is considered lower socially than Amir, making him Amir’s servant (Al Sudeary 244). Amir tells part of the daily routine as he complains about his homework. “Hassan made my bed, polished my shoes, ironed my outfit for the day, packed my books and pencils” (27). Hazaras take care of the Pashtuns. Throughout the novel, Hassan simply accepts his social standing. He never refutes Amir’s word, but rather takes on every question or task with gratitude undeserved by Amir. In Afghan society, this is the accepted way.
Growing up, Amir’s house shows this division between Hazaras and Pashtuns; his being grand and extravagant against Hassan’s mud hut across the yard (Pultar 37). The Pashtuns are the higher class masters, while the Hazaras are their servants, forced to live under them. Pultar explains that this home symbolizes the inequality of the two ethnicities. It makes obvious to those living there their social standing in life (38).
The beauty of Afghanistan before being invaded is revealed through the beauty of Amir’s