The lack of an identity brings chaos to one’s life. Without fully knowing themselves, and understanding their own viewpoints and perspectives, people cannot become comfortable with their own identity. Charles Dickens, in the 19th century novel Great Expectations, and Khaled Hosseini, in the 21st century novel The Kite Runner, present very similar ideas regarding the importance that maturation of perspective has for the discovery of one’s identity. Both authors make the contrast between social class and personal value, arguing that worth and inner values, not social class or position in society, create the real basis for one’s treatment of others. Reaching such an understanding allows individuals to truly find comfort in their own identity.
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In Great Expectations, Dickens shows the change in Pip’s perspective, from basing his behavior on social class status to appreciating the relationships he shares with others regardless of their status and upbringing. Pip goes through enlightening experiences which teach him the value of the people who show their love and appreciation of him directly, such as the convict Abel Magwitch does in helping Pip throughout his life: “For now, my repugnance to him had all melted away...I only saw a man...who had felt affectionately, gratefully, and generously, towards me with great constancy through a series of years” (Dickens 446). Dickens exhibits the consideration that one regards others with upon reaching a deeper understanding and appreciation of their kindness. When people take the time to value their loved ones for their personal worth and not their position in society, they allow themselves to create meaningful and fulfilling relationships, and gain a greater peace of mind for the rest of their lives. Hosseini demonstrates the same principles in The Kite Runner through the transformation in Amir’s viewpoint of Hassan. Amir goes from neglecting Hassan and failing to appreciate his friendship, to understanding the unbreakable loyalty and love with which Hassan treats him through all their time together. Thus, Amir decides to make sacrifices in an effort to make up for his transgressions:“I’m only here for the boy” (Hosseini 299). Hosseini reveals the determination and purpose people find when they open themselves up to new perspectives. Amir goes back to his homeland to search for Hassan’s son Sohrab in order to bring him to America and protect him in a way he couldn’t do for Hassan himself. By gain deeper understandings of situations beyond the black and white of class differences,
In Great Expectations, Dickens shows the change in Pip’s perspective, from basing his behavior on social class status to appreciating the relationships he shares with others regardless of their status and upbringing. Pip goes through enlightening experiences which teach him the value of the people who show their love and appreciation of him directly, such as the convict Abel Magwitch does in helping Pip throughout his life: “For now, my repugnance to him had all melted away...I only saw a man...who had felt affectionately, gratefully, and generously, towards me with great constancy through a series of years” (Dickens 446). Dickens exhibits the consideration that one regards others with upon reaching a deeper understanding and appreciation of their kindness. When people take the time to value their loved ones for their personal worth and not their position in society, they allow themselves to create meaningful and fulfilling relationships, and gain a greater peace of mind for the rest of their lives. Hosseini demonstrates the same principles in The Kite Runner through the transformation in Amir’s viewpoint of Hassan. Amir goes from neglecting Hassan and failing to appreciate his friendship, to understanding the unbreakable loyalty and love with which Hassan treats him through all their time together. Thus, Amir decides to make sacrifices in an effort to make up for his transgressions:“I’m only here for the boy” (Hosseini 299). Hosseini reveals the determination and purpose people find when they open themselves up to new perspectives. Amir goes back to his homeland to search for Hassan’s son Sohrab in order to bring him to America and protect him in a way he couldn’t do for Hassan himself. By gain deeper understandings of situations beyond the black and white of class differences,