Rape In The Kite Runner

Amir recalled this memory when he witnessed Hassan’s tragedy in the alleyway because during Afghan celebration there is the sacrifice of sheep and Amir had locked eyes with it during its moment of death and he watched as it was being slaughtered and did absolutely nothing. A sheep is killed to be eaten and can be dominated by others which is similar in Hassan’s case. This reminded him of Hassan’s situation where he was getting abused and he watched and did nothing about it. He could have stood up for Hassan but instead he ran. The real reason he ran is because “Nothing was free in this world. Maybe Hassan was the price I had to pay, the lamb I had to slay to win Baba” (Hosseini, 82). It was out out of fear, but also because he always seeked …show more content…
But I always watch, I watch because of that look of acceptance in the animal’s eyes. Absurdly, I imagine the animal understands. I imagine the animal sees that its imminent demise is for a higher purpose” (Hosseini,82). Hassan reminded Amir of the sheep ritual because of the mournfulness in his eyes as he knew there was no one to help him. In Sohrab's case Amir intervened and stopped the sexual abuse. “Sohrab’s eyes flicked to me. They were slaughter sheep’s eyes” (Hosseini, 298). When Amir looked into Sohrab’s eyes it was a flashback to the time when the sheep was being slaughtered and when Hassan was innocently raped. When he rescued Sohrab he achieved the redemption that he needed and felt that he owed it to Hassan. He decided to raise Sohrab as his own son. The sheep being sacrificed and the look of acceptance symbolize Hassan. Hassan is a courageous person, but he accepts his fate. Hassan was willing to sacrifice himself for Amir. On page 81 it states that when he looked at Hassan he saw resignation. In the scene in the alleyway, Amir mentions that Hassan had “the look of the lamb” (Hosseini,81).The lamb symbolizes purity and