Kite Runner Essay

Power is in the hands of those who are born into wealth and it is frequently abused to a point

where it may not be acceptable. Class relations are established in this novel, and they can be related

back to the theory of Marxism. Classes struggle to fight their way up the rankings but there is always

one dominating class. The theme of power reoccurs greatly throughout the Kite Runner due to the

actions and social status of several different characters. Assef, Amir, and Hassan, are three main

examples of how power works based on their situations and backgrounds. Assef is considered as a

bully and uses his strength to showcase how he can rise evilly over people. Amir realizes Hassan is

worth nothing compared to him because he is part of the Hazarian class, no matter how good of a friend

Hassan is, and often feels as if Hassan is in the way of him. Amir has committed terrible sings against

Hassan, and Hassan can not retaliate; he is only Amir's servant. Fairness does not exist in the world

they live in and the effects of unrighteousness are evident.

The power struggle within the Kite Runner is prevalent on many different levels, one of the

most obvious being Assef's domination over Hassan. The rape of Hassan displays how Assef is granted

full control over Hassan and there is no one in his path to stop him. Assef states briefly before the rape:

“It's just a Hazara” claiming how his actions are not considered wrong because of Hassan's social class.

In addition, there is a comparison between a lamb and Hassan's facial expression during this moment of

the book. Amir says: “I saw the resignation in his face. It was a look I had seen before. It was the look

of the lamb.” The lamb here is used to symbolize Jesus, innocence, and sacrifice.