Throughout the novel so far, loyalty is a reoccurring theme. Amir struggles internally when he has to decide whether to be loyal to Hassan or not. Unable to decide if social status is more important than friendship, Amir remembers some of the similarities that he and Hassan have. Instead of assisting Hassan when he is in the alleyway, Amir turns his back and runs. Although, Amir feels immense amounts of guilt for not assisting Hassan, he refuses to tell anyone about it. The guilt builds up so much within Amir that he attempts to get back at Hassan by putting money and a “watch” under Hassan’s mattress. Thinking that Hassan with tell Baba and Ali the truth, Amir believes that this action will help relive him of the overwhelming guilt on his mind. Hassan became the scapegoat for Amir’s action because he is willing to sacrifice anything for Amir in order to save their friendship. Hassan and Ali become so overwhelmed by all of the issues that they decide to quit their jobs as servants and move on to a new town. Will Amir ever be able to expiate the disloyalty that he showed Hassan?
In the early 1980’s Amir and Baba move to the United States in order for Amir to get a better education. This new beginning for Amir and Baba impacts Baba less severely than Amir, because while Amir is furthering his education, Baba is simply working in a gas station. After Amir graduates at the age of 20, Baba takes Amir out to a bar to celebrate. Upon their return home, Baba admits that he wishes “Hassan and Ali could be” there to help celebrate. It is evident that the separation between the families has caused Baba much heartbreak, but will Amir ever feel the same way? Also, because Baba mentioned Ali and Hassan it makes me question whether they will come back into the story later on.
Thus far, loyalty has been a motif within the story. I am left wondering if by the end of the novel Amir will learn what is truly important in his life: social status or relationship.
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