Role of Conflict and Power

The Kite Runner, written by Khaled Hosseini, is a story about power, justice, injustice and both internal and external conflict. Jealousy and selfishness are continually shown by at least two of the main characters throughout the story. This story is also about cultural and political power brought on by the influences of the Taliban within the Afghan society. Political influence and power is a constant theme throughout the story and ties closely with the conflict in the characters.
Amir, is the central character and is shaped both in character and intellect by his father’s power. He is privileged and wealthy, but also infused with jealousy and cowardice. He is selfish and guilty of despicable behaviors. The one positive strength Amir has is his friendship with his good childhood friend Hassan. Although, considered best friends this is a friendship that is generally one-sided with Hassan showing the loyalty care and trust. There is an ongoing conflict for this friendship because Amir unknowingly shares paternal heritage with Hassan.   Hassan was born into servitude and thus Baba, the boys’ father, cannot lay claim to Hassan’s heritage. The Afghan culture and traditions pose a conflict for Baba regarding his son Hassan. Hassan is loyal, forgiving, an all- around pleasant person to be with and the two boys are drawn to each other naturally, because unbeknownst and to them, they are brothers. Hassan is the family servant and never deflects his loyalty to the family even with the knowledge that he should be considered part of it. Baba, is proud and determined and struggles with his own morals and the rigid Afghani rules and traditions and is emotionally detached from his son Amir. Amir feels the detachment deeply and constantly strives to receive Baba’s affection by trying to become a good student, novice writer and a kite flyer.
Several characters tie into the overall story, Ali is Hassan’s surrogate father and also servant to Baba. Assef is the antagonist in the...