Brother

           For several days, I have observed the awkwardness between Hassan and Amir as I have been told of the incident about the rape. They are both trying to avoid each other and have even tried to look away when they see each other. Therefore I secretly fire him behind Babas back and tell him to leave. Today when Hassan came back into the house from shopping at the bazaar, I heard he had been accused of having stolen Amir’s birthday watch and money. However, it is the same as always, Hassan admits to the crime that Amir accuses him of and takes the blame for all the wrong doing, just like when they were kids committing many childish pranks, like shining a mirror to annoy people in the neighbourhood, or shooting walnuts at the neighbourhood dogs. Without a single word, Hassan admits that he did all the things that Amir has accused him of, I guess that make it easier for both of us so we don't have to find excuses. I am probably just as guilty, standing beside Baba knowing the truth of these events or suspecting the truth of these events; I just stood beside Baba and stayed silent letting all these lies unfold. During that moment I was thinking that I did the right thing. Hassan is in Kabul anyway, it’s better for him to leave this place where it will soon be occupied by the rebels. This is to ensure both Ali and Hassan’s safety since they are Hazara, a race looked down upon by everyone. Amir would not have to face Hassan and his sin and guilt anymore if he goes. I thought that by moving these issues away, Amir will be able to grow to be a better man, like when I moved Hassan’s mother away from Baba to restore honour to the family, Baba grew and became a good man. I thought that since this trick has worked once, it will also work for a second or the third time. But now I realize it is not perhaps a wise choice or a good time for that; maybe total honesty was what was needed then. I think my judgement was clouded by Amir’s overpowering desire for this father’s love and respect, and I did not want to put that into jeopardy. 

           I do not think talking to Hassan about the insult from Assef will do him any good now. If he can stand up like a man, then he should be able to swallow all of this from Amir like a man. I should just let the past pass, digging up the dirt will just make things worse. Not only that, it may cause a complete separation between Hassan and Amir; it will also damage the relationship between Baba and Amir. Amir and Baba’s relationship right now is too weak to face any more of these tragedies. I can see that in Baba eyes that he hasn’t forgiven Amir for “stealing” his mother’s life. Hopefully time will clear the past and likewise remove these betrayals in my heart. 

           But now is just not a good time to put things right; Amir is just too weak as I have said. Maybe I will just call Amir to come back to set thing right when Baba and Amir go to America and when Amir has fully grown and matured. Hopefully, when Amir’s mind has matured enough it will also have strengthened his mind and soul in order for both boys to face each other again. Now I have no choice but to sacrifice Hassan. I am sorry, Hassan, but I must. Hope that you will for give me and Amir, After all you two are ........

[Song Sacrifices END] 


Link:      Hazara People
To understand the whole theme of discrimination, we must first understand how are the Hazara people different from the others, and what is the reasons they are being discriminated and killed. After understanding the background information, we can have a better understanding of the situation; and understand why, at that time Rhamn Kham, would sends the Hazaras, Hassan and Hassan's mother, away instead of Amir.
This blog is written before Hassan died, and therefore Rhamn Kham still didn't realize his decision is all just discrimination which lead to a tragic ending.

Question: Discussthe issue of ethics and the concept of free will in relation to the charactersand the events in the novel.