Introduction
“Achievement of your happiness is the only moral purpose of your life, and that happiness, not pain or mindless self-indulgence, is the proof of your moral integrity, since it is the proof and the result of your loyalty to the achievement of your values" Ayn Rand. This happiness is not what a person feels when common pleasures occur in their lives. The feeling of genuine inner well-being and peace is a completely separate state of being that can be witnessed in Khaled Hosseini’s novel. This novel is about relationships and mainly revolves around three relationships. Amir and Hassan, Soraya and Sohrab, Baba and Rahim. The book highlights the complexity of personal relationships. Additionally, it talks about how complicated relationships overlap and assist people in shaping their identities; ultimately, the novel covers multiple plots on betrayal and redemption.
Character
As the story begins, Baba is a man who lives within his moral code. He does not approve of the moral code set by the society around him. Baba discourages his son Amir from believing anything their teachers say about sin in school. He says, "but first understand this and understand it now, Amir: you'll never learn anything of value from those bearded idiots (3:20)." Baba refers to all religious people in Afghanistan as self-righteous monkeys (3.22). Moreover, Baba believes there is only one sin, which is theft (3.34). Every other wrongdoing, according to Baba, revolves around theft. He tells Amir, when someone cheats, he or she steals fairness. When someone kills, they steal the life of another, and when someone lies, they steal the truth (3:37). Nonetheless, Baba does not practice what he says. Baba's distrust in religious fundamentalism explains why he defies his own and societal beliefs on morality and sleeps with Sanuabr, Ali's wife.
Moreover, Baba hides from Hassan the truth by failing to tell him that he is his son. Neither does he tell Amir and Hassan that they are brothers. Therefore, being engrossed in his moral code makes Baba a betrayer, liar, and a deeply flawed man, which are all immoral behaviors. Nevertheless, as the story progresses, Baba's morality shifts. His life in California humbles him and prompts him to live by what is right. Baba is determined to live an honest living. He tells, Mrs. Dobbins that he does not like free things. Instead, he prefers to work for his money (11:28). When Baba could not produce an ID at a food store, Baba apologizes to Mr. Nguyen ad pleads with him not to call the police (11.13). A couple of days later, Baba went back to the fruit store and paid for the damage they caused during the push and pull with Mr. Nguyen (11:15). Besides, Baba strives to better his relationship with his son Amir. When Air graduates from high school, Baba congratulates him (11:31). This kind of gesture from Baba was nonexistent. He was so proud of himself and believed in towering over and belittling son Amir. Through his words and actions as the novel progresses, Baba's moral shift is admirable.
Character 2
Amir is lucky to have a privileged upbringing. He is the son of a wealthy and influential man based on Afghan standards. Thus, he grows up accustomed to getting whatever he wants. Accordingly, Amir develops a sense of entitlement and jealousy. For example, he believes he is the only human on earth who deserves his father's attention. Therefore, he grows jealous of any other person who appears to get attention from Baba. Amir pretends to love Hassan as his best friend. However, he is secretly envious because his father, Baba, thinks Hassan was more of a man than him (3:37). Amir feels superior to Hassan. While working on their school projects together, Amir sees Hassan as an illiterate (4:12). Amiri concludes that Hassan will end up illiterate like his fellow Hazara people. Amir is caught up between a roller coaster of assisting his friend Hassan excel in schoolwork or not. He decides not to help Hassan with his schoolwork, because in the end, it turns out that Hassan is better than him in solving the school assignments (4:12). Hassan loves Amir and considers him his brother, even when they are unaware that they are indeed blood brothers. Hassan would do anything to protect Amir. However, because of feeling jealous of Hassan's bravery, Amr would not reciprocate the same gesture. For example, in the kite tournament, two neighborhood boys hold down Hassan. One of the boys is Assef, who proceeds to rape Hassan. Amir watches as Hassan is getting raped but does nothing. Amir's jealousy towards Hassan also pushes him to engage in a malicious activity during the kite tournament. Amir's objective is to snatch Baba's attention off Hassan. Thus, Amir plans the malicious scheme that will make him win the tournament and gain Baba's admiration at Hassan's expense. Amir succeed. However, Amir's turning point comes when he and his feather flee Afghanistan to California. In California, Amir develops maturity and becomes more responsible. Amir becomes more severe in his studies (11:31). Additionally, he becomes more concerned about his father and shoulders more responsibility. Amir begins to appreciate people instead then seeing them as threats. Accordingly, he meets a young lady Soraya, whom he courts and finally marries. Amir transitioned into a man his father, Baba, always envisioned. Based on Baba's and Amir's good transitions, Baba sets the moral transition too high, therefore, he is more worthy of respect and admiration.
Summary
Baba is engrossed in his moral code, disregarding any other belief around him. Nonetheless, even that, he strives to ensure that his sons, both Amir and Hassam, live right and get the best life. Baba only practices self-proclaimed moral acts. Baba's sentiment shows that he acknowledges that there are other morals besides his just that he is not prepared to live. Even though Baba does not publicly acknowledge Hassan initially, he mentors and congratulates him on his achievements. Besides, he is willing to do what it takes to help Amir fight his fears as a child and develop a manly instinct. In California, Baba decides to live by what is right and does not waver even in temptation.On the other hand, Amir feels entitled and jealous. He thinks life is all about him and disregarding any other person. He relates to people based on their affluence or social status. Even when Amir transitions to be more responsible and more mature, it is still about him and his father. When getting a wife, he searches for the most intelligent and steady woman who matches his high-end lifestyle.
One isn't born with moral integrity but rather transitions to be a morally upright person. The events that take place in the life of individuals dictate the people they become. Finding true happiness’s serves as proof of an individual's moral Integrity.
