The Different Class Relationship in The Kite Runner

In Khaled Hosseini's novel The Kite Runner, there is a strong sense of friendship. The bond between two young afghan boys, one being a servant Hassan and the other his superior Amir, prove to be a difficult yet a beneficial companionship. Although the two boys cannot hurdle their way through class differences, their feelings towards each other, although not clear, are undoubtedly friends. The relationship between Amir and Hassan in The Kite Runner is a good example of how difficult it can be to befriend other people of other classes.

Amir and Hassan's perspective of friendship toward each other are similar. Hassan looks at Amir as a friend, not just his boss, and evidently Amir also looks at Hassan as a friend, not just his servant. As Hassan was serving Amir tea, "He poured me a cup and added sugar, blew on it a few times." (136) Clearly Hassan cares very much for Amir, cooling down the tea, preventing Amir from burning himself, is an act of brotherly love.

First paperback edition book cover

Kite Runner author Khaled Hosseini with Bahram and...

Khaled Hosseini at the White House in 2007, with B...

Amir also loved his friend, Hassan. As they won the kite battle Hassan congratulated Amir for winning, but Amir shouted, "We won! We won!" (236) Obviously Amir acknowledges Hassan as a dear friend, as he says that. The major thing that causes conflict for their friendship is class.

Class is definitely something that affects the relationship of the two boys. Amir comes from a very wealthy and respected family. The last thing that people expect him to do is to befriend a mere servant. Amir in a way does look down upon Hassan. His class and lack of education clouds their relationship, but at the same time Amir respects him. He states, "Hassan couldn't read a first-grade text book but he read me plenty… it's sort of comfortable...