Family and Friends

Ephesians 6:1-4
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—  “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

This quotation is relatable to both the novel and the play in the theme of family and friendship in several different aspects of the stories. It is shown that there are many family relationships – good or bad, in both stories. Friendships were made and broken throughout the course of the two stories. In A Midsummer Night's Dream, the theme is visible when Hermia is obligated to follow her father's command of marrying Demetrius, or be a nun. Egeus should not exasperate Helena however, and not force her to do things she doesn't want to do. In The Kite Runner, Baba is dissapointed in his son's cowardness and interest in poetry, which does not make him manly.

Brothers at Birth

"Hassan and I fed from the same breasts. We took our first steps on the same lawn in the same yard. And, under the same roof, we spoke our first words. Mine was Baba. His was Amir. My name." (Hosseini, 8)

Above: Amir and Hassan, best of friends



Amir and Hassan have always had a close relationship, ever since birth. Hassan's first word was Amir, proving how strong their friendship is. They are inseparable and spent all their free time playing with kites. Being of a lower class, Hassan grew up to be Amir's devoted servant. Hassan never changed his personality of being forgiving, good natured and loyal. He learns that it is his duty to sacrifice himself to help others as a servant.

Jealousy

“Oh, I am out of breath in this fond chase.

The more my prayer, the lesser is my grace.

Happy is Hermia, wheresoe'er she lies,

For she hath blessèd and attractive eyes.

How came her eyes so bright? Not with salt tears.” (2.2.61-65)

Left: Helena crying







It is shown that Helena is jealous of Hermia in this quotation. She does not understand why nobody wants her and why Demetrius is acting rudely to her. The one that she wants loves her best friend, and she is overcome with jealousy. Helena claims that Hermia is lucky to get Demetrius to like her, even though she loves Lysander.

Like Father, Like Son

“Ali and Baba grew up together as childhood playmates – at least until polio crippled Ali's leg – just like Hassan and I grew up a generation later” (Hosseini, 19)

Above: Amir and Baba; Hassan and Ali

Ali and Baba’s relationship is quite similar to Hassan and Amir’s relationship. Their relationships parallel each other, as Baba never specifically refer to Ali as a friend, likewise how Amir never referred to Hassan as a friend. Because Baba and Amir were Pashtuns, whilst Ali and Hassan were Hazaras, Baba was the owner of Ali, and grew up together. Their relationship carried onto the next generation, where Amir is now the owner of Hassan. The only noticeable difference between the relationships is the fact that Amir does not stay faithful to Hassan, to the point that he blames him for stealing his possessions.

More Than Just a Servant

“Hassan couldn't read a first grade textbook but he'd read me plenty. That was a little unsettling, but also sort of comfortable to have someone who always knew what you needed” (Hosseini, 51)

Above: Hassan reading a book to Amir




To Amir, Hassan was not only just a servant he treated him like family. It is revealed later on in the novel that he actually was his brother, and he feels guilt for not protecting him in his time of need. Hassan has always been there for Amir and knows all of his needs, and is willing to sacrifice himself for him, while Amir couldn’t do the same.




Next page >
(older posts)