Helena and Hermia - Friends

“As if our hands, our sides, voices, and minds,

Had been incorporate. So we grew together,

Like to a double cherry—seeming parted

But yet an union in partition—

Two lovely berries molded on one stem” (3.2.210-215)

The lines presented by Shakespeare are a perfect example of how easily a relationship can fall apart. They have grown up together, and were with each other, growing like a double cherry. Helena and Hermia were best friends before this argument over love happened, which separated their friendship. A long durable relationship was ruined over a person.


Above: Helena and Hermia's friendship

Love and Marriage

“Amir jan, as for you, I welcome you to my home as a son, as the husband of my daughter who is the noor of my eye.” (Hosseini, 144)

Left: Soraya and Amir




Here, General Taheri, Soraya’s father, declares that he allows Amir to marry Soraya. He trusts Amir to take care of her daughter, and that he will help her turn a new leaf. General Taheri is in agreement with Baba’s request. This is relatable to the theme of family and friendship, as they are starting a new family from their relationship.

Parent Child Rivalry

“And, my gracious duke,

Be it so she will not here before your grace

Consent to marry with Demetrius,

I beg the ancient privilege of Athens.

As she is mine, I may dispose of her—

Which shall be either to this gentleman

Or to her death—according to our law

Immediately provided in that case.” (1.1.39-46)

Above: Egeus forcing Hermia to marry Demetrius

Egeus and his daughter, Hermia, have a conflict where he wants her to marry Demetrius, although she loves Lysander. He obtains permission to either make her marry Demetrius, or have her killed. She rebels, and decides to plan to marry Lysander outside of Athens, where the law can’t tell her what to do. This relationship between father and daughter is not a healthy relationship.

Best Friend Betrayal

“He knew I had betrayed him and yet he was rescuing me once again, maybe for the last time. I loved him in that moment, loved him more than I'd ever loved anyone, and I wanted to tell them all that I was the snake in the grass, the monster in the lake.”

Video: Amir betrays Hassan but Hassan sacrifices for him

Amir’s actions have snowballed him into betraying Hassan. It all started when he watches Hassan get raped by Assef, and was too cowardly to stop him. The guilt of his actions led to Amir being rude to Hassan, and not considering him as a friend.  Amir then accuses Hassan of stealing his watch and money, making them move out of the house. The past always claws its way out.

The Kite Runner?

“For you a thousand times over. Hassan the hare lipped kite runner” (Hosseini, 2)





















Above: Amir and Hassan, the kite fighter and the kite runner


In two sentences, Amir and Hassan’s relationship is described. The first sentence is packed full of emotions of love and respect for Hassan. Hassan would do anything for Amir, and all his love and commitment was put into him. He would do it a thousand times for Amir, and would do difficult tasks to benefit Amir. Their friendship was broken when Amir betrays Hassan, and he sacrifices himself to not get him in trouble.



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