Amir and Baba share a deep bond rooted in their complex relationship as father and son. Both are driven by strong principles and a desire for honor, though they express these traits differently. They also grapple with personal insecurities; Amir seeks his father's approval while Baba struggles with the expectations of masculinity and legacy. Ultimately, their shared experiences highlight the themes of love, disappointment, and the quest for redemption in their lives.
Baba felt deeply disappointed and frustrated by Amir's decision to pursue writing instead of following a more traditional and masculine path, such as sports or business. He believed that Amir's choices reflected a lack of ambition and strength, which clashed with his own values and expectations. This tension created a rift in their relationship, as Baba struggled to understand Amir's aspirations and passions. Ultimately, Baba's feelings stemmed from a desire for Amir to embody the qualities he valued most.
Amir's favorite pastime is writing, which his father, Baba, cannot stand. Baba believes that writing is not a masculine pursuit and that it lacks the strength and grit he values. This difference in interests creates tension between them, as Amir longs for his father's approval while also wanting to pursue his passion.
At the first checkpoint in "The Kite Runner," Baba's fierce reaction to the Taliban soldiers reveals his strong moral convictions and sense of honor. When the soldiers demand a humiliating act of submission from a woman, Baba intervenes, risking his life to protect her dignity. This incident highlights Baba's bravery and principles, contrasting sharply with Amir's more passive nature, as Amir struggles with feelings of inadequacy and fear. Their differing responses to danger underscore the complex dynamics of their relationship and the themes of courage and redemption in the story.
Mr. Nguyen offended Baba by making a dismissive comment about his traditional values and the way he raised Amir. He implied that Baba's beliefs and upbringing were outdated, which struck a nerve with Baba, who took immense pride in his principles and heritage. This critique of his character and parenting deeply hurt Baba, leading to tension between the two.
In Khaled Hosseini's novel "The Kite Runner," Baba, Amir's father, finds work as a successful businessman in the United States after fleeing Afghanistan. He opens a gas station and later expands into a convenience store, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture, Baba remains proud and maintains his values of hard work and integrity. His success contrasts with Amir's struggles to gain his father's approval and find his own identity.
Amir sacrifices his own dignity and truthfulness in order to keep a secret hidden from Baba. He also sacrifices his own happiness and relationship with Hassan in order to gain Baba's love and approval.
Baba shocks Amir by letting Hassan and Ali stay at the house, as Amir had put the wristwatch and Afghani bills under Hassan's mattress so that when Baba did find out about Hassan's stealing (a trait that Baba once told Amir he would never forgive in a person), Baba would want to push them out. Instead of Baba kicking them out, he forgave Hassan for "stealing" (he only admits stealing from Amir to protect him), and begs them to stay. Hassan and Ali leave the next morning and Baba weeps when they leave.
Baba gifts Amir with a red 1976 Mustang as a graduation present. Amir is thrilled by this thoughtful gift and it symbolizes Baba's love and pride in his son's accomplishments.
Amir received a notebook and a brand-new leather-bound copy of "Shahnamah" from Baba for his birthday.
Baba and Amir are Afghan refugees who flee to the United States to escape the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
Nausea, Amir kept getting sick on the truck when fleeing Afghanistan
Baba's name is never given, and neither is Baba's father's (Amir's grandfather). They are only ever referred to as 'Baba', and Amir's grandfather or Baba's father.
In a truck.
Amir says this to Baba in "The Kite Runner" because he believes that Baba is being hypocritical. Baba expects his son to be honest and upstanding, yet he himself hides a dark secret from his past. By referencing the word "sataran," which means noble in Farsi, Amir is calling out Baba's moral double standard.
Amir tells Baba he thinks he has cancer as an attempt to explain his recent behaviors and to seek forgiveness for keeping secrets about Hassan's assault from Baba. Amir believes that by sharing this news, Baba might understand the guilt and burden he has been carrying.
Baba's snoring is a source of comfort for Amir, as it assures him of his father's presence and safety. It helps Amir relax and feel secure, especially during difficult times. Baba's snoring also serves as a reminder of their close bond and connection.
Baba and Amir ran a flea market stand selling used merchandise to supplement their income. Baba also fixed appliances and did gardening work for others. Amir worked odd jobs, tutoring students and editing manuscripts.