Bravery and Cowardice in The Kite Runner Essay

The true coward that Amir called Hassan is really himself, because at least Hassan faced his attackers bravely while Amir just ran.

How does Hosseini convey his ideas and values relating to bravery and cowardice?

In the novel The Kite Runner written by Hhaled Hosseni the theme of bravery and cowardice is evident through many characters throughout the novel. Bravery could be defined as courage or a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear and cowardice could be defined as the lacking of courage. With this definition I agree to an extent that Amir was a coward but at the same time Hassan was weak when he did not tell anyone about the rape in the begging, he just kept to himself continuing doing his own thing.

Hosseini has displayed bravery and cowardice throughout Amirs childhood. Amir fails to stand up for what he believes in and what is right. Amir portrays weaknesses and cowardice in several different ways, obviously they main theme of cowardice being portrayed by Hosseini in Arim would be the rape incident in when he turned a blind eye to it and ran away not supporting Hassan. Amirs father, Baba, has mentioned that A boy who wont stand up for himself becomes a man who cant stand up for anything and this is very relevant to Amir and some extend Hassan. Amir is also given many opportunities to display his bravery but fails to remain strong at crucial times out of fear of the consequences. Even as an adult he retains weak and selfish qualities. However it is only until the end of the novel when Amir finds the courage and bravery to redeem himself by rescuing Sohrab. By doing so he is able to prove Baba wrong that although he was a child with little courage, he has become a man who stands up for his beliefs.

Hassan shows that he is able to protect other people; Hosseini has conveyed cowardice through him when he does not conjure the same courage to stand up for himself. Hassan had always stood by and protected Amir but never himself. The courage and loyalty he shows to Amir is far greater than what he gets in return. Hassan also shows courage when he stands up for Amir at his party when he admits to stealing the money.

Baba has been portrayed by Hosseini to be both brave and a coward, this is shown when Amir wins the kite running competition and Baba starts to listen and take notice of Amir and his interests. However this only lasts for a week or so but before and after that Baba went back to his old selfish ways, this is proven when Aamir asked Baba if he could go to jalalabad on the Friday night and Baba replied why not then Amir went on to say lately, Baba had agreed to everything I asked. Bravery has been shown through Baba when he finally accepts who Amir is and can relate to him and his interests.

It is clear that Hosseini had conveyed these ideas and values of bravery and cowardice through Amir, Baba and Hassan in many different ways and to an extent I do believe all of them are guilty of cowardice but at the same time have shown aspects of bravery and courage to stand up for there own rights.