Essay Do You Have To Always Be The Hero

Submitted By Akira-Asakura
Words: 552
Pages: 3

“Do you have to always be the hero? I thought, my heart fluttering, Can’t you just let it go for once? But I knew he couldn’t---- it wasn’t in his nature.” (Chp.10, pg. 122)
Characteristic: Cowardice
Critical Perspective: Psychoanalytical In the quote, Amir expresses his fear of Baba’s sense of justice as he bravely confronts a Russian soldier. Amir describes how Baba’s authoritative and righteous nature allows him to face the soldier recklessly, without fear of death. In contrast, the quote emphasizes Amir’s more passive and cowardly personality. Unlike his father, Amir is more willing to allow the Russian soldier to have his way with a passenger in exchange for admittance through the checkpoint. In a moment of fear, both for his and Baba’s safety, Amir selfishly descends to cowardice as seen in the quote, where he hopes that Baba would refrain from agitating the soldier, thus possibly endangering them. The consequence of doing so, however, would possibly be the assault of an innocent woman. In terms of critical theory, a psychoanalytical perspective can be utilized to analyze Amir’s character, specifically Freudian psychology. Amir applies his instinct under the stressful situation of being interrogated and proceeds to succumb to fearfulness. He is conscious of the alternative choice being horrible; however due to his fear of death he sets aside his ego and opts that Baba refrain from his act of courage.

“And that was how Baba ended those humiliating food stamp moments at the cash register and alleviated one of his greatest fears: that an Afghan would see him buying food with charity money.” (Chp.11, pg.138)
Characteristic: Prideful
Critical Perspective: Psychoanalytical
In the quote, Amir reflects on Baba’s act of defiance against food stamps by returning them and refusing “free money”. Baba argues that he has worked for a living in Afghanistan; ergo he will not accept any kind of sustenance from any institution, as he is more than capable of providing for his family. The statement describes Baba’s prideful nature. Baba displays reluctance to “give up his honor” by accepting aid from the government, saying