Pride and Afghanistans Nicole Rong 10th Grade

When pride is prioritized, morality is compromised at the expense of others. Despite this being a desparingly unfortunate scenario, this case appears more often than one would think. As shown in the bildungsroman The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, pride becomes an obstacle when one's reputation is threatened. For this reason, the characters mirror the way of human nature, often sacrificing the quality of life for others for the sake of his or her pride.

Family approval is essential in Afghanistan culture in order to feel proud. Throughout the novel, Amir strives for reverence from his bigger-than-life Baba, who always said the only sin was theft. To Amir, gaining his father’s acceptance was the only way for him to obtain pride and self-worth. As Amir contemplates Baba’s words, he concludes that “Baba hated me [Amir] a little...I [Amir] had killed his beloved wife, his beautiful princess” (Hosseini 19). Amir believes he cost Baba a wife, and he could never live up to the standards Baba had set. Amir views Baba as a role model, whom he wished would be proud of him. Attempting to gain Baba’s respect, Amir wins the kite tournament and allows Hassan to get raped in order to protect a kite. He justifies his actions by reasoning, “...