Who is Baba Baba is the father of
Who is Baba? �Baba is the father of Amir, but we is also find out that he is also the father of Hassan. �We don’t ever find out Baba’s name, but we know that Rahim Khan gave him the nickname “Toophan agha” which means Mr Hurricane.
At the beginning… � Baba has a very good reputation and was well known for being wealthy and strong, very open about his opinions. � “Baba, had built the most beautiful house in the Wazir Akbar Khan district…” – P 4 � “Sprawling house of marble floors… a crystal chandelier hung from the vaulted ceiling. ” – P 4 � “There is only one sin, only one. And that is theft. ” – P 17 � “When you tell a lie, you steal someone’s right to the truth. When you cheat, you steal the right to fairness. ” – P 17
Baba and Amir’s Relationship � The theme of father/son relationship is a very important theme in the story. � Amir looked up to his dad and worshipped his father – “Lore has it my father once wrestled a black bear… with his bare hands. ” - P 12 � Baba is described by Amir as “a force of nature”
Baba and Amir’s Relationship � Amir craves Baba’s attention but because of what Baba did he pushes Amir away and ignores him. – “Sometimes I asked Baba if I could sit with them, but Baba would always stand in the doorway. “Go on now. . . This is grown ups’ time” � Baba is portrayed by Hosseni as a bad father in the book as he treats his sons differently and is very harsh on Amir.
Baba’s Guilt � Baba was a man who was applauded for the good things he did for the community they lived in, but it wasn’t for the people he was doing it for it was himself. � “Baba decided to build an orphanage” – P 13 � “Baba had drawn the blueprints himself” – P 13 � Amir realises that all the times Baba had done things for Hassan and mentioned him was because he was trying to let his guilt out. � “ Baba hiring Dr. Kumar to fix Hassan’s harelip. ” � “Baba never missing Hassan’s birthday” � When Baba said “Hassan’s not going anywhere… he’s staying right here where he belongs. ” – P 208
Baba in America… � When Baba and Amir immigrate to America due to the war, Baba changed from being a wealthy and successful business man to working in a gas station. � “Six days a week, Baba pulled twelve-hour shifts pumping gas, running the register, changing oil, and washing windshields. ” � “One of his greatest fears. That an Afghan would see him buying food with charity money…”
Baba in America… � Baba worked hard at the gas station to earn as much money for Amir and for his future, he sacrifices his own happiness. � Although the only time we see Baba be happy in America is when he sees Amir graduate, and they go for a drink and then Baba gives Amir his present, the car. � “Then he saw me and waved. Smiled. ”- P 122 � “I wish Hassan had been with us today. ”- P 124
Baba’s Cancer � “It started with a hacking cough and the sniffles” – P 141 � “Baba’s was called “Oat Cell Carcinoma” Advanced. Inoperable. ” – P 143 � Baba’s cancer got worse and worse, he was spitting blood and feeling tired and then he began to have seizures and that’s when Amir knew it was worse than he thought. � Baba’s cancer almost symbolises the guilt in him and that it was literally killing him.
Baba’s Cancer progressing… � Baba clearly knew that he was dying and wanted to make the most of it. � He “spent $35, 000, nearly the balance of his life savings, on the awroussi, the wedding ceremony…” � It was like even though Baba had endured a tough working life and is now dying from a critical illness, he still feels guilt and wants to redeem himself by paying for Amir’s wedding to allow him to be happy with the one he loves.
The ending �Baba took it upon himself to decide when it was his time to go. �“Baba never woke up. ”- P 160 �Baba’s funeral was very fitted to the character and personality he had about him. �By Megan Cowan
- Slides: 11