Contents
CHAPTER THREE
Overview
Amir paints Baba as a formidable, admired figure who imposes his own moral code and will on the world, highlighted by building an orphanage and rejecting religious dogma. Amir’s insecurities deepen as he fails to meet Baba’s ideals, culminating in overhearing Baba’s harsh doubts and lashing out at Hassan.
These moments harden Amir’s craving for Baba’s approval and foreshadow choices driven by shame and rivalry with Hassan.
Summary
Amir describes Baba’s mythic stature—nicknamed “Mr. Hurricane,” reputed to have wrestled a bear—and the awe he inspires. Rahim Khan recounts how Baba built an orphanage despite naysayers, funding it himself. Amir enjoys a rare outing alone with Baba at Ghargha Lake, then proudly watches the orphanage opening, craving public association with his father.
Amir contrasts Baba’s triumphs—successful businesses, marriage to the respected Sofia Akrami—with Baba’s rigid, self-defined morality. When a mullah condemns drinking, Baba dismisses clerics and teaches Amir that all sin is theft, shaped by Baba’s father’s murder. Amir feels both drawn to and intimidated by Baba’s certainty.
Amir retreats into literature, failing to share Baba’s passion for sports. Despite Baba’s efforts, Amir remains unathletic and pretends interest. At the boisterous buzkashi tournament, a rider’s fatal trampling makes Amir cry, and Baba silently drives home, unable to hide his disappointment.
That night, Amir overhears Baba telling Rahim Khan that Amir never stands up for himself and that “something is missing” in him, noting Hassan often defends Amir. Rahim urges patience, but Baba doubts Amir’s future strength and fit for responsibility.
Wounded by the conversation, Amir’s shame hardens. The next morning, when Hassan gently asks what’s wrong, Amir snaps at him, contradicting Rahim Khan’s claim that Amir lacks a mean streak and underscoring his growing resentment and insecurity.
Who Appears
- BabaCommanding, admired father; builds an orphanage, rejects clerics, defines sin as theft; doubts Amir’s courage.
- AmirBookish, insecure narrator; seeks Baba’s approval, fails at sports, cries at buzkashi, overhears Baba’s criticism, snaps at Hassan.
- Rahim KhanBaba’s friend and confidant; names Baba “Mr. Hurricane,” counsels patience, gently challenges Baba’s expectations.
- HassanLoyal companion who defends Amir from bullies; later receives Amir’s misplaced anger after Baba’s remarks.
- Mullah Fatiullah KhanSchool mullah who condemns drinking; prompts Baba’s critique of religious dogmatism.
- Sofia AkramiAmir’s deceased mother; scholarly and esteemed, her memory heightens Amir’s guilt and Baba’s idealized past.