Hassan - Character Analysis

Character Analysis

Hassan is Amir's playmate and servant. He is a Hazara and Shi'a Muslim. He's also the son of Ali. Hassan considers Amir his friend, although Amir never consciously considers Hassan as such. Hassan epitomizes the perfect servant who is loyal to his master, even after the master betrays him.

Hassan is a truly good and beautiful person even though he's had his fair share of hard times. In fact, Hassan has it tougher than Amir from the beginning. Not only did Hassan lose his mother, his mother flat-out rejected him.

But Hassan, unlike Amir, is a selfless and joy-filled creature. Hassan covers for Amir when they get in trouble. He defends Amir when the neighborhood bullies threaten them. The boy also serves Amir and Baba with the thoughtless goodwill of a saint.

Hassan's ability to suffer without becoming bitter really separates Amir and Hassan.

Though Amir’s character arc is about growth, Hassan’s arc is about not changing at all. From the start and through his death, Hassan remains the same: loyal, forgiving, and good-natured. As a servant to Baba and Amir, Hassan grows up with a very particular role in life. While Amir prepares for school in the morning, Hassan readies Amir’s books and his breakfast. While Amir is at school getting an education, Hassan helps Ali with the chores and grocery shopping. As a result, Hassan learns that it is his duty to sacrifice himself for others. Hassan comes across as the personification of innocence as a result.

Amir always talked Hassan into firing walnuts at the neighbour’s one-eyed German shepherd. Hassan never wanted to but if Amir really insisted then he would never deny him. Further, when Hassan’s father, Ali caught them, Hassan would take the blame on himself even though it was actually Amir’s fault.

Hassan was incapable of hurting anyone. A few grunt, a couple of pushes, and out came Hassan. Out he came smiling.

When the neighborhood boys teased Amir, Hassan always defended him.... [continues]

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