Why Is The Kite Runner Considered A Classic

Though The Kite Runner has not had as much time to age into being called a “classic” like To Kill a Mockingbird or The Great Gatsby, I argue that yes this book should be brought to classic status. Time be damned! Classics are novels that have received acclaim from the critics as well as the readers, as well as well known. Classics dive into raw and sometimes taboo topics and the author uses a unique style of writing. Khaled Hosseini’s novel The Kite Runner should be brought to classic status, literally speaking, because the novel addresses taboo themes and topics, relatability, and style of the writing. I argue that without a doubt that those qualities in the novel bring it up to classic status. Race, religion, sexuality, gender roles, rape,
Most of my peers and fellow americans all face the same issues Amir does. Amir has a severe case of daddy issues, by which I mean he’s constantly seeking the approval of his father, which he never receives. “Sometimes I sat there for an hour, sometimes two, listening to their laughter, their chatter.” (Hosseini, 5). This heartbreaking neglect by Baba takes a toll on Amir, he’s constantly being pushed away by his father, and for what reason he doesn't know. This leads to Amir’s strive to make Baba proud of him, which he never seems to do until he is grown, which is a vicious cycle for young Amir. Every young and developing child who has a “sibling” fears being overshadowed or not being the favorite child in the household. Growing up Amir and Hassan were as close as brothers (and we soon find out they actually are half brothers) sharing numerous aspects and milestone of their young lives together. This leads to Amir becoming jealous of Hassan and how seemingly easy it is for him to earn Baba’s approval, leading to Amir in turn to become resentful to Hassan. “there was something fascinating – albeit in a sick way – about teasing Hassan. Kind of like when we used to play insect torture. Except now, he was the ant and I was holding the magnifying glass.” (Hosseini, 54). The feeling of superiority that Amir feels over Hassan because he is educated and literate, and Hassan is not, is a sick form of making up for the resentment he has towards Hassan because Baba is nicer to him. Religion in the middle east is most oftenly celebrated in the form of Islam, and those who do practice the teachings of Islam are devout to the word of the Qur'an. Though the ideals and morals of Baba are a new and interesting take on how religion is celebrated in Amir’s household growing up, since it so strongly contrasts other views on the religion. “‘Now, no matter what the mullah teaches, there is