The Role of Social Class and Ethnicity in The Kite Runner: Exploring the Tension Between Pashtuns and Hazaras

The Role of Social Class and Ethnicity in The Kite Runner: Exploring the Tension Between Pashtuns and Hazaras

One of the most powerful aspects of The Kite Runner is its portrayal of the social and ethnic divisions in Afghanistan, specifically the tension between Pashtuns and Hazaras. The Pashtun-Hazara divide forms the backdrop for much of the conflict in the story, influencing the characters’ relationships, particularly that of Amir and Hassan.

Amir, a Pashtun, enjoys the privileges that come with his ethnic background, while Hassan, a Hazara, faces systemic discrimination and is considered an inferior by many. This societal divide creates a deep rift between the two friends, despite their closeness growing up. Hassan’s loyalty to Amir is unwavering, even when faced with mistreatment, while Amir’s betrayal is rooted in the shame he feels for Hassan’s ethnicity and his own inability to fully accept their bond.

The novel explores how these social divisions not only affect individual relationships but also contribute to the larger social and political tensions in Afghanistan. Hosseini uses the Pashtun-Hazara divide to shed light on the destructive power of ethnic prejudice and the inherent injustices in such a hierarchical society.