To get the whole picture one must first go further back in time then needed, so I will be starting with Afghanistan in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. Afghanistan at this point was still considered to be an empire. Previously it had been conquered by the Mongols in the thirteenth century, but had never been defeated or owned by any western power. The ruling system for Afghanistan was still a monarchy right up until the revolution. Because Afghanistan had kept the same ruling system for such a long time they were not used to change. In describing Afghans, Amir was quoted in saying "Afghans cherish custom." (51). Afghans have not changed their ways in so many years that the revolution must have been a shock,
It all started when in 1973, two years before Hassan is raped, when a coup d'etat disposes of of King Zahir Shah, a person that had been the ruler of Afghanistan since 1933. The coup is lead by his cousin, Mohammed Daoud Khan, who then becomes the ruler and self proclaimed "first president of Afghanistan" after abolishing he monarchy. This night is actually described in the book as the day people were only "hunting ducks" in Kabul. It is also referenced to be the beginning of the end of the Amir and Baba's old way of life. After the coup d'etat life becomes more difficult for a few years, but nothing too drastic. We also do not get a good sense of the change of life because of how wealthy Baba is and how focused Amir is on his relationship to Hassan.
Khaled Hosseini then skips ahead from 1975 to 1981 when Amir and Baba are being smuggled in Pakistan. At this point two major changes have happened to Afghanistan. First there was the Saur Revolution, where communists came to power in Afghanistan and disposed of President Khan. Before this regime could gain any traction, protesters took to the streets in an uprising against the new communist rulers. Within months this turns into a full fledged civil war. Then in 1979 the USSR intervenes in support of the communist side. At this point many Afghans are fleeing into Pakistan to avoid the war. This is where we see Amir and Baba when they are being smuggled out of the country. At this point it is the end for the old ways of life that Amir and Baba used to have. They eventually move to the United States and Baba loses the country he loved and the community he had.
It all started when in 1973, two years before Hassan is raped, when a coup d'etat disposes of of King Zahir Shah, a person that had been the ruler of Afghanistan since 1933. The coup is lead by his cousin, Mohammed Daoud Khan, who then becomes the ruler and self proclaimed "first president of Afghanistan" after abolishing he monarchy. This night is actually described in the book as the day people were only "hunting ducks" in Kabul. It is also referenced to be the beginning of the end of the Amir and Baba's old way of life. After the coup d'etat life becomes more difficult for a few years, but nothing too drastic. We also do not get a good sense of the change of life because of how wealthy Baba is and how focused Amir is on his relationship to Hassan.
Khaled Hosseini then skips ahead from 1975 to 1981 when Amir and Baba are being smuggled in Pakistan. At this point two major changes have happened to Afghanistan. First there was the Saur Revolution, where communists came to power in Afghanistan and disposed of President Khan. Before this regime could gain any traction, protesters took to the streets in an uprising against the new communist rulers. Within months this turns into a full fledged civil war. Then in 1979 the USSR intervenes in support of the communist side. At this point many Afghans are fleeing into Pakistan to avoid the war. This is where we see Amir and Baba when they are being smuggled out of the country. At this point it is the end for the old ways of life that Amir and Baba used to have. They eventually move to the United States and Baba loses the country he loved and the community he had.
Good discussion of the historical context and setting of the novel, as well as the reasons why Hosseini might be choosing not to explore all of the historical information. Certainly the shifts that occur, especially when Amir and his father move to America.
ReplyDeleteMore of this historical context is covered in Hosseini's other novels, all of which take place in Afghanistan primarily. I think The Kite Runner most closely follows Hosseini's own experiences.
I agree that Hosseini intentionally fails to address the Soviet invasion, and I wouldn't have it any other way. As it stands, pre-war and post-war Afghanistan are nicely contrasted, a contrast that could be blurred if the storyline continued in Soviet Afghanistan instead of the United States. As the Kite Runner was published in 2003, perhaps the original audience intended by Hosseini would have better background knowledge of the Soviet invasion than we would.
ReplyDeleteAs someone not reading the book or familiar, I am curious as to how the change in scenery changes Amir and Baba as people. Are they more reclusive, less trusting of others? Also how does this all relate to Hosseini's life?
ReplyDeleteThe change in scenery does change Amir and Baba, but it does not necessarily make them more reclusive. America is good for Amir because of his past demons that exist in Afghanistan and the chance to make a new identity for himself. The change is not great for Baba, but they do move to an Afghani part of the town, so Baba is still the gregarious host he was in Afghanistan. However, Baba misses the traditions that exist in Afghanistan and their way of life there and struggles with the new way of life in America.
Delete