Nigeria's Pragmatic Choices: A Kite Runner Analysis

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

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Amir's Pragmatic Choices: Self-Preservation vs. Morality

Amir's journey in The Kite Runner is punctuated by pragmatic choices driven by fear and self-preservation, often at the expense of morality. His inaction during Hassan's assault is a pivotal moment, showcasing a prioritization of self over friendship and justice. This decision, born from a deep-seated fear of his father's disapproval, sets in motion a chain of events with devastating consequences.

The long-term ramifications of Amir's pragmatism are profound. His guilt and self-loathing haunt him for years, impacting his relationships and preventing genuine intimacy. Specific instances demonstrate this pattern:

• His betrayal of Hassan: Framing Hassan for theft to eliminate a rival for his father's affection is a clear act of pragmatic self-preservation.
• His silence regarding the assault: Amir's failure to defend Hassan speaks volumes about his prioritization of his own comfort and safety over his friend’s well-being.
• His flight from Afghanistan: Escaping the turmoil of his homeland is understandable, yet this decision further distances him from confronting the consequences of his actions.

These choices resonate with experiences in Nigeria. Navigating political instability, economic hardship, or social injustice often necessitates difficult choices, forcing individuals to prioritize survival over idealistic principles.

Hassan's Unwavering Loyalty: A Contrast to Pragmatic Self-Interest

In stark contrast to Amir's pragmatism, Hassan embodies unwavering loyalty and selflessness. Despite facing injustice and betrayal, Hassan's actions are consistently driven by his deep-seated friendship and unwavering moral compass. His unwavering loyalty shines through in several instances:

• His unwavering friendship with Amir: Hassan's friendship with Amir transcends social boundaries and class differences, remaining steadfast despite Amir's cruelty.
• His selfless actions on Amir's behalf: Hassan consistently prioritizes Amir's needs, even when it comes at his own expense.
• His acceptance of unjust treatment: Hassan’s enduring patience in the face of consistent mistreatment highlights a remarkable capacity for forgiveness and a moral strength that challenges the pragmatic self-interest portrayed by Amir.

Hassan’s character serves as a powerful counterpoint to Amir’s pragmatic approach, offering an alternative path – one that values integrity and loyalty above personal gain. This resonates with numerous Nigerians who prioritize community and family values even in the face of adversity.

Redemption Through Pragmatic Action: Amir's Journey of Atonement

Amir's eventual journey of redemption demonstrates that even pragmatic choices rooted in self-preservation can be counteracted by later actions driven by atonement. His decision to return to Afghanistan and rescue Sohrab, Hassan's son, represents a crucial shift in his priorities. His actions are a testament to his evolving understanding of morality and responsibility.

The steps Amir takes are pragmatic in their execution, but morally significant in their intent:

• His search for Sohrab: This involves overcoming immense personal challenges and facing his past traumas.
• His confrontation with Assef: This act requires immense courage and directly addresses the source of his guilt.
• His adoption of Sohrab: This demonstrates his commitment to providing Sohrab with the love and security that Hassan was denied.

This journey highlights the possibility of personal growth and redemption even after making difficult pragmatic choices. This theme resonates strongly in the Nigerian context, where many individuals strive for positive change and personal transformation despite challenging circumstances.

The Socio-Political Context: Mirrors of Nigerian Reality

The Kite Runner is set against the backdrop of Afghanistan under Taliban rule, a period marked by conflict, oppression, and social injustice. These elements find striking parallels in contemporary Nigeria, where issues like corruption, inequality, and ethnic tensions pose significant challenges.

Specific parallels between the fictional world of the novel and the realities of Nigeria include:

• Examples of social injustice in both contexts: Both societies grapple with systemic injustices that disproportionately impact marginalized communities.
• Similarities in the power dynamics depicted: The novel depicts a power imbalance similar to that present in Nigeria, where those in positions of authority often exploit their power.
• The impact of conflict and displacement on individuals: Both contexts showcase the devastating effects of conflict and displacement on individuals and families.

Understanding these parallels allows for a deeper engagement with The Kite Runner’s themes and a more informed approach to navigating similar challenges in Nigeria.

Conclusion: Navigating Pragmatism in Nigeria and Beyond

The Kite Runner presents a nuanced exploration of pragmatic choices, demonstrating how individual decisions, driven by fear or self-preservation, can have profound consequences. The contrasting choices of Amir and Hassan highlight the complex interplay between pragmatism and morality. The novel's socio-political context mirrors the challenges faced in Nigeria, providing a framework for understanding similar dilemmas in a different cultural landscape. By understanding the nuanced choices made in The Kite Runner, Nigerians can better navigate their own complex realities and strive for a more just and equitable society. Engage in a deeper analysis of The Kite Runner and its enduring lessons on pragmatism.