Hassan's Fate: From Loyal Servant to Martyr

Hassan's life trajectory from childhood loyalty to his murder by the Taliban.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Childhood Loyalty

Childhood Loyalty The Early Years Hassan is born in 1964, the son of Ali and Sanaubar. His mother abandons him days after birth. He is raised by Ali in the servants' hut. He and Amir are nursed by the same woman, creating a bond that Hassan cherishes. He learns to be loyal and protective of Amir, always defending him from bullies. The Kite Runner Hassan is the best kite runner in Kabul. He has an uncanny ability to predict where a kite will land. He runs the last kite for Amir in the 1975 tournament, shouting, "For you, a thousand times over!" This act of devotion leads to his rape by Assef. Despite the trauma, he remains loyal to Amir, even confessing to a theft he did not commit to protect him. The Exile After being framed, Hassan leaves Kabul with Ali. They move to a village near Bamiyan. Hassan marries Farzana and becomes a farmer. He never blames Amir for what happened. He writes a letter to Amir, expressing hope that they will meet again. The letter is never sent.

Return to Kabul and Death

Return to Kabul and Death The Return In 1986, Rahim Khan finds Hassan and brings him back to Kabul to care for Baba's house. Hassan refuses to live in the main house out of respect for Amir. He tends the garden, rebuilds the wall, and keeps the house alive. He becomes a father to Sohrab and a devoted son to his mother Sanaubar when she returns. Life Under the Taliban When the Taliban take over, Hassan fears for his family. He teaches Sohrab to read and write, and takes him kite running. He writes a letter to Amir, describing the beauty of Sohrab and the horrors of the regime. He hopes for a better future. The Martyrdom After Rahim Khan leaves for Pakistan, the Taliban come to the house. They accuse Hassan of being a trespasser. He protests, and they shoot him in the back of the head. Farzana attacks them and is also killed. Sohrab is taken to an orphanage. Hassan's life ends as it began—in sacrifice for others. His loyalty and goodness are rewarded with death, but his son becomes the instrument of Amir's redemption.

1964 to 1975

1986 to 1998