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2. Assef’s Social and Cultural Backgrounds
Karen Horney’s psychoanalytic theory states that social and cultural backgrounds influence somebody’s personality. In this thesis, the writer has made
a list of Assef’s social and cultural backgrounds.
a. Communality and Individuality
Assef lives in a country and society which has style of live collectivism. It is like most of the countries in Eastern in which the people have great level
collectivism. Hofstede said that Eastern culture is communalism or collectivism; he gives an example of Pakistan 300. Hofstede said that, on the other hand, most
westerns feel that individual is good 298. Therefore, it seems that Assef has mixed traits. He shows several
characteristics of individuality as well as collectivism. His individuality is the result of his family nurture. Assef has Germany origin. This factor seems
influence him: he shows an individuality trait. His collectivism shows when he used to be with Wali and Kamal. It is also
strengthened by the used of word ‘us’ in his sentence, “Maybe you didn’t notice, but there are three of us and two of you Hosseini, 39.”
Assef’s individuality is seen when he makes decision. The example is when he challenges Amir to fight in order to get Sohrab. He decides to fight alone.
Assef called the guards back into the room. “I want you to listen to me,” he said to them. “In a moment, I’m going to close the door. Then he and I are going to finish
an old bit of business. No matter what you hear, don’t come in Do you hear me? Don’t come in Hosseini, 263”
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b. Respectable Manner
Assef dwells in a society. Assef lives in Afghanistan. Assef is a Pasthun, which is regarded as the most respectable ethic group in Afghanistan. Pasthuns are
proud of themselves. Those matters are likely to lead Pasthuns having a narrow believe stating that they are the best ethnic group in Afghanistan. Assef is one of
many Afghans who have that kind of idea. Even, Assef believes that Afghanistan is the land of Pasthuns.
With regard to the fact that Pasthun is a respectable ethnic group in Afghanistan, Pasthun people have what so called as Pakthunwali, a moral code of
Pasthuns. They also have nang and namoos, which mean honor and pride. Their awareness of nang and namoos influence them in making any decision and action.
The example is when Amir wants to approach Soraya. Baba reminds Amir about Soraya’s father. Baba says “The man is a Pasthun to the root. He has nang and
namoos.” Nang and namoos Hosseini, 134. Then, it is explained that nang and namoos are honor and pride. “The tenets of Pasthun men. Especially when it came
to the chastity of a wife. Or a daughter Hosseini, 134.” Pasthuns have a kind of manner stating that they should be warm to others.
They should perform great hospitality; always trying to be as good as they can in front of others. It is seen when Amir and Farid stay in Wahid’s house. Wahid and
his wife serve the best cook for Amir. However, Amir accidentally hears the conversation between Wahid’s wife and Wahid.
I was about to go back inside when I heard voices coming from the house. I recognized one as Wahid’s.
“ – nothing left for the children.”
52 “We’re hungry but we’re not savages He is a guest What was I supposed
to do?” he said in a strained voice. “ – to find something tomorrow.” She sounded near tears.
“What do I feed – Hosseini, 223 “ Assef is polite. He can produce a quiet good utterance that successfully
wins Baba’s heart at Amir’s birthday party Hosseini, 89. It is because of the influence of Pakthunwali, which requires Pasthuns to be polite.
c. Hatred toward Hazaras
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