Object of the Study

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CHAPTER IV ANALYSIS

In this chapter, the writer answers the questions in the problem formulation. The theories and method mentioned earlier are used in this chapter. In order to configure the identity of Amir and Baba in the novel, the analysis is segmented into two parts. First is finding out how are Amir and Baba characterized, second is how the characteristics unveil the construction of identity based on the diasporic discourse.

A. The Depiction of Amir and Baba in Hosseini’s The Kite Runner

In this subchapter, M. J. Murphy’s theory is used to analyze Amir and Baba as the main characters.In general, Amir and Baba’s characterizations are derived from another character’s point of view, character’s speech, character’s past life, character’s thoughts, character’s habits, and conversations among other characters. Amir lives as a rich boy in Kabul with his Baba, a rich businessman. However, their condition changes when they move to the US, they become poor. Baba has to work in little jobs with little payment. Nevertheless, Amir successfully graduates from creative writing major and he becomes a published writer. The complete analysis of Amir’s and Baba’s characteristics are as follows.

1. The Depiction of Amir a. Amir and His Afghan Cultural Background

In order to know Amir’s characteristics, dissecting the cultural background inside the novel is necessary since his life and personality are closely intertwined with his Afghan cultural background.The customs and practices of Aghan society are really palpable in the story and Amir also takes part of it. For instance, as an Aghan society, Amir celebrated Eid, played kites, sacrificed a lamb, had a habit of greeting every guest in an event, eaten together from a large plate with family, and so on. Those are the examples of customs and practices of Afghan people. Another aspect is seeing the social construction in Afghan society. Examining the social hierarchy in the novel, Amir is included in the upper class society of Aghanistan. He is the son of a very wealthy and influental man in Kabul. His father, Baba, is one of the richest businessmen in Kabul. “So Baba proved them all wrong by not only running his own bussiness but by becoming one of the richest merchants in Kabul. Baba and Rahim Khan built a successful carpeting bussiness, two pharmacies, and a restaurant” 2007:16. Afghan society respects Baba tremendously because of his success and achievements. As a result, Amir always gets what he wants. It can be seen when Amir has a birthday, he gets many presents, the presents are only left piling up in the corner. “Sitting in the middle of my room the next morning, I ripped open box after box of presents. I don’t know why I even bothered” 2007:110. Amir is financially secure in his childhood life in Afghanistan. What he wants is always fulfilled because of his father’s wealth. Therefore, Amir has access to a better education, better books, better food, better recreational activities, and better treatment in society. The adults in the novel generally spoil and treat Amir very well because of his Baba’s financial influence. For example, in several occassions or events PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI