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b. Neurotic Claims
Assef believes that there is something wrong with the world outside. Assef believes that there is something wrong with the country of Afghanistan, including
its society, its people. Therefore, he tries to fix it. It is by killing Hazaras, making Afghanistan the land of Pasthuns, and also implementing new rules called Shari’a
rules made by Taliban. Feist and Feist explain that neurotics cannot see that their claims of special
privilege are unreasonable 174. When normal wishes are not fulfilled, people become understandably frustrated, but when neurotic claims are not met, neurotics
become indignant, bewildered, and unable to comprehend why others have not granted their claims.
The same case happens to Assef, he cannot understand that his claims are impossible. He believes that his claims are normal. Even, he considers that his
claims are what should have been occurred.
c. Neurotic Pride
Feist and Feist define it as “a false pride based not on a realistic view of the true self but on a spurious image of the idealized self 175.” Neurotics
imagine themselves to be glorious, wonderful, and perfect, so when others fail to treat them with special consideration, their neurotic pride is hurt.
Assef considers himself as a great man. As a half of Aryan and Pasthun, he considers himself as a special man that should have privileges. Therefore, when
the condition does not go along with he likes, he gets angry. It is seen when Assef
66 is threatened by Hassan. He has to leave Hassan and Amir, though he gets very
angry. Moreover, he keeps a grudge on Hassan. “You should know something about me, Hazara,” Assef said gravely. “I’m
very patient person. This doesn’t end today, believe me.” He turned to me. “This isn’t the end today, believe me.” He turned to me. “This isn’t the end
for you either, Amir. Someday, I’ll make you face me one on one.... Your Hazara made a big mistake today, Amir,” he said. They then turned
around, walked away. I watched them walk down the hill and disappear behind a wall Hosseini, 40.
Horney, as cited by Feist and Feist, says about the differences between
genuine self-esteem and neurotic pride. She says: Genuine self-esteem is based on realistic attributes and accomplishments
and is generally expressed with quiet dignity. Neurotic pride, on the other hand, is based on an idealized image of self and is usually loudly
proclaimed in order to support a glorified view of one’s self 175. Therefore, Assef’s pride is derived from his idealized portrait that is Hitler.
Meanwhile, he also expresses it loudly by doing many cruelties and massacres. Even, he refers all the hellish actions as media to teach the people. To the subject
of a stoning punishment done in the public place, Assef proudly says “Public justice is the greatest kind of show, my brother. Drama, suspense. And, best of all,
education en masse Hosseini, 254.” Feist and Feist append that in order to achieve and protect their pride
neurotics also try to become associated with socially prominent and prestigious institutions and acquisitions 175. This is what Assef has done. He merges
himself to Taliban, even, becoming the leader of Taliban, a prominent institution in Afghanistan.
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CHAPTER V CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
This chapter presents two major points. Those are conclusions and suggestions. The conclusions deal with concise explanation on how the figure of
Assef is viewed from Horney’s Psychoanalytic Theory. The suggestions consist of the recommendation for further researches on this topic and for teaching learning
activities which relate to literary works.
A. Conclusions
The figure of Assef in Hosseini’s The Kite Runner fulfils Horney’s Basic Attitude that is Moving against People. He conforms the needs required that
attitude. The needs are the need to be powerful, the need to exploit others, the need to receive recognition and prestige, the need to be admired, the need to reach
personal achievement. Here, the writer describes the figure of Assef in order to illustrate how he is able to fulfill those needs:
Assef is portrayed as a person of Afghan and German origin. He is good- looking. He is the only child of his parents. His parents are described as very rich
people. However, it seems that his parents spoil him too much. Assef likes to read books, especially his mother’s books, which are about Hitler. Alas, Assef is
influenced by the books. Assef is cruel and brutal. During his childhood, he has been famous of his
savagery by the other children in Wazir Akbar Khan. He ever cut a child’s right
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