Approach of the Study

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 such as Amir’s birthday and a family gathering, the way the adults talk to Amir always project good manner and affection. “...plus Kakas and Khalas who were going to bring me gifts and congratulate me for having lived to thirteen” 2007:102. “Some of them tousled my hair and shook my hand too. I was so proud of Baba, of us” 2007: 16. They give special attention to Amir, as well. “ People raised their heads from their platters, called out their congratulations. Kaka Faruq patted my back with his clean hand” 2007:93.Culturally speaking, Afghan culture of respecting wealthy people puts Amir in a big advantage because of his father’s influences. Thus, it entails into set of solicitous social treatments by the people around Amir. Not only Amir is blessed by a wealthy background, his ethnic cultural background is also considered superior in the society. Amir is a Pashtun. His childhood life is considerably more fortunate because he is a Pashtun. In Afghanistan, particularly in Kabul, Pashtun society is seen as a more civilized and educated ethnic group. Furthermore, Amir’s bloodline is one of the noble families. His grandfather, Baba’s father, is an honorable judge in Kabul who even has met the King and Amir’s mother is one from royal family2007: 16. As a result, culturally, Amir is placed in a superior place in society. Meanwhile, a Hazara usually lives under poverty without education. The common occupation of a Hazara is being a servant of a Pashtun family. In the novel, Amir and his Baba have a Hazara servant family consisting of Hassan and his father, Ali. The society in general degrades Hazaras. They usually mock the physique of Hassan and Ali by caling them “flat-nosed” since they have the PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI