A Priveleged Unloved Boy into a Poor Loved Son

drinking vodka and smoking. Now, he has to work so hard until it takes toll on his physical condition. Six days a week, Baba pulled twelve-hour shifts pumping gas, running the register, changing oil, and washing windshields. I’d bring him lunch sometimes and washing windshields. I’d bring him lunch sometimes and find him looking for a pack of cugarretes on the shelves, a customer waiting on the other side of the oil-stained counter, Baba’s face drawn and pale under the bright fluorescent lights 2007:141. Baba also loses the power he once holds completely. In Afghanistan, Baba is trusted and respected that the community helps Baba for free without a doubt. However, it changes when he comes to America. In a work place, he is the same as any other gas-station attendants. People no longer idolize and respect him anymore. For instance, in Afghanistan, Baba does not need any money to buy food. The people in Afghanistan trust Baba’s power and money. However, in the US that does not happen. It is seen from one accident with Mr. and Mrs. Nguyen. When Mr. and Mrs. Nguyen want to see Baba’s ID as an insurance. Baba is angry. His pride is hurt. He wants to see my license,” Baba bellowed in Farsi. “Almost two years we’ve bought his damn fruits and put money in his pocket and the son of a dog wants to see my license” “Baba, it’s not personal,” I said, smiling at the Nguyens. “They’re supposed to ask for an ID” 2007:138-139. Furthermore, Baba, sometimes, struggles to retain his pride as a great Pashtun man who has power on his own despite now he lives as a blue collar worker. Baba refuses to have food coupons or welfare from the government. Baba believes that as a great Pashtun, he has to earn money on his own. Not begging money from others. Baba dropped the stack of food stamps on her desk. “Thank you but I dont want,” Baba said. “I work always. In Afganistan I work, in America I work. Thank you very much, Mrs. Dobbins, but I don’t like it free money” 2007:142. The pinnacle of Baba’s change happens when Baba falls sick because of cancer in his lungs. A terrible disease. The change of identity does not stop only in the social functions but also his physical power. Baba refuses to be treated because it will only spend so much money and Baba does not want Amir becomes burdened financially. Baba’s strong and big body also whiters away eroded by hard work and illness. The image of Baba completely changes in the US. The comment of others Aghans in the flea market reveals how bad Baba’s health is. “But the queries and compliments stopped when the weight loss didn’t. When the pounds kept shedding. And shedding. When his cheeks hollowed. And his temples melted. And his eyes receded in their sockets” 2007:171.In Afghanistan, Baba is seen a strong man. Rumor has it that he even wrestle black bear in Baluchistan with no weapon 2007: 13. It all changes in the US, his built is no longer sturdy and healthy, but frail and weak. It gets even worse because of his illness. There is a really staggering change in his identity. Now, he is a frail man who can not do whatever he wants, even he needs help of Amir to move around.

b. A Stubborn and Strict Father into a More Compassionate One

America also changes Baba to be a better father. Emotionally, Baba has become warm toward Amir. One of the changes in identity that breeds into something good. Baba in America is selfless toward Amir. Even though Baba is not happy in the US. However, Baba still stays there so Amir can get a better opportunity in life. Baba works hard to make sure that Amir does not have to work. Baba sacrifices his health for Amir. Baba wants Amir to get the best education Baba can afford. Baba says, “Besides, I didn’t bring us here for me, did I?” 2007:141 when Amir asks if they go to Peshawar instead of staying in the US. Baba also listens to Amir more. They spend more time together so naturally they talk about everything more. Thus, the distance between them that exists since Amir’s childhood shortens. Baba also expresses his feelings more to Amir instead of being indifferent and cold. In the US, Baba takes care of Amir greatly by sacrificing his interest and always prioritizing Amir’s needs. Baba works hard for Amir’s sake. Baba is also more accepting of Amir’s personalities and choices in his life. Back then, in Afghanistan, Baba shows strong dislike on Amir’s hobby of writing story because it is not masculine at all. However, Baba in the US, even wants to read the stories Amir made in his childhood. In the past, Baba refused to do so. Near his death, Baba does the things that in the past he couldn’t do in loving Amir 2007:187.

3. Amir’s Hybrid Identity and Baba’s Resistant Identity

As we have analyzed both of characters’ developments, then, it is essential to analyze the comparison of both characters’ identity formation to know the differences or similiarities of both identities. The previous subchapter explains how Amir and Baba face changes of conditions in their life. It is important to