The Kite Runner, Chapters 11-12

Here, in America, there is an interesting shift in the relationship between Amir and Baba. Amir no longer seems in awe of his father- perhaps because his father is no longer the man he once was. Working at a gas station, suffering health-wise, and with a graying beard and 'hair thinning at the temples,' no longer is he a God-like figure. He's simply mortal, and sad.

Having said that, he still retains some of his old hold over Amir, who still 'liked being on the receiving end of that [proud] look' after graduation, and who was subject to 'one of his smoldering Baba looks,' which had the same old power- 'the words had vaporized on my tongue.'

Their relationship seems a lot healthier, for all this, though. Amir receives Baba's present of a car gratefully, in contrast to the contempt he displayed the gifts he received on his 13th birthday.

Hassan's shadow, however, still hangs heavily over Amir. The sound of his name evokes the feeling of 'a pair of steel hands' closing around Amir's windpipe.

The most significant moment in this part of the book is Amir's declaration that: 'I didn't want to sacrifice for Baba any more.' This was the decision we were waiting for, the first indication that Amir is breaking away from his father.