The struggle of being a successful father is constantly exhibited in Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner. In the poverty-stricken country of Afghanistan, fathering could not be more difficult. Being a positive role model is a crucial characteristic for fathers to have and it is prominent throughout the novel. With Afghani children being exposed to imminent threats of violence, it is necessary that they have a father that can provide and show a sense of compassion. Baba accurately exemplifies this constant struggle with his son Amir, which in times strengthens their relationship. The children of Afghanistan need good-willed fathers that can provide and guide them to becoming the best person they can be. .
In The Kite Runner, Afghanistan is portrayed as a poor country in the middle of a power struggle, after a Soviet invasion. A successful father is one that displays courage even in the darkest of times. Baba, being a powerful businessman who does not agree with the communist ideology, fears his life and flees the country with Amir. They arrive at a checkpoint manned by a drunken Russian soldier. The soldier demands some "alone time" with a woman on the truck and Baba refuses that the woman gets off the truck with bravery. This act of heroism proves Baba is a man who stand for what he believes in and has good, pure morals. "Tell him I'll take a thousand bullets before I let this indecency take place," Baba said. (Hosseini 116) Through this risky act of courage, Baba teaches Amir that standing up against such evil is the right thing to do, even if it may get you killed. Another man who displays courage and risks his life for a child in need is Amir. Amir goes back to his homeland, Afghanistan, to rescue Hassan's son Sohrab from war-ravaged Kabul, a place so devastated even he, who was born and raised in Afghanistan, could not recognize.
"A sadness came over me. Returning to Kabul was like running into an old, forgotten friend and seeing that life hadn't been good to him that he'd become homeless and destitute.
