On page 28 Amir is cruel to Hassan and teases him because he can't read. Read the passage beginning with "My favorite" until the end "harmless prank." Based on Freud's theory of Displacement, why is Amir being so cruel to Hassan? How has Hassan become a scapegoat? Make a connection to the events on page 23

Answers with Explanations:

1. Based on Freud's Theory of Displacement, why is Amir being to cruel to Hassan?

Freud's Theory of Displacement focuses on a self-defense form whereby an individual transfers his emotions, feelings, ideas and the like to a less threatening individual. This means that the person is transferring his feelings from one person to another.

In the story entitled "Kite Runner," Amir shows cruelty to Hassan because Hassan was the favorite of his father (Baba). This is also because Baba would often comment on Amir as being weak, so Amir displaces his father's feelings to Hassan.

2. How has Hassan become a scapegoat?

"Scapegoat" means taking the blame on another person for something which an individual has done. Hassan has become a scapegoat when he falsely confessed to Baba that he stole the watch and money, which was actually placed by Amir under his mattress. However, Baba still forgave him.