Relationship Between Hassan and Amir

[Elayna]

The relationship between Hassan and Amir is truly amazing. The way it is viewed by Amir changes drastically throughout the book. In the beginning Hassan is viewed as some-what of a burden to Amir or as a someone to play with who would take the fall for his actions. Though Assef is not one whose views and opinions should be a guide in ones life, he is still able to convince Amir, even if it is rooted deep, deep down in his mind, that Hassan is beneath him. When questioned by Assef as to why he is even friends with Hassan, Amir silently thinks " But he's not my friend!... He's my servant," as explained on page 41.
Even when asked a valid question about his story by Hassan that made him think himself, he again silently ridicules on page 34 " What does he know, that illiterate Hazara? He'll never be anything but a cook how dare he criticize you?" He even admits to playing tricks on Hassan.
How Amir's views toward his "friend" contrasts Hassan's views. Hassan had a great deal of respect and admiration for Amir. He even went as far as calling him Amir agha, which is a title of honor. Hassan even stood up for Amir when Assef went to attack him. Amir, though, couldn't return the same courtesy, but instead sat and watched as Assef got "revenge" on Hassan.