This image shows how the way Amir was raised in Afghanistan influenced his views, but as he becomes more mature he begins to create his own values. The gaps in the fence represent unclarity and how even as a child, Amir was unsure what to believe. He didn’t know how to be Hassan’s real friend with the clashing cultural constructs. The vines growing through the fence represent Amir growing out of the customs that he was taught as a child. Amir is afraid to address Hassan as a friend, and he is reluctant of their friendship because of what his community has taught him about Hazaras and how they are socially unaccepted. The fence represents the standards set by the Pashtuns in Afghanistan and how Amir was raised. The fence blocks the vines from truly becoming free similar to how Amir was restricted by the cultural standards until he becomes able to break through the fence. After Baba dies, Amir learns about all the lies that were kept from him, including how Hassan is actually his brother. This makes him eager to redeem himself from all the mistakes he made because of the cultural standards.
I love the fence metaphor because it really shows how unsure Amir was about himself, his father, and Hassan, as he was growing up. I could also see that the picture could represent the different pathways that guilt could bring you (the zigzag of the fence.) It really shows how guilt can bring you on the path of life (plant) or to a feeling of emptiness (the sky.)
ReplyDeleteThe comparison/metaphor of a fence in this passage really helps the reader understand Amir's perspective. The vines and the pattern in the fence also shows how Amir felt restricted. Good job!
ReplyDeleteThis metaphor is very perceptive! The image does a nice job of tying in the conflict of Amir's personal growth and maturity, against the rigid structure of his cultural expectations. I like how you said that the holes in the fence demonstrate Amir's confusion and unclarity, as this is an important part of his growth and relationship with his culture.
ReplyDeleteI thought your fence metaphor was really interesting, and I like how you utilized the gaps in the fence to explain Amir's mindset. I think the fence could also represent how Amir was struggling to tell people about his betrayal of Hassan, but now he is beginning to open up (which could be shown by the vines reaching through).
ReplyDeleteI think that your insights here are really interesting! It was really creative to use the same fence to represent many different aspects of this topic in the novel, such as when you used the fence to represent a characteristic of Amir and a cultural barrier.
ReplyDeleteI really like your analysis. It is amazing how so much meaning is stored within something as simple as a fence!
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