The Relationship Between Baba and Amir

Throughout this novel, the father-son dynamic between Baba and Amir changes drastically. This image of a fern represents this change between Baba and Amir. Towards the beginning of this book, their relationship is nearly nonexistent, and the parts that do exist constitute an unhealthy father-son relationship. This is represented in the bottom of the fern where the plant appears to be unhealthy. Despite the lack of affection he receives from Baba, he still attempts to make a connection with him, only to have his efforts cut off by Baba's distant nature. He spends his entire childhood vying for his father's attention, making sacrifices of his own interests and friendships. This aspect of Amir's relationship with his father is represented by the numerous fronds at the bottom of the plant that have failed to grow and have been cut off. However, as Baba and Amir made the transition to America with the growing danger of war in Afghanistan, their relationship experienced a change. They began to see each other in a new light, and their relationship actually developed and grew, becoming a healthy father-son relationship, even if late in life. This is represented by the sudden flowering of fronds above the dead parts of the plant. Although the fern has many leaves that failed to grow and develop, the plant eventually grew beautiful, long, healthy leaves, similar to the way Amir and Baba eventually developed their relationship. Amir even said at one point that he was going to stop making sacrifices for Baba. As soon as he stopped making those sacrifices, he and Baba were able to find a healthy balance and equality in their relationship, similar to the equal spread of the fern's fronds.