2. Juxtaposition

"I went past the rosebushes to Baba's mansion, Hassan to the mud shack where he had been born...(pg 6).

This is one of the many juxtapositions used throughout the beginning of the novel. There are two words in each part of these sentence that really complete the opposite effect. Rosebushes to mud and mansion to shack. These opposites do not even begin to descrive the difference between Hassan and Amir. Throughout the beginning we learn of Pashtuns oppressing the Hazaras amd Sunni and Shi'a Muslims. However, these opposites or juxtapositions have a greater effect. It is fair to say that Baba is accepting of these people who are looked down upon in their society. It is even mentioned by Assef that they need less people who are like Baba. Regardless, Baba even though Hassan and his father work as the family's servant, is fair to them. Even though, Amir sometimes think he is superior over Hassan, he understands their "friendship", and he is able to appreciate what Hassan does for him. He has a personal concern for his well being, and does not believe the past to be right.