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The IUP Journal of English Studies

Altruism in Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner

Article Details

Pub. Date	: June, 2023
Product Name	: The IUP Journal of English Studies
Product Type	: Article
Product Code	: IJES020623
Author Name	: Aanchal Arora and Manju
Availability	: YES
Subject/Domain	: Arts & Humanities
Download Format	: PDF Format
No. of Pages	: 08

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Abstract

Altruism is the principle and practice of genuine concern for the wellbeing of others. Altruism is typically regarded as the behavior that puts one's own needs aside for the sake of others. Khaled Hosseini highlights this notion in The Kite Runner through his characters Hassan and his son Sohrab. Hassan sacrifices his needs for the happiness of his half-brother Amir. He underlines, "For you thousand times over." Sohrab too represents altruism when he makes an effort to rescue Amir, risking his own life. This paper examines altruism as exemplified by selected characters in The Kite Runner in the light of the Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis propounded by Daniel Batson.

Introduction

Afghan-born American author Khaled Hosseini was renowned for his evocative descriptions of Afghanistan. Hosseini's love for his country goes beyond his writings. He also demonstrates his passion for Afghanistan through his activism for improvements there. The Khaled Hosseini Foundation works in Afghanistan to help the less fortunate. The organization was established during Hosseini's 2007 visit to Afghanistan. Hosseini, who had visited his country then for the first time in 27 years, was deeply troubled by the state of the nation where he was born.