Stream of Consciousness

(Page 73-77) "A Memory:..."
-A style of writing that portrays the inner (often chaotic) workings of the character's mind.
This is the most intense part of the book so far. This leads Amir to make choices that will effect the rest of his life. Hassan is being attacked by Assef and his two friends and Amir is watching from out of sight at his friend is raped. This passage is marked by the thoughts or memories that Amir has while watching his friend. The stream of consciousness begins with a memory Amir has of his father telling him that hassan and himself were fed from the same breast as infants. This shows the closeness he and Hassan have even as children. Next Amir thinks of a dream in which he is in danger and a hand reaches out to save him. This is symbolic and shows how Amir always had help from Hassan and others but Amir denies Hassan in his time of need. Amir then remembers the sacrificing of the lamb. He is always bothered by the face the lamb has right before it is slaughtered and it reminds him of Hassan's face now. This shows how Amir has compassion and feelings but he doesn't act on these but sits back and watches the harm being done. This style of writing was appropriate for the scene. Amir was faced with danger and a choice to make. It is difficult to think clearly at times like this and these past memories show the person he has become. The style of writing allows the reader to learn more about Amir as a character and why he made the choice he did.