Literary Analysis of the Bully Scene in Chapter 5: Themes

This assignment presents a detailed analysis of the 'Bully Scene' from Chapter 5, focusing on Hassan's internal monologue. The analysis delves into themes of discrimination, family, and bravery. Hassan grapples with feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and the injustice he faces due to his Hazara and Shia Muslim identity. He questions his place in society, his relationship with Amir Agha, and the reasons for his exclusion. The analysis highlights Hassan's reflections on his identity, religious beliefs, and social standing, comparing himself to a kite under attack. It explores his willingness to defend Amir Agha, his courage, and his adherence to the principles of Imam Ali. The assignment examines Hassan's internal conflict, his loyalty, and his determination to stand up against injustice, even in the face of potential violence. The document provides insights into Hassan's character, his perspective on the world, and his unwavering commitment to his friend.

Running head: BULLY SCENE
Bully Scene
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1BULLY SCENE
I fail to comprehend why Assef’s glances are evoking so much of guilt in me. It is
making me feel as though I have involved myself in a heinous crime. This feeling is
rendering me hopeless. My state is similar to that of a goat who is not allowed to break away
from their set path; those beings who are completely devoid of freedom. The cold atmosphere
along with the growling of the dogs seem to echo louder and stronger with each passing
moment. I constantly ask Allah, what allows humans to be so heartless? Have humans
completely given up on their respect? Can an individual be deemed worthless just because
their identity is not ‘acceptable?’ I constantly ponder why I am not allowed to attend school
with Amir Agha. Moreover, am I just a servant? The next moment I remind myself, these
thoughts are ceaseless but it is the answers that will be of utmost value. Am I incompetent
because I am a Hazara or a Shia Muslim? Sometimes I think I am different because I follow a
different style of prayer. At other times, I believe it is because my father and I are not as
wealthy as the others. Allah, please provide an appropriate response to my numerous and
woeful queries because without these answers I am completely directionless. My state is
similar to that of a Christian seeking advice from a Muslim. I could even consume dirt for my
friend, Amir Agha but I constantly wonder whether he would consider doing the same for
me? I would adopt any means to become a cause of his happiness and even embrace the
blame for any atrocious situations that I have not produced. I consider him my brother.
However, why does he not consider to reciprocate the feelings for me? A thought engulfs
me: why does he ignore me when he is around his other friends? As I travel through these
thoughts, an inner voice questions me: what is the matter with you, Hassan? How could I
think about Amir Agha in this manner? After all, I consider him as my brother. Maybe his
insecurities or fears are leading him to act this way. Nonetheless, that does not stop my love
for him. I am ready to tread this path a thousand times for him.

2BULLY SCENE
Am I that big of a hassle for my country? Isn’t the colour of our blood the same, or
am I a totally different creature? Is it because of the disparities in my nose or eyes? Am I
different because of my odd ears and chin? Maybe I am unworthy because I am poor just like
my father. I compare myself to a kite that is cornered and assaulted by all the other kites. I
feel like the small kite that everyone attacks easily; the kite who treads unaccompanied and is
punished through violence. Would I have lead a more content life if I was a Pashtun Sunni
Muslim? In that situation, Amir Agha would be friends. We would have attended school
where I would have learnt to read and write. I would use this knowledge to write numerous
stories about Amir Agha. Allah, please forgive me for my unruly and chaotic thoughts. Have
I just interrogated my own religion? Allah, I consider your path to be the just one. If you
falter to answer my questions then who will? If I assume myself as a small kite, does that
actually mean that I am abandoned? Sometimes I believe that there are alternate kites that
will safeguard me. Are my protectors my uncle or Amir Agha? They do regard me special,
don’t they? Of course, they do… Why else would my uncle bear all the expenses for my cleft
lip surgery? In my personal opinion, family is my first priority. Even the entirety of the world
would not be enough to replace my father, uncle and Amir Agha.
Time seems to be trickling by, Hassan. What have you considered to do? Do I remain
mute? Should I override the fact that Assef treats Amir Agha and me similar to unworthy
animals? Should I turn away just like I normally do? Hassan, what is your chosen path?
Should I remain quiet? I reckon I should revolt and stick up for myself. Should I also do the
same for Amir Agha? However, what if I am violently repressed? What if they vehemently
attack me? What if both Amir Agha and I have to face dire consequences because of this
courage? Will I be punished for my extreme behaviour? Imam Ali was a Shia and was he
ever afraid of the consequences? Rather, he was identified as the Lion God due to his
tremendous courage. The only entity he was scared of was Allah. Imam Ali was also like a

3BULLY SCENE
kite that treaded alone but there was something extremely unique. However, his strings were
not only dressed in pieces of glass, rather it was coated with endurance and fearlessness. As
long as Allah is by my side, I remain gallant. Even though I may be identified as a minute
kite, like my idol, Asif Ali, my strings are safeguarded, deeming me a greater force when
compared to the other kites such as Assef. Thus, I assure myself: Hassan, lions are unafraid
of any entity. Never do they display their weaknesses. I have to be that lion who defends my
friend Amir Agha. I will follow the words of Imam Ali: I am the entity who battles fiercely
and heroically rather than departing in an uncourageous manner. Amir Agha, I would not
only stand up for you, rather I would surrender my own life if it was possible. If I cannot
contend for you then who else remains for me to defend, oh brother? Thus, I am identified as
Hassan, the offspring of Ali and I am also the courageous lion. Hence, even though I may be
a small kite, I am one with extremely capable strings.