Amir and Hassan share a love and fascination for the short story “Rostam and Sohrab,” but for different reasons. In the story, Rostam kills Sohrab in battle, not knowing that he is his son. Hassan cries after he hears Amir read the story to him, and Amir notes that he didn’t understand Hassan’s reaction. Amir wonders if all fathers have a desire to kill their sons. For Amir, this story is a lens though which he can try to understand his own dysfunctional relationship with his father, who secretly blames Amir for murdering his wife after she died giving birth to him. In contrast, Hassan reads the story about Rostam and Sohrab as a tragedy that he can’t fully appreciate, as his father, Ali, adores and protects Hassan as his most prized possession. Hassan likely names his son after Sohrab because he was a character from a story that had great significance in his childhood, but it is also a clue from the author of Hassan’s appreciation for and instinct toward sacrifice for one’s family members.
Amir and Hassan enjoyed readings from the Shahnamah, with special emphasis on the story about Rostam and Sohrab. In the story, Rostam killed Sohrab only to learn Sohrab was his son. The emotions evoked by the story brought tears to Hassan’s eyes, but Amir did not know who the tears were for, Rostam or Sohrab.
The story was interpreted differently by the two boys. Amir saw himself as Sohrab, the young warrior, and his father as Rostam. The story reflects his relationship with his father. Amir does not comprehend Rostam’s grief or fate.
Personally, I couldn't see the tragedy in Rostam's fate. After all, didn't all fathers in their secret hearts harbor a desire to kill their sons?
Hassan’s interpretation is not explicitly given, but his emotions suggest he understands the situation between the father and his son. He goes on to name his son Sohrab because he was his favorite character in the story.
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