Respond in a well-organized essay, and make sure your answer is written in complete sentences.
A. In “The Literature of the Middle East and South Asia,” Laura Winkiel writes: “These stories help us to understand the complex questions that Middle Easterners and South Asian people ask as they stand at a crossroads of cultural and religious change.” Explain how this statement applies to one of the selections you read. Be sure to include the title of the selection and explain the crossroads that it illustrates.
In the selection "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini, Laura Winkiel's statement that the literature of the Middle East and South Asia helps us understand the complex questions of these regions' people at the crossroads of cultural and religious change can be seen vividly. "The Kite Runner" is a prime example of a narrative that explores the struggles and dilemmas faced by individuals when navigating cultural and religious shifts.
"The Kite Runner" is set in Afghanistan during a significant turning point in the country's history, marked by the Soviet invasion in the 1980s, followed by the rise of the Taliban regime. The protagonist, Amir, grows up in Kabul, experiencing the gradual decay of his once vibrant and tolerant society. As a privileged Pashtun, he witnesses the marginalization of Hazaras, a historically oppressed ethnic group. This dynamic represents a crossroad of cultural and religious change, where deep-rooted ethnic and religious divisions are exacerbated by political upheaval.
One of the complexities explored in "The Kite Runner" is the tension between traditional Afghan culture and the forces of modernization. Amir's father, Baba, represents the older generation's adherence to traditional values, while Amir himself reflects the generation caught between tradition and modernity. This crossroad is observed through the conflicting desires of characters like Amir, who yearns for both his father's approval and the freedom to define his own identity outside of cultural norms.
Religion also plays a significant role in the novel as an intersection of cultural change. Afghanistan, historically rooted in Islam, undergoes a transformation under the Taliban's extremist interpretation of the religion. The oppression of women, the destruction of cultural artifacts, and the enforcement of a rigid religious code illustrate the clash between different interpretations of Islam. The characters in "The Kite Runner" grapple with their faith and its evolving role in their lives, reflecting the broader questioning and uncertainty among individuals at this crossroad.
Additionally, "The Kite Runner" explores the consequences of betraying one's cultural and religious values for personal gain. The guilt Amir carries for his betrayal of his closest friend, Hassan, defines much of the narrative. His actions, driven by fear and insecurity, illustrate the moral conflicts that arise when individuals feel pressured to conform to the changing social and cultural landscape. This struggle highlights the internal turmoil faced by individuals as they attempt to navigate the shifting paradigms of their society.
In conclusion, "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini exemplifies Laura Winkiel's statement that literature from the Middle East and South Asia helps us understand the multifaceted questions that arise as individuals stand at the crossroads of cultural and religious change. The novel delves into the complex dynamics of Afghan society during a time of political turmoil and explores themes of tradition versus modernity, religion, and the consequences of betraying cultural values. Through the experiences of its characters, "The Kite Runner" provides a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Middle Easterners and South Asians in navigating cultural and religious transformations.