Friendship is an essential element of human life since it directly affects the range of communication and demonstrates a person’s character. People usually consider a true friendship as one characterized by full reciprocity and willingness to help a friend in any circumstance. However, each person has a personal perception of friendship and expresses friendship to the extent of their abilities and desires. The friendship between Amir and Hassan is an example of a relationship where people are true friends but have slightly different perceptions of friendship.
True friendship is distinguished by one’s willingness to help the other and, if necessary, to sacrifice. In this aspect, the conduct of the two is not necessarily symmetrical since friendship is voluntarily based. Hassan is portrayed as a true friend because, knowing about Amir’s unfriendly actions, he maintained his friendship with him until the end of his life. Amir is not initially portrayed as a good friend in the contest of willingness to make difficult decisions.
In addition, his attitude toward Hassan during their childhood was rather negative due to his jealousy over his father’s attention and the difference in social status between them. Nevertheless, after learning the truth about his kinship with Hassan, Amir, to some extent, shows himself to be a true friend already with Hassan’s son by saving him and giving him a chance for a better life. Therefore, these characters are real friends, although their concept of friendship has a slightly different character.
Friendship is a complex concept since particular parameters do not define it. At the same time, a true friend is often distinguished by a willingness to act according to the interests of the other person without expecting reciprocity. Amir and Hassan, in this respect, are people who perceive friendship differently but are friends. Throughout the novel, Hassan demonstrates his friendship, and Amir can express his friendly feelings only towards Hassan’s son. Thus, the friendship of these characters is somewhat contradictory due to the significant difference in behavior and social conditions. However, the willingness to help a friend or his relative under challenging circumstances shows that this friendship is true.