Abstract
This paper is about interest-based representation of Pashtun people
(Living in Afghanistan) in the novel, The Kite Runner, of Khaled
Hosseini. Mahmood Mamdani‟s theory of “Good” vs. “Bad” Muslims
and Fernando Ferrara‟s „Theory and Model for the Structural Analysis
of Fiction‟ are used as a theoretical framework for the study. Pashtun
people constitute major (42 %) ethnic group in Afghanistan. A division
is made between “good” and “bad” Pashtuns. “Good” Pashtuns are
modern and adopt Westernization/Americanization; anti-modern
Pashtuns are portrayed as “bad” Pashtuns/terrorists. Defining traits of
Pashtuns (especially "bad”) are savagery, immorality, and selfishness.
However, the traits attributed to them do not conform to their social
model image and misrepresent them. Pashtuns‟ code of life called
Pashtunwali is ridiculed and portrayed as a code of life of brutes.
Americans are shown more sympathetic and optimistic. Negative
depiction of Pashtuns is for the sake of justifying Americans‟ growing
influence. The organized violence of Americans is admired under the
umbrella of liberal democracy. This paper attempts to uncover
Hosseini‟s prejudice toward Pashtuns and his intellectual dishonesty in
the novels because he considers Pashtuns and their cultural values
responsible for violence and bloodshed in the country. Being
influenced with Westernization and Americanization and in order to
satiate his ulterior materialistic motive, he valorizes their cultural
superiority.
Waheed Ahmad Khan , Ayaz Afsar. (2018) Critique of Representation of Pashtuns and their Cultural Values in Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner, The Dialogue, Volume 13, Issue 4.
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