Both Baba and Amir suffer from immense guilt due to past sins that have not been dealt with, placing them on this Tree of Guilt which demonstrates their shared state of guilt. However, they have vastly different responses to that guilt, as evidenced in these specific branches that represent the manifestation of their shame. Baba, as a man of action, chooses to do charitable works, illustrated by the vibrant green leaves on his branch, but he also unleashes his guilt onto Amir because he represents his privilege and impunity for his sin, seen in the dying leaves on his branch like their dying relationship from Baba’s abuse. On the other hand, Amir’s branch has no leaves, no works. He wishes to avoid his guilt and not deal with the pain he caused Hassan. Amir does not want to have any ramifications of his guilt, just as his branch has no leaves. These branches demonstrate the different exhibitions of guilt that can take root in different people.
Interesting metaphor! Creative example with the tree, and it illustrates Baba and Amir's relationship well while also portraying the solitude they more often live in.
ReplyDeleteInteresting metaphor: shows in a understandable way how people have different reactions to crisis in his or her life, and how some decisions may be more positive than others.
ReplyDeleteI like the metaphor and the fact that both branches are from the same tree, connecting both to the fact that they're related and that they are dealing with similar struggles, albeit in different ways as shown by the leaves or lack thereof on their respective branches.
ReplyDeleteI found it very interesting how you connected smaller pieces to a bigger picture by looking at the individual branches in comparison to the entire tree. Your metaphor really shows that there are nuances within a larger picture that can hold a strong impact.
ReplyDeleteI think the branch with a few leaves rotted is a good metaphor for Baba's life. It would have been great if Baba's branch been directly above Amir's, so that it could cast a shadow on Amir.
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