The novel begins " I become what I am today at the age of twelve" to what is Amir referring to? Is his asseration entierly true? What other factors have helped form his character?

Amir has become a man with much guilt and tragedy in his life. One of the main themes in the story surrounds Amir's lack of courage in helping Hassan from getting beaten and raped by the village socio-path. This event haunts Amir until the end of the story. Amir spends much time trying to compensate for his guilt in so many ways.