Compare and contrast : The Kite Runner and The Bean Eaters

A Tale of Two Realities: Examining Loss and Longing in The Kite Runner and "The Bean
Eaters"

At first glance, Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner and Gwendolyn Brooks' poem "The Bean
Eaters" appear to inhabit entirely different universes. The former is a sprawling novel set
amidst the war-torn landscapes of Afghanistan and California, while the latter presents a
poignant glimpse into the lives of a struggling couple in urban America. However, beneath
the surface, both narratives explore the profound themes of loss, longing, and the search for
solace in a world fraught with hardship. This essay will delve into these shared concerns,
highlighting the contrasting realities and literary devices employed by each work to deliver a
powerful message.

The settings of these narratives stand in stark contrast. The Kite Runner transports us to the
war-torn streets of Kabul, Afghanistan, where violence and societal divisions cast a long
shadow. We witness the story of Amir, a privileged Pashtun boy, and Hassan, his loyal
Hazara friend. Their contrasting social positions highlight the deep-rooted inequalities that
permeate Afghan society. Brooks' poem, on the other hand, focuses on the domestic sphere
within an impoverished urban setting. The "dark and narrow" room occupied by the couple in
"The Bean Eaters" becomes symbolic of their limited opportunities and the constraints of
their circumstances.

Despite these contrasting realities, both works explore the theme of loss. In The Kite
Runner, Amir's childhood betrayal of Hassan haunts him for decades. The loss of innocence,
friendship, and a sense of moral grounding shapes his life trajectory. Similarly, the couple in
"The Bean Eaters" grapples with a different kind of loss. Their meager meal of beans
signifies not just physical hunger but also a yearning for a more fulfilling life, a life where their
dreams haven't been eroded by hardship. Both narratives evoke a sense of pathos,
prompting the reader to empathize with characters grappling with the emotional weight of
loss.

Furthermore, the motif of longing serves as a thematic bridge between the works. In The
Kite Runner, Amir's act of redemption – rescuing Sohrab, Hassan's son – can be seen as a
desperate attempt to fill the void created by his past mistakes. This longing for atonement
becomes a driving force in his journey. The couple in "The Bean Eaters" too, yearns for a
better life. The "slim balcony" becomes a symbol of their desire to escape the confines of
their reality, even if it's just for a fleeting moment. Both narratives utilize the concept of
longing to underscore the human need for connection, purpose, and a sense of hope for the
future.

However, a crucial difference lies in the approach to solace. In The Kite Runner, Amir's
journey towards redemption offers a glimmer of hope. His act of rescuing Sohrab suggests
the possibility of healing and forging new connections. Brooks' poem, on the other hand,
adopts a more ambiguous tone. While the couple finds solace in the shared experience of
the meal ("they are weary, and they look at one another / because they’ll be seeing faces
like these the rest of their lives"), the future remains uncertain. The lack of resolution leaves
the reader with a sense of melancholy, perhaps prompting reflection on the systemic issues
that perpetuate poverty and limit opportunities.

In conclusion, while The Kite Runner and "The Bean Eaters" paint contrasting portraits of
human experience, both narratives explore the universal themes of loss, longing, and the
search for solace. Through their distinct settings and literary devices, these works evoke
empathy for characters grappling with adversity and leave a lasting impression on the
reader. They challenge us to confront the complexities of loss, the yearning for a better life,
and the enduring human spirit that persists even in the face of hardship.