Final answer:
Everyone lied to Amir and Hassan to protect relationships, maintain social order, and uphold personal interests, which is integral to the themes explored in 'The Kite Runner'. The lie about their upbringing has profound consequences for both characters and highlights the influence of social and cultural factors in the novel.
Step-by-step explanation:
The deception surrounding Amir and Hassan's upbringing in Khaled Hosseini's 'The Kite Runner' is a central aspect of the novel's exploration of themes such as betrayal, secrets, and the quest for redemption. Everyone lied to Amir and Hassan because hiding the truth was seen as a way to protect relationships, maintain social order, and uphold personal interests over moral considerations. The complex nature of familial bonds and social expectations meant that characters prioritized certain values over honesty, sometimes with the justification of shielding someone from harm or preserving their own social standing.
For example, Baba's choice to lie about Hassan's parentage is motivated by shame, guilt, and social pressures related to his own indiscretions and the societal stigma attached to Hassan's Hazara heritage. This lie spirals into a series of further deceptions that deeply affect the lives of both Amir and Hassan. Baba's silence serves as a shield to protect his reputation and to prevent disrupting the social fabric of his world, though at a great personal and moral cost.
As historical and cultural factors play a role in these decisions, the novel also sheds light on the powerful influence of social hierarchies and ethnic tensions in determining the fate of characters. The lie told to Amir and Hassan is a pivotal part of the story, leading to the unraveling of truths that carry significant emotional weight and impact for the characters involved.