Final answer:
Amir compares Hassan to the sacrificial lamb, symbolizing Hassan's innocence and foreshadowing his tragic fate, akin to the religious narrative of Isaac's near-sacrifice.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Amir compares Hassan to the sacrificial lamb, it is significant as it symbolizes innocence and foreshadows Hassan's fate in the story. The sacrificial lamb often represents a figure that is innocent and pure, yet destined for sacrifice. This symbolism stems from religious narratives such as the Sacrifice of Isaac in the Hebrew Bible, where Isaac, Abraham's son, is bound and almost sacrificed before being saved. Like the sacrificial lamb, Hassan is a character who exhibits innocence and loyalty, and his fate is similarly unjust and tragic.