The mud hut in The Kite Runner is one symbol of the great contrast between Amir and Hassan and Baba and Ali. It also serves as a reminder that how one begins in life does not necessarily dictate one's worth.
Baba and Amir live in "the most beautiful house in... the district," with floors of marble, chandeliers of crystal, four bathrooms, leather chairs, and custom-made cabinetry (4). Ali and Hassan are in a "little shack," which has no electricity, apparently no plumbing, and is clean, but sparsely furnished with mattresses for Ali and Hassan, one table, one worn rug, and a wooden stool (6). The mud hut is at the end of one of the gardens, far from the house.
Baba and Amir are Pashtuns and Sunni Muslims, part of the ruling class of Afghanistan. Ali and Hassan are Hazara and Shi'a Muslims, part of the underclass of the country. They are the servants. Baba and Amir are the masters.
Hassan is a good person, faithful friend, generous, hard-working, and honest, but Amir is an envious, cowardly, dishonest child. I think this shows one's environment need not control one's behavior.
Housing can function quite well as a symbol, and it does so in this story. It shows us that no matter how humble one's beginnings may be, one can rise above them and be of good character.
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