In the hill sequence, what does the sight of juice on Hassan's shirt symbolize for Amir?

• A. It foreshadows Hassan's physical health
• B. It foreshadows future conflict
• C. It underscores Hassan's loyalty
• D. It reminds him that Hassan's blood is on his hands

Answer: (D)

The sight of the juice-stained shirt works as a concrete symbol of Amir’s guilt. In the hill sequence, Amir witnesses Hassan suffer harm, and the stain becomes a visible reminder that the violence done to Hassan is connected to Amir’s own inaction. It crystallizes the sense that, morally, Hassan’s blood is on Amir’s hands—Amir bears responsibility for what happened because he didn’t intervene. This moment seeds the weight of guilt that will drive Amir’s later choices and the unraveling of their friendship. It’s less about Hassan’s health or loyalty and more about the personal burden Amir must face for his failure to act.