Why is Hassan consistently loyal to Amir?

• A. He fears punishment for defying Amir
• B. He is secretly in love with Baba
• C. He is loyal and determined to protect Amir
• D. He wants to please Ali

Answer: (C)

Loyalty and a protective instinct define Hassan’s relationship with Amir. From the start, Hassan treats Amir as family and places Amir’s safety and well-being above his own. He goes to extreme lengths to help and defend Amir, even when it puts him at risk. A pivotal moment shows this clearly when Hassan stands up to danger to protect Amir, demonstrating that his devotion isn’t about getting praise or avoiding punishment; it’s about a deep moral commitment to Amir.

That commitment is most famously expressed in Hassan’s repeated willingness to protect Amir “a thousand times over.” That line captures the essence of why he remains loyal: his actions are guided by care for Amir and a strong sense of duty, not by fear of punishment, romantic feelings for Baba, or a desire to please Ali. The other options don’t fit because they attribute motives—fear of punishment, romantic interest in Baba, or seeking Ali’s approval—that aren’t what drives Hassan’s steadfast loyalty to Amir.