Introduction

Biblical Quote

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”
– Romans 12:9

Theme

A Catholic/Christian theme found in both the play and the novel was 'Family and Friendship'. The biblical quote relates to both the works because they both––in a way–– lacks genuine love, evil;  in the form of betrayal, and good; in the form of loyalty.

Genuine Love

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Egeus refusing to let his daughter, Hermia marry the man she loves, Lysander, and instead forcing her to marry Demetrius. If she happened to disobey her father's wishes, she would be put to death or banished as a nun. The love juice making people fall in love instantly without question.

The Kite Runner: Baba neglecting his own child, Amir and making him feel like his mother's death was his fault. Amir always seeking for his father's approval, consequently leading to his silence over the rape of his half-brother, Hassan.

Betrayal

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Lysander hatching a plan for him and Hermia to escape Athens to be together and live happily. Egeus wants Hermia to marry Demetrius, and with her running away with Lysander to the forest was her betraying her father and his wishes.

The Kite Runner: Baba betraying his role as a father to Amir, making the child feel neglected and guilty for a death that couldn't be helped. Amir selfishly standing-by to witnessing his childhood friend get raped so he can take home a kite to show his father.

Loyalty

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Hermia betraying her own father and his wishes to stay loyal to her one true love Lysander. Risking everything to run away with him to be together and to not marry another man. Helena's loyalty to Demetrius, even though he treats her horribly.

The Kite Runner: Hassan defending Amir from Assef, by firing a rock from his slingshot. Amir adopting Hassan's child, Sohrab, and caring for him like he was his own son.