Chapter 7

In chapter 7 of the novel, one of the most disturbing acts of moral evil is committed when Assef rapes Hassan in the back alley.  Assef is committing an extreme act of moral evil because he shows no remorse when he is inflicting physical and emotional pain upon Hassan. Another act of evil occurred when Amir witnessed the rape of Hassan and remained silent. Amir does not help him when he is in an extremely vulnerable state. As both Amir and Assef’s friends remain silent throughout the rape this can be connected to the murder of Catherine Susan Genovese, which was studied in class. The murder of Genovese had 38 silent witnesses who all had the potential to help her and possibly save her life. Amir or Assef’s friends were all silent witnesses and had the opportunity to put a stop to the rape and help save Hassan.