Hosseini portrays the relationship between Baba and Rahim Kahn in a number of different ways during the novel. At times the relationship is shown to be strong, professional and serious, whereas at other times it is more of a warm and caring friendship.
In the early stages of the novel Hosseini presents the relationship as professional, but also makes people aware of the friendship “Here was Baba and his best friend and business partner Rahim Kahn, standing outside of our house, neither one smiling”. The juxtaposition and noun phrase “best friend” and “business partner” present the relationship as both strong and professional, while the non-finite clause ‘neither one smiling’ at the end of the sentence emphasises the serious and business-like nature. The effect of Amir’s narrative view point allows the reader to gain and clear understanding of Baba’s and Rahim Kahn’s relationship at this point, as he is relatively close to both characters, he is able to give a genuine evaluation of his view on their relationship. However the way the Hosseini has chosen to arrange the sentence has the reader learn that Baba and Rahim are “best friends” before we learn that they are “business partners”. This places more emphasis on the friendship side of their relationship, in this way Hosseini is presenting the relationship as a strong, warm friendship.
The quote also presents their relationship as professional and trusting by referring to Rahim as Baba’s “business partner” the use of the lexis ‘business’ gives images of professionalism, and conveys some formality to the relationship. This along with the lexical choice of ‘partner’, which presents strong connotations of trust and togetherness help to presents their relationship in this way. The trusting part of this relationship is also shown later in the book when Baba and Amir leave for America and Baba leaves his house in the care of Rahim Kahn” I