Passage About Hassan's Expression

In this passage, Hosseini uses figurative language in the form of a simile to compare Hassan's expression after  Amir throws a pomegranate at him. This comparison to a man who has been dragged into the ocean suddenly shows how Hassan feels at this moment. He has been relatively peaceful during this scene, but when Amir throws the pomegranate at him, he becomes confused and bewildered. The throwing of the pomegranate is equivalent to being dragged into the ocean to Hassan; an unexpected and unpleasant surprise. This passage reveals the way friendship is valued in Afghan culture. The fact that Hassan is so startled by Amir being violent to him shows how important friendship is in this culture. It also shows how seriously and personally betrayal is taken, since Amir is in a way betraying Hassan by treating him this way.