The Kite Runner Group

Question:

stephxox
stephxox
Student
High School - 11th Grade

In "The Kite Runner," how does the character, Amir, change from the beginning to the end? Conside the theme of atonement.

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Posted by stephxox on Wednesday November 5, 2008 at 2:43 PM and tagged with amir, change, characters, the kite runner.

Answers:


  1. lesleyguilmart Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Amir becomes a man when he stops acting in his own self-interest and finally accepts responsibility in his own heart for Hassan's various misfortunes.  He spends his adolescence and young adulthood running from Hassan and the painful memories associated with him--in fact his "running" may be symbolized by moving across the world--and yet he cannot shake his guilt even as he tries to bury it in his new life. 

    Finally, Amir must face his father's death (a parent's death being a rite-of-passage into adulthood), Hassan's fate, and the responsiblity he has for Hassan's son, his nephew.  He must return to Afghanistan and confront Asef, the boyhood bully who abused Hassan and now abuses Hassan's son.  Because he avoided this conflict as a child, the stakes are higher when he is an adult.  But Amir prevails, with the help of Hassan's son and his trusty sling-shot.  He learns that he can stand up for what's right and that true friendship (symbolized by the sling-shot Hassan passed down to his son) never dies. 

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    Posted by lesleyguilmart on Thursday November 6, 2008 at 2:21 PM