The Kite Runner Group

Question:

jonesy32
jonesy32
Student
High School - 11th Grade

When does Amir begin to feel remorse for his betrayal of Hassan?

In a sense Amir reaches atonement when he takes the beating from Assef and rescues Sohrab. But the novel suggests there is a process in achieving this atonement- The first is feeling remorse, and then admitting to it. So when and where does it begin for Amir?

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Posted by jonesy32 on Saturday November 1, 2008 at 11:26 PM and tagged with amir, guilt, redemption, remorse, the kite runner, theme.

Answers:


  1. lesleyguilmart Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    I think Amir feels remorse immediately.  Because he is young and immature, he does not know how to direct his remorse, and so he betrays his friend by accusing him of stealing his watch.  This tactic succeeds in getting Hassan and his father to move away, relieving Amir of a daily reminder of his disloyalty.  Of course, we see him deal with his remorse in a far more honorable and adult fashion when he is older and seeks out Hassan's orphaned son in Afghanistan, risking his life to save him.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/kite-runner/plot-summary

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    Posted by lesleyguilmart on Sunday November 2, 2008 at 8:28 AM