The Kite Runner Group

Question:

ganisn
ganisn
Student
High School - 12th Grade

In The Kite Runner, why do you think Amir recalls the memory of the sheep sacrifice when he witnesses Hassan's tragedy in the alleyway?

Amir remembers an Afghan celebration in which a sheep must be sacrificed, he talks about seeing the sheep's eyes moments before its death.

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Posted by ganisn on Monday January 12, 2009 at 11:53 PM and tagged with amir, characters, hassan, symbolism, the kite runner.

Answers:

  1. mshurn
    mshurn Teacher
    College - Freshman

    A strong thematic parallel is suggested here between Hassan and the sheep whose sacrifice Amir had witnessed. Both Hassan and the animal are innocent of offense; both are powerless, victimized by forces beyond their control.

    The reference to the sheep’s eyes implies that Amir saw something in those eyes that continues to haunt him: fear, confusion, and suffering—emotions Hassan experiences during the brutal attack he endures.

    Finally, the concept of animal sacrifice completes the thematic parallel. As a religious rite, an animal was offered up to a greater power for the well-being of those making the sacrifice. By choosing to take no action to save his friend, Amir effectively offers up Hassan to the bullies attacking him in order to secure Amir’s own safety. Hassan is sacrificed on the altar of Amir’s fear and cowardice.

    At the moment of Hassan’s greatest agony, Amir recalls the sacrifice of the sheep: Consciously or subconsciously, at that moment he recognizes the truth about himself.

      

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/kite-runner-salem/kite-runner

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    Posted by mshurn on Tuesday January 13, 2009 at 3:50 AM