Question

In Chapter 22, as the novel begins to come to its conclusion, we encounter several full-circle endings as we reach the climax, or turning point, of the plot. Discuss the presence of these in chapter 22.

Accepted Answer

One of the elements that comes full circle is that Assef is once again in control of a person of Hazara descent.  Just as he was in control of raping Hassan in the alley, he is in control of Sohrab, Hassan's son.  In the same twisted and sexually perverse manner, Assef demonstrates control through degradation.  Another element that is shown to come in a complete circle would be that Amir is confronted with an opportunity to take action.  He failed to take action in the alley with his best friend.  He now is confronted with the reality of taking action to help out his best friend's son.  He does what he should have done back then and he fights Assef to defend the rights of someone who is being victimized by the bully.
The results of the fight also come full circle.  Just as Hassan was brutalized by Assef and left without much of hope, Amir is similarly brutalized at the hands of the bully now Taliban government official.  Interestingly enough, Amir emerges from the fight with an injury like Hassan's harelip, indicating that some level of circle has been reached.  Amir is now no different than Hassan.  Along with this, Sohrab uses the slingshot to finish off Assef in much the same way his father used his slingshot to save the boys from the bully in the past.  The son is able to help Amir escape, just as his father helped him escape.  In this, the element of coming "full circle" is evident.

The Kite Runner

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In chapter 22 of The Kite Runner, name three "full circle" endings that occur as we reach the climax, or turning point, of the plot.