How has Amir evolved at the end of The Kite Runner?
The changes that Amir undergoes through the course of the novel have multiple causes. Some of them simply come about through his growing into an adult and having experienced losses, such as his father’s death. One word to describe him, therefore, is simply “mature.” Seeing his father through his final illness has also made Amir reflect on his position as a child and move beyond that status. Once he has taken Sohrab into his life, he becomes both “responsible” and “paternal.”
Returning to Afghanistan, Amir learns from Rahim the truth about his relationship with Hassan, which makes him feel “guilty,” but as he can puts his own actions into perspective, he now can truly feel “repentant.” At the same time, facing the fact that his father lived a lie and kept him in the dark makes him “resentful” of his father’s behavior. Now that his father is dead, however, he...
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cannot remain angry and so has become a “forgiving” person.
What is an example of a transformation in The Kite Runner?
Many of the characters in The Kite Runner undergo transformations of some sort. Amir grows into a responsible young man after his move to California. He marries, becomes a successful author, and carries on a loving relationship with his father. His transformation only becomes complete, however, when he returns to Afghanistan to retrieve his nephew, Sohrab. Baba's change is a more drastic one, leaving behind his wealth and power in Kabul for life as a poor working man in America. Hassan is transformed when he leaves Baba's house after being accused of theft. He learns about betrayal but he forgives Amir and goes on to marry and raise a young son. He returns to Baba's house to live with Rahim Khan in the hope that he will see his friends again one day. Soraya is transformed from a druggie to a housewife. Assef changes from a spoiled rich kid to a murderous Taliban leader. Sohrab, who first enjoys a poor but happy life with his parents, becomes a sexual playtoy to the Taliban before being rescued by Amir and reverting to life in California.
Perhaps the best quote regarding transformation comes from Rahim Khan, who knows that the secrets in Amir's past can never be settled until Amir forgives himself. Rahim tells Amir in a telephone call that
There is a way to be good again.
Rahim realizes that Amir's return to his homeland to find his nephew Sohrab will complete his transformation into an honorable man.
How does Amir transition into manhood in America in The Kite Runner?
For Amir, it is essential that he begin life anew in America, away from his homeland where he will not constantly be reminded of the sins he committed there against Hassan.
For me, America was a place to bury my memories. (Chapter 11)
Amir learns to speak English and, though he is "by far the oldest senior tossing his mortarboard" at graduation, he continues his education at a local junior college. He decides to fulfill his dream of becoming a writer, and after graduating from college, he writes a successful novel. Baba supports his son every step of the way, something he never would have done in Kabul. In California, Baba turns his attentions to raising his son without the distractions of business (or Hassan) to interfere with their new intimate connection. Amir has never been happier, and he revels in their now successful father-son relationship. They share in their new-found love of flea markets, and when Amir meets Soraya, Baba is quick to formally introduce Amir to her father. Amir's marriage is another step toward manhood, and Baba spends most of his savings on a lavish wedding to honor the match. Baba's death is another step in Amir's maturation process, and he understands that he will no longer be "defined" as "Baba's son."
Baba wouldn't show me the way anymore; I'd have to find it on my own. (Chapter 13)
Later, Amir takes steps he would never have imagined. He ventures back to Pakistan and the dangers in Afghanistan, where he learns the truth about Hassan's connection with Baba. He undertakes a personal mission to find Sohrab and finds the courage to stand up to the Taliban, nearly dying in the process. He successfully battles the red tape involved in returning with Sohrab to America, and back in California he defends his Hazara nephew when General Taheri insults the boy. In the end, Amir finds himself running a kite for Sohrab: He is now a "grown man" able to finally smile at the memories of his not-so-perfect past.