Themes: The Presence of the Past
History and the past are constantly intruding on the present in The Kite Runner. In the opening chapter, Amir reflects on how the events of his past have defined him, as he remains haunted by the memory of the “deserted alleyway.” Amir admits that you cannot “bury” the past, as it always “claws its way out.” Amir later reveals that the alleyway was the scene of Hassan’s rape. Amir cannot escape the past, partially because of external influences, such as Rahim Khan reaching out to him years later, but also because the events of the past have become part of Amir. His mind is constantly replaying the event he witnessed twenty-six years ago, leaving him with no escape from the mental torture induced by his failure to act.
There are countless occasions when Amir could have admitted to his mistake, and each time he fails to do so, Baba’s self-fulfilling prophecy that Amir will become “a man who can’t stand up to anything” is reinforced. Amir imagines how he could have changed the course of events on the day Ali and Hassan left: “this is the part where I’d run outside, my bare feet splashing rainwater. I’d chase the car, screaming for it to stop.” In moments like this, Amir vividly imagines atoning for his past mistakes, but it is only when he commits to taking care of Sohrab and reclaiming his past that he can begin to atone in reality.
History frequently repeats itself in the novel, but it is also rewritten. When Amir returns to Afghanistan, he finds that its once resplendent beauty has gone to ruin. Amir’s childhood home is unrecognizable, with its sagging roof and “ghostly grey” exterior. When Amir climbs the hill behind Baba’s old house, he finds another relic of his past, the engraving reading “Amir and Hassan. The Sultans of Kabul” on a pomegranate tree. Finding the faded engraving gives Amir the resolve to complete the last part of his mission and rescue Sohrab.
When the Taliban official reveals himself to be Assef, Amir again concedes that his past is “like a bad penny, always turning up.” When Hassan was raped, he was described by Amir as having “the look of the lamb,” and Hassan’s own son, Sohrab, has “slaughtered sheep’s eyes.” Just as his father was sexually abused nearly three decades earlier, Sohrab has been forced into child prostitution by the same abuser, in a sinister example of history repeating itself. When Assef tells Amir that the time has come to settle their unfinished business, Amir is determined to fight to save Sohrab. Amir’s decisive move risks the life he has built for himself, but it also marks the beginning of a better future.
Expert Q&A
What is the significance of the following quote from The Kite Runner?
"I opened my mouth and almost said something. Almost. The rest of my life might have turned out differently if I had. But I didn't. I just watched. Paralyzed."
The quote "I opened my mouth and almost said something. Almost. The rest of my life might have turned our differently if I had. But I didn't. I just watched. Paralyzed." from The Kite Runner signifies the pivotal moment of Amir's life where he fails to help his friend Hassan during a traumatic incident. This moment of cowardice and inaction leads to a lifetime of guilt and regret for Amir. It acts as a catalyst for subsequent events, including driving Hassan and Ali out of the house and his eventual journey to seek redemption. This quote and the surrounding scene form the crux of the novel's themes of redemption and forgiveness.
Can you provide a quote from The Kite Runner that shows Hazaras being denied education and proper jobs?
"That Hassan would grow up illiterate like Ali and most Hazaras had been decided the minute he had been born..." (30).
The quote highlights how Hazaras like Hassan were denied education and proper jobs, fated to illiteracy and servitude due to their ethnicity. The Pashtun majority viewed Hazaras as inferior and unworthy of education or decent employment. Historical discrimination included ethnic cleansing, and Hazaras were often relegated to roles as servants or farmers. The Taliban further oppressed them, as seen in the tragic fate of Hassan and his wife, mistaken as trespassers and killed.
What is the significance and purpose of the italicized passages on p. 69-72 in The Kite Runner?
The italicized passages in Chapter 7 of The Kite Runner highlight themes of brotherhood, betrayal, and sacrifice. They emphasize Amir and Hassan's deep bond, akin to brothers, which makes Amir's betrayal more impactful. The memories suggest Amir's tendency to hide from truth, contrasting with Hassan's openness. The lamb's sacrifice symbolizes Hassan's suffering, ultimately leading to Amir's quest for redemption. These elements underscore the novel's exploration of guilt and atonement.
Why does Amir recall a certain memory during Hassan's tragedy in the alleyway?
Amir recalls a memory of a sheep's sacrifice during Hassan's assault because both Hassan and the sheep represent innocence and resignation to fate. In the novel, Hassan's eyes are likened to those of a sacrificial lamb, resigned and defenseless. This memory highlights Amir's guilt for his inaction, as he passively witnesses Hassan's suffering, similar to how he watched the sheep's sacrifice. This moment symbolizes Amir's betrayal and becomes a catalyst for his future redemption efforts.
The significance and context of "For you, a thousand times over" in The Kite Runner
"For you, a thousand times over" in The Kite Runner signifies unwavering loyalty and sacrifice. Initially, Hassan says it to Amir, reflecting his deep devotion. Later, Amir repeats it as he rescues Sohrab, Hassan's son, symbolizing his redemption and commitment to atone for past mistakes. The phrase encapsulates the novel's themes of loyalty, redemption, and the enduring bonds of friendship.
Where does Amir struggle with conflicting Afghan and American cultures in The Kite Runner?
Amir struggles with conflicting Afghan and American cultures due to his inability to escape his past in Afghanistan, particularly his betrayal of Hassan. Despite moving to America for a fresh start, his memories and guilt persist. While Amir adjusts well to American life, becoming a successful author, his return to Afghanistan highlights his cultural conflict. He faces criticism for leaving and confronts the Taliban’s brutality, ultimately adopting Hassan's son, Sohrab, and bringing him to the U.S.
The significance of the quote "A boy who won’t stand up for himself becomes a man who can’t stand up to anything" in The Kite Runner
The quote signifies the importance of courage and self-assertion in personal development. It emphasizes that failing to defend oneself as a child can lead to a lifelong inability to confront challenges, implying that early experiences shape one's future ability to stand up for what is right and face adversities.
The thematic significance and meaning of Rahim Khan's quote, "There is a way to be good again," in The Kite Runner
In The Kite Runner, Rahim Khan's quote, "There is a way to be good again," signifies the possibility of redemption. It serves as a catalyst for Amir's journey to atone for his past mistakes, particularly his betrayal of Hassan. The quote underscores the novel's central theme that seeking forgiveness and making amends can lead to personal and moral redemption.
The symbolism of the pomegranate tree in relation to Amir and Hassan's innocence and evolving relationship in The Kite Runner
The pomegranate tree in The Kite Runner symbolizes Amir and Hassan's childhood innocence and their evolving relationship. Initially, it represents their carefree friendship and shared happiness. As their relationship becomes strained, the tree also reflects the loss of innocence and the guilt and betrayal that taint their bond over time.
Significance of Sohrab and Rostam Tale in The Kite Runner
The tale of "Rostam and Sohrab" from the Persian epic Shahnamah is significant in Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner as it parallels the complex relationships between fathers and sons, and brothers, in the novel. Hassan's favorite story reflects the tragic consequences of ignorance and betrayal, mirroring Amir and Hassan's relationship. Hassan is metaphorically akin to Sohrab, a son desiring love, while Amir, resembling Rostam, inadvertently harms him. This story underscores themes of redemption and the impact of hidden familial ties.
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