Introduction
Originally released in 2003, The Kite Runner is the work of Afghan-American writer Khaled Hosseini. The novel features a young boy named Amir, living in the Wazir Akbar Khan district of Kabul. Amir has a close friend, Hassan, whom he discovers later that he is the son of Amir’s father’s servant. The revelation disturbs Amir, on top of the discomfort he always had with the strong bond between his father and Hassan. In addition to Afghanistan’s tumultuous 20th-century past, the book explores friendship, betrayal, remorse, and forgiveness themes. It was so popular after its release that it spawned a movie, a play, and an opera. The book has been widely praised and recommended for anybody curious about Afghanistan or the effects of war on civilians. Amir’s past experiences and decisions set the foundation and development of The Kite runner, showing that the past can have significant impacts on individual’s present actions, attitudes and values.
Throughout the novel, Amir goes through several significant changes that make him a more complex and dynamic character. At the novel’s beginning, Amir is a well-educated man who hails from a wealthy family in Afghanistan. As a result of his father’s lack of emotional support, he feels unloved and inadequate. Furthermore, it has not gotten easier for him to forgive himself for betraying his best friend, Hassan. Amir changes and grows as a person throughout the novel, with most of his life affected by prior deeds. He feels the need to face his past and take ownership of his life. Most of the narration falls under this initiative, and his desire for redemption affects the people around him. Overall, Amir is a multifaceted character who changes tremendously during the narrative. A spoilt and slothful youth in the start, he grows into a selfless and caring adult. He is relatable to readers because he is flawed and makes mistakes, and a likable protagonist because he tries to make amends and improve himself.
Main Themes and the Past
The past is important in The Kite Runner since it shapes the lives of the characters and the novel’s themes. The novel’s previous events, notably a tragic occurrence in Amir’s youth, continue to haunt the characters and impact their current behavior. The idea of friendship and loyalty is tightly linked to this argument since Amir and Hassan’s childhood connection serves as the basis for the novel’s study of these issues (Matondang, 2020). The previous occurrence for which Amir is responsible produces a schism in their friendship with Hassan, and the narrative investigates how the experiences impact their current connection. A strong friendship became weak as a result of a single mistake by Amir. As he grows, he makes several choices to counter the impacts of his former actions. The development of the theme of friendship is therefore tied to the past and significantly influences Amir’s later life.
Furthermore, the theme of betrayal is intertwined with the past since Amir’s betrayal of Hassan is a pivotal event in the narrative that continues to impact the characters’ lives. The theme is also shown through Baba’s betrayal of Ali, his loyal friend and servant. The consequences of these betrayals have a lasting impact on the characters and their relationships in their later life. This betrayal haunts Amir throughout the novel and ultimately leads to his return to Afghanistan to make amends. Additionally, Baba also betrays his loyal friend and servant Ali by not acknowledging him as his true son. In sum, both Amir and Baba’s betrayal lead to the destruction of relationships, and the characters struggle to find redemption.
Amir’s Relationships
Most of Amir’s relationships in The Kite Runner have a significant link with the past. Amir’s deeds, especially his betrayal of Hassan, continue to plague him throughout the narrative. He battles with remorse and shame, and much of the novel is about him trying to make apologies for his mistakes and trying to return the relationships to the original state. His identity and his place in the present are inextricably bound up with his feelings about his mistakes. He misses his family and friends back in his native country and often thinks about leaving his new life in the United States. However, his failures put him in a state of condemnation as a friend to other people. The book examines the premise that the past is constantly with people and shapes who they are and what they do. Amir’s past choices have had profound effects on his present and future. They affect his social life, sense of self-worth, and prospects for salvation.
Amir’s relationship with his father during childhood affects his life and his association with other characters. His interactions with his father were complicated by this guilt. Amir’s troubled relationship with his father, Baba, is a central theme of The Kite Runner. Baba is a very prosperous businessman who lacks nothing money can buy. He is a tough father with high expectations for Amir but little interest in him. Amir’s lack of fatherly love and attention has left him feeling unworthy. Their strained relationship damages Amir’s self-esteem, so he strives to win Baba’s acceptance through good deeds. Amir’s insecurity leads him to make terrible choices that affect his relationships with others, such as his past betrayal of Hassan, which left him with social anxiety and lingering guilt. This toxic relationship heavily influences Amir’s life and quest for forgiveness and acceptance.
Recent studies have shown that negative childhood interactions with one’s father might have long-lasting consequences in children’s lives when they grow. A study by Vogel et al. (2019) shows that having a poor relationship with one’s father or never having a father figure can have impacts in later life. Problems in a child’s relationship with their father have been linked to later difficulties in regulating emotions, controlling behavior, and forming healthy attachments (Summers et al., 2019). Furthermore, children who have terrible relationships with their fathers may find it challenging to build and sustain healthy relationships in the future. Problems may also arise from an inability to deal with stress or accomplish desired outcomes (Vogel et al., 2019). Almost all of Amir’s problems might have been traced back to his rocky upbringing by his father. While this is the case, Amir still manages to form strong relationships. Amir and his wife Soraya have a strong marriage because they are mutually supportive and empathetic. She helps Amir feel at home in his new country and discover joy and contentment. However, the lack of proper emotional attachments in upbringing still affects some relationships resulting in jealousy and betrayal.
Further research shows the love and direction of a parent might shape that young man’s feelings. A young man’s emotional growth is greatly aided by having a father figure who cares about him (Summers et al., 2019). The father’s affection can greatly enhance the sense of security and stability, and self-esteem can be bolstered so that the young man confidently confronts the challenges of adulthood. Similarly, a young man’s sense of self might benefit from his father’s affection since it can provide him with a sense of belonging and identity (Summers et al., 2019). To conclude, a young man’s relationship can only thrive with the support of his father’s affection. The affection of a father can provide the groundwork for a young man’s future relationships, especially when learning how to create healthy ties and manage his emotions. Young men who have healthy relationships with their fathers are more likely to feel fulfilled as adults, experience fewer mental health issues, and achieve higher levels of success in life (Summers et al., 2019). Lack of support from Amir’s father resulted in many challenges, including making decisions that impacted his later life negatively.
The Past and Learning
The book reveals that while the past might cause people to feel guilty and embarrassed, it can also help them learn and grow. Amir’s struggle to reconcile with his past and find redemption is a strong reminder that the past can never be totally forgotten and that it is vital to address and accept it to move on. As he aged, Amir realized that he had made mistakes and that correction was necessary. The past encouraged him to change his ways and become a better person than he was in his early years. These decisions show how people’s history can shape their behavior, but also how they can put the past behind individuals by taking accountability and making amends. The book also delves into how one’s upbringing shapes their identity and sense of community. To Amir, having a close relationship with Hassan, his father Baba, and his home country of Afghanistan are all essential components of his identity and sense of place. He, however, came to realize this later after reflecting on his experiences.
Drawback
The past can affect personal development in the present and cause people to lose focus. After his father dies, Amir leaves Afghanistan and goes to the United States with Rahim Khan. This decision will take him away from his home nation and the people he loves, but it will also offer him the opportunity to establish a new life. As the story progresses, Amir returns to Afghanistan and saves Hassan’s son, Sohrab, from a life of abuse and neglect. While Amir’s life is put in jeopardy due to this choice, he can make up for his previous acts and fulfil his pledge to Hassan. Overall, the guilt and regret he feels over his betrayal of Hassan and the longing to redeem himself lead him to return to his homeland in order to make amends. Additionally, the death of Baba also pushes Amir to confront his past and try to find a way to come to terms with it. The time he spent on these initiatives would have been applied in other areas, such as career development in the US.
The past is mostly linked to Amir’s desire to make amends. There are several motivations for people to try to make amends for past deeds, but the most prevalent in the novel is regret over poor decision-making. According to Jha (n.d.), when someone discovers they have hurt another person or been hurt by another person, they may feel remorseful and desire to write their wrongs. Being overcome by guilt can make individuals feel terrible about themselves and fill them with self-doubt. Rectifying an injustice can help people put the past in the past and free themselves from guilt to go forward with their lives. Making apologies can also be a vital aspect of growing and evolving. Recognizing and owning up to personal mistakes can help an individual grow and develop self-awareness. As a bonus, it can help people see the consequences of their acts and make positive adjustments to their conduct. It is a method for them to express regret and accept responsibility for what they did, and it can be a crucial step toward healing and reconciliation, as in the case of Amir. These findings support Amir’s dedication to repairing broken relationships. However, the process is time-consuming, and, in some cases, it can mislead individuals to make risky decisions, just like Amir.
Failure to Face the Past
In The Kite Runner, some of Amir’s decisions to avoid his past have far-reaching consequences for other characters. Amir’s decision to ignore Hassan and do nothing to stop the bullying and sexual assaults has significantly impacted his life. Amir is troubled by Hassan’s death, and this is one of the reasons he returns to Afghanistan. Hassan is abandoned to deal with his trauma and shame, eventually dragging him to death. Amir’s desire to leave Afghanistan and join Rahim Khan in the United States will undoubtedly change the dynamic between Baba and Amir. Firstly, Baba laments the loss of his son and the time he never got to spend with him after his death. Secondly, Sohrab’s fortunes improve since Amir returns to Afghanistan to rescue Hassan’s son. Sohrab’s life is saved from the horrors of abuse and neglect, and he is given a chance to thrive (Summers et al., 2019). Amir’s approach helps him overcome his remorse and move on from the past. In sum, Amir’s decisions throughout the novel have positive and negative consequences for the characters around him.
Past’s impacts to Amir
Relationships, self-esteem, and the possibility of reconciliation are all shown to be vulnerable to decisions people make regarding the past. The book shows how difficult it can be to avoid the consequences of one’s actions, whether good or bad. Hassan’s betrayal by Amir and the fact that he did not speak up for him when he was bullied and raped haunted him for the rest of his life, influencing how he saw himself and responded to others. It exemplifies the possibility of redemption and the importance of atonement for past wrongdoings. Furthermore, the book demonstrates how personal choices affect identities, social roles, and career goals. After much deliberation, Amir and Rahim Khan decided to relocate to the United States. Although this decision cut him off from his family and friends, it also gave him a fresh start away from those who knew him. The past, therefore, can lower self-esteem, changing the way people see themselves. However, Amir’s story shows that choices have repercussions and that it is never too late to make amends and find redemption.
In The Kite Runner, the past history of Afghanistan affects Amir in several ways. The political and social turmoil of the country, particularly the rise of the Taliban and the Soviet invasion, shapes Amir’s understanding of the world and his place within it. The conflicts and violence he witnessed as a child, along with the changes in his country, contribute to a feeling of displacement and alienation. Additionally, Amir’s personal history and family’s status as a wealthy and privileged Pashtun in a society where Hazaras are discriminated against also shapes his understanding of the world and his relationships with others. All of these experiences affect Amir’s decision-making, his relationships and his sense of identity throughout the novel.
Besides Amir’s history and the history of Afghanistan as a society, the novel uses the motif of storytelling to explore the topic of the past’s influence on the present. The characters’ use of storytelling throughout the story is a fundamental device for helping them face and make peace with their pasts. By presenting a story, Amir can come to terms with his guilt over Hassan’s death and failure to defend him. Similarly, Baba uses storytelling to face and embrace his past demons. By highlighting the importance of facing and understanding one’s history to move forward and create a better future, these narrative motifs highlight the topic of the past’s influence on the present.
Lessons and Conclusions
From the life and experiences of Amir in The Kite Runner, several conclusions can be made regarding the past. The choices people make can have a significant impact on their lives and those close to them. They may result in guilt and shame, which can have a lasting impact on one’s life. Amir’s childhood experiences shape his relationships and sense of self-worth. However, redemption is always possible and one of the ways to find closure (Jha, n.d.). Amir’s choice to return to Afghanistan allows him to revisit his past and repair the broken relationship and fulfil his promise to Hassan. Furthermore, Amir’s past actions profoundly affect his life and the lives of those around him, shaping his relationships, his sense of self-worth, and his ability to find peace.
Amir’s experiences and struggles with guilt, shame, and the need for redemption are universal and relatable to many people today. Many people can relate to regret, guilt, and the desire to correct their past mistakes. Amir’s immigrant experience is also similar to that of many people today. He struggles to find a sense of belonging and identity in his new home in the United States, and his longing for his homeland is something that many immigrants can understand (Adhikary, 2021). Amir’s relationship with his father, Baba, is also something many people today comprehend. The complex and sometimes strained relationship between Amir and his father highlights the struggles many people have with their parents and face difficult life experiences in the future.
Amir’s experiences with friendship, betrayal, and loyalty are also universal and relatable to many people today. Many people can understand the struggles of maintaining friendships and the impact that betrayal can have on relationships. Amir’s experience of the past shaping who he is and the choices he makes is also something that many people have experienced. Many people’s past experiences shape who they are and how they see the world and make decisions. Overall, Amir’s experiences, struggles, and relationships in the novel are relatable to many people today and make the story more personal and emotional for the reader.
After reading and understanding The Kite Runner, the novel can be described as a powerful and emotional story that explores the complexities of human nature and the impact of past actions on one’s life. The novel paints a vivid and nuanced portrait of Afghan culture and society, set against the country’s political turmoil. The story is told through the eyes of the protagonist Amir, a complex and dynamic character who undergoes significant changes throughout the novel. The novel is a thought-provoking and powerful exploration of the human condition and the choices we make in life. It is a story that explores the impact of past actions on one’s life and the possibility of redemption. It is a novel that leaves a lasting impression on the reader, making them question their life choices and the importance of facing and coming to terms with the past. In summary, The Kite Runner is a thought-provoking, emotional and powerful novel that explores themes of friendship, betrayal, guilt, redemption, and the immigrant experience set against the backdrop of Afghan culture and society. It is a story that delves into the complexities of human nature and the impact of past actions on one’s life.
In sum, Amir’s relationships with Baba, Hassan, Sohrab, Soraya, and Afghanistan’s social history explore the subject of the past’s impact on the present. The artwork illustrates Amir’s lifelong remorse and estrangement from loved ones due to his refusal to face and accept his history. Until he is willing to face and accept his past, he will not be able to achieve forgiveness and a meaningful connection with others. The novel examines society’s historical past and how it defines the present, stressing the importance of knowing and facing the past to build a better future. The novel’s recurring storytelling theme exemplifies the power of narrative as a means of processing and resolving the effects of the past on the present.
References
Adhikary, R. P. (2021). Crisis of cultural identity in Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner. Scholar Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, 5, 179-187. Web.
Hosseini, K. (2003). The Kite Runner. Penguin. Web.
Jha, B. K. (n.d.). The theme of vindication and atonement in the Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Web.
Matondang, M. K. D. (2020). An analysis of the major themes in Khaled Hosseini’s novel “The Kite Runner.” Research, Society and Development, 9(9), e173997294-e173997294. Web.
Summers, J. A., Boiler, K., Schiffman, R. F., & Raikes, H. H. (2019). The meaning of “good fatherhood:” Low-income fathers’ social constructions of their roles. In Parenting: Science and Practice (pp. 145-165). Routledge. Web.
Vogel, C. A., Bradley, R. H., Raikes, H. H., Boiler, K., & Shears, J. K. (2019). Relation between father connectedness and child outcomes. In Parenting: Science and Practice (pp. 189-209). Routledge. Web.