P2+Gavin+and+Greg

Gavin Cude and Gregory Christakos

Theme Redemption 

Of the many recurring themes in the book //Kite Runner,// one stands out more than the rest. This theme is redemption; redemption of the soul and mind. This theme shows itself many times throughout the novel, and is the central premise of the book. Amir, the main character is haunted by the actions of his youth, and is trying to find a way to redeem himself. Amir eventually travels to Pakistan to visit an old friend, who gives Amir the chance to redeem his sins. This is shown in the line "I told him I was going to Kabul [for Hassan's son]. Told him to call the Caldwells in the morning. 'I'll pray for you, Amir jan' he [Rahim Khan] said" (Hosseini 227). This journey of redemption is a key part of the plot, and the main point the author is trying get across. As this is central to the understanding of the novel, it is important to notice the recurrences of the theme. The whole story leads up to Amir's point of redemption, starting with the history of his sins; including the rape of his friend Hassan, and then leading up to Amir rescuing Hassan's son Sohrab.

Hosseini, Khaled. //Kite Runner//. New York: Riverhead Books, 2003. Print

Event Amir's decision to travel to Pakistan to see Rahim Khan

Of the many significant events that occur in chapter 13-19, the most important event in relation to understanding the purpose of the novel is when Amir chooses to travel to Pakistan to visit Rahim Khan. The significance of Amir's travel to Pakistan is that it is an event that changes the focus of the story and shows the true purpose of the book which is to redeem oneself, or in other words, redemption. In the story Kite Runner, Amir thinks of his past which haunts him, and upon hearing Rahim Khan's plea, he decides to take action in visiting him. This is shown in the quote, "He [Hassan] was yelling over his shoulder: '//For you, a thousand times over//!' A week later, I sat on a window seat aboard a Pakistani International Airlines flight..." (Hosseini 194). Upon hearing the news from Rahim Khan, Amir begins to think of his unfortunate past and what Rahim Khan might know of those who were a part of it. Rahim also offers him the chance to be good again, which torques Amir's mind into facing his past, and redeeming himself in his own eyes. This event is a changing point in the novel, and signifies the overall purpose of the novel. This ties in with the theme of redemption; it is when Amir decides to face his past, and clear his conscious.

Hosseini, Khaled. //Kite Runner//. New York: Riverhead Books, 2003. Print

Symbol Hassan's Letters

The letters written by Hassan are a key symbol in the novel //A Kite Runner.// They represent a changing point for Amir and his life, and also give the reader a glimpse into the changes of Hassan's life. Amir is constantly haunted by his sins of the past and his guilt, and thinks of Hassan of often. However, Amir has not taken any action to redeem himself or atone for his sins. Yet this changes when he reads the letters. One of the letters reads, "I [Hassan] have told much about you to Faranza jan and Sohrab, about us growing up together and playing in the streets. They laugh at the stories of all the mischief you and I used to cause" (Hosseini 216). When Amir reads this, he realizes that Hassan carries no grudge against him. In truth, Hassan wants to keep in contact, wants to know how Amir is doing, and even tells his family about their childhood together. There is no hate of spitefulness written into the letters. This symbolizes the love of Hassan for Amir, and how it has remained untarnished, even after Amir's sins. This also symbolizes the moment when Amir thinks about how to be good again. This ties in with the theme of redemption, and the letters help push Amir toward making to choice of rescuing Sohrab from war torn Afghanistan.

Hosseini, Khaled. //Kite Runner//. New York: Riverhead Books, 2003. Print