KITE RUNNER THEMES

KITE RUNNER THEMES

Father-Son Relationship

The relationships between the fathers and sons of the book influence the story greatly. We observe the large amount of influence a father has, as well as the impact of their actions in regards to their sons. A father’s lack of connection and emotional involvement, especially in the absence of a mother, can lead to his son craving his approval.

Father Son Relationship Example

Betrayal Example

"But then he'd buy it for Hassan too. Sometimes I wished he wouldn't do that. Wished he'd let me be the favorite"(Hosseini 51).

This quote shows the complicated feelings Amir has towards his father and how he becomes jealous of the kind treatment his father bestows upon Hassan; this displays how Amir feels as though he doesn't fully have his father’s love.

"But he's not my friend! He's my servant! (Hosseini 41).

This quote of Amir’s displays betrayal in that Amir, although very close and confiding in Hassan, chooses to defend himself and say something derogatory against Hassan. This shows, once more, how Amir places his own safety and well being over someone who has done just the opposite of that their whole lives.

Betrayal Example

Father Son Relationship Example

"Baba was used to winning, winning at everything he set his mind to. Didn't he have a right to expect the same from his son? And just imagine...if I did win" (Hosseini 56).

This shows Amir’s insecurity in regards to Baba and how he thinks that he needs his approval due to his Father’s high stature. This is also the beginning of his irrational desire for the kite, linking it to Baba’s approval.

"Maybe Hassan was the price I had to pay, the lamb I had to slay, to win Baba. Was it a fair price? The answer floated to my conscious mind before I could thwart it: He was just a Hazara wasn't he?" (Hosseini 77).

This part of the story is Amir’s ultimate betrayal of his friend and loyal servant Hassan, as he contemplates the value of his friends safety and well being over his own selfish desire for the kite and his father’s approval. He even attempts to justify his thoughts by insulting Hassan’s heritage showing the deep betrayal and demoralization of his contemplations.

THEMES:

- Father-Son Relationships

- Influence of the Past

-Betrayal

Betrayal Example

Father Son Relationship Example

"Listening to them, I realized how much of who I was, what I was, had been defined by Baba and the marks he had left on people's lives. My whole life, I had been "Baba's son". Now he was gone. Baba couldn't show me the way anymore; I'd have to find it on my own. The thought of it terrified me" (Hosseini 174).

This passage is more of an objective self reflection of Amir’s relationship with Baba, and how his whole life had been not only influenced, but caged by the image and reputation of his father. Limiting him and his life to only thinking in the constraints of his father’s approval and affecting his life's shape.

"Why? What can you possibly say to me? I'm thirty-eight years old and I've just found out my whole life is one big fucking lie! What can you possibly to make things better? Nothing. Not a goddamn thing!" (Hosseini 223).

The realization of the impact of what Rahim Kahn has just said to Amir shows the gravity of betrayal in this story. Something Amir had believed his whole life, that Baba was honorable and Hassan not was not related, has now been shattered and he feels betrayed by all those who maybe did not lie to him but did not tell him the truth.

Influence of the Past

Betrayal

The concept of betrayal in this story is very prominent as it shapes the lives of many characters. The emotional burden and turmoil betrayal brings to characters is highly influential in their characterizations and the way the story plays out.

In this story, the past greatly affects character's choices and the way they think as events play out. Often times in hard situations characters have trouble escaping the events of thier past, leading to the constant contemplation and influence of it in future events.

Influence of the Past Example

"I opened my mouth, 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. "(Hosseini 73).

This shows how Amir is conscience of the decision he made and the way in which it will affect his future. As we continue through the book we find that it greatly shapes not only his immediate future but his whole life.

"My past was like that, always turning up. His name rose from the deep and I didn't want to say it, as if uttering it might conjure him. But he was already here, in the flesh, sitting less than feet from me, after all these years. His name escaped my lips: "Assef"." (Hosseini 281).

At this time in the book we are first learning the Taliban leader is Assef, the sociopathic boy from Amir’s childhood. The way in which he reacts to this news sums up how influential Assef and his actions have been on shaping Amir and how much effort he goes through to try and bury his past behind him.

"My mind flashed to that winter day six years ago." (Hosseini 116).

This example displays the fact that Amir thinks back to the winter day even after a long period of time, as it was a very influential day.