Character Analysis: The Kite Runner Essay

1. The overarching theme of Kite Runner is redemption. Taking that in the violence and misery incorporated in the book was necessary. With its use a realistic picture of Afghanistan and decisions that could lead to regret one almost forgets it’s a work of fiction. The violence, especially regarding the rape of Hassan and Sohrab, was written so detailed that it leaves scars on the reader. It fully captures the readers and embeds the feeling of guilt Amir holds, into ones conscience. It is almost as if the readers themselves is Amir instead of just following his story line.

2. Amir is a flawed protagonist. In no way does he sugarcoat his want to escape the past, nor the decisions he selfishly makes for himself. Instead Amir showcases what it is to be human, to be flawed, to regret and to seek redemption. Unlike most characters Hosseini has taken a more realistic approach in the creation of Amir. The character himself is very complex to be judged on a single angle alone. Throughout the book Amir displays his deep remorse of what he allowed Hassan to go through, in one sleepless night he confesses that “A part of me was hoping someone would wake up and hear, so I wouldn’t have to live with this lie anymore.” (86) Amir is admirable in a way that he does not completely allow himself to forget no matter what. Furthermore, when a way to redeem himself presents itself, Amir goes without having second thoughts.

3. Baba is an idealistic character. Throughout the book he is descried to be this morally driven person, who sees the world in black and white. Amir states that “my father molded the world around him to his liking.”(15) This would show how Baba was seen as driving force through the young Amir’s eyes. In more ways than one Baba affected the people around him. He was displayed to the soldier who donned the armor; however, he himself hid secrets. Despite knowing that Hassan was his son, he carried to his grave the truth of his birth. Not once did he tell Amir of his true relations with his son, nor did he try to attempt. In a way Baba is a hypocrite who preached that thievery is the worst of sins, but stole the opportunity for Hassan to live a better life. However with that in mind Amir did grow to atone for his sins, because he was his father’s son. In the end Amir took it upon himself to purge the sins his father started and he continued.

4. Baba’s intimidating force was what led to Amir’s rather taciturn persona. Unlike his father who stands for what he sees is right, Amir would prefer to linger in the shadows. This could be due to the fact that he saw himself as man who could never measure to his father’s legacy. As his father Baba preached that “There is no act more wretched than stealing” (18) Amir references this at several points throughout the book and shapes much of his morals out of the phrase. Baba’s presence alone has shaped Amir, though he never states of his want for his son to be more like him, he do so by speech and actions. Through the book Baba was depicted as this unremitting force, who stood above all with the use of his actions. With observing this alone Amir was inflicted with the need to please his father with any means necessary. This very fact has led him to allow what happened to Hassan, just to receive the blue kite. However, indirect was Baba’s influence it is his essence that drives the plot. It was due to him Amir sought to atone the sins he and his father committed, as well as the reason why the sacrifice of Hassan was allowed.

5. A lamb is a baby sheep, a babe that hasn’t grown into adulthood yet. When Amir witnesses the rape of Hassan he states that he saw the look of “resignation” (76) the appearance of the lamb is that acceptance, the resolve that “its imminent demise is for a higher purpose.” (77) The lamb represents the innocence of Hassan, and the way he was untainted by the world. However, this purity is destroyed when he sacrifices himself for the belief that what he was doing was needed. The expression of this loss of innocence is the lamb’s last cry to the world. It is the marking point when the child leaves the shell of childhood and enters the reality of life. 6. Rarely has a book left me speechless like The Kite Runner has. It was so beautifully haunting that I simply could not tear my eyes away from reading it. The portrayal of the characters emotions were so raw, that it left me in tears or crying in denial. Nonetheless Hosseini has published Kite Runner as his first book, which I find immensely awe worthy.

To deliver a masterpiece that leaves its readers too stupefied to not deliberate in life is what amazes me about kite runner. Furthermore, the book has provided such realistic insight on the political upheaval that has occurred in Afghanistan. Within its 371 pages it has provided me a peak into the different ethnic groups and its social hierarchy. Not only does The Kite Runner emanate a wonderfully crafted story it also educates its readers with each turn of a page. Despite having a rather heated political situation circulating around the world presently, I still believe that people should read it. With so many misconceptions regarding Muslim nations floating around and eventually being seen as the truth, a read like this properly clarifies the gray spots