Examples Of Atonement In The Kite Runner

Everyone makes mistakes, commits sins or does some bad deeds. As time goes by, one is unable to live with all the guilt from these sins and mistakes. One regrets it, repents it and does all sorts of things to make it right. Ultimately one only looks for ways to forgive oneself and this requires the atonement of past sins. Atonement in real life refers to the actions of making amends for a wrong or an injury. It helps one to redeem and forgive oneself for all the sins committed in life. This paper will prove that atonement of past sins is possible by using ‘The Kite Runner’ as the primary source and several secondary sources.

Amir is one of the main characters of the novel and has committed many sins during his childhood. Unable to forgive himself he goes back to Afghanistan to make things right and become good again. To forgive himself, he tries to atone for all the sins he has committed. In Rahim’s letter Amir is told tat God forgives anyone who asks for it but it is the people who have a hard time forgiving others.

Baba, Amir’s father, has also committed sins and done some bad deeds. The guilt comes in the way of his life, guilt for not being able to socially accept Hassan as his son. As the story progresses, Baba’s attempts for atonement are also visible. The guilt leads him to build an orphanage. Baba could not accept Hassan but he still cared about him and so, he also pays for Hassan’s harelip operation. This way Baba thought that he could atone for his sins and become