When Guilt Leads To Good True redemption is “when guilt leads to good,” (320). In the fictional novel, The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini portrays the idea of redemption through the characterization of Amir. Rahim Khan, a supporting character in the novel, who acts as a guiding light for Amir told him this quote. It resonated with Amir guiding his growth throughout the novel. When growing up, Amir mistreated Hassan and took advantage of Hassan’s kindness and friendship. In one instance, Amir witnessed Hassan being raped by another boy, and he did nothing to stop it. Amir’s guilt from this event haunts him his whole life living in America and impacts his decisions. His journey shows his growth and is seen in his selfless actions. Throughout the novel, …show more content…
Initially, Amir appears to be empathetic; however, he lacks the courage to stand up for his beliefs, causing his immense guilt. While in Jalalabad, Amir reflects on a dream that Hassan previously shared with him. The dream had “no monster, [Hassan] said, just water… [Amir] was the monster” (86). Amir’s guilt from not standing up for Hassan is demonstrated in how he views himself as the monster from Hassan’s dream. The symbolism in Hassan’s dream describes a lot about Amir’s self-image and his character. By describing himself as a monster he implies that he is hurtful to others and causes harm with no remorse. The fact that he would consider himself a monster acknowleges that he understands his actions are harmful and that he feels guilty about them. Another instance when