Internal Conflict The Kite Runner

Thomas Crum wrote, “The quality of our lives depends not on whether or not we have conflicts, but on how we respond to them.” Conflict consumes the world around us due to the decisions of every day life. While every dispute seems diverse, there are only two genuine outcomes. People can grow from their conflicts or continue to repeat their past. In the novel, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Conflicts change the character Amir. Several of the conflicts include the fight with Assef, his internal battle with guilt, and the struggle of going to Kabul. A particular event that changes Amir is the conflict with Assef. During his childhood, Amir faces conflict when Assef confronts him. Shortly before Hassan steps in, Assef is harassing Amir, and

After watching Hassan’s assault, Amir battles his guilty conscience. Amir shares his secret while his relatives are asleep but then realizes, “A part of me was hoping someone would wake up and hear, so I wouldn’t have to live with this lie anymore. But no one woke up and in the silence that followed, I understood the nature of my new curse: I was going to get away with it.” (Page 86) Amir is conflicted about his lack of assistance during his best friend’s assault. In the moment, it was easy for him to stand idly by, but his crime haunts him. Although Amir knows what he did was wrong, he isn’t afraid of punishment. Any consequence would cleanse him of his guilt. Furthermore, Amir’s internal battle plays a big role in his development as a person. The guilt of betraying Hassan leaves an immense impact on Amir. While thinking about his past, Amir realizes that he has not grown from his early mistakes, “Because the past claws it's way out. Looking back now, I realize I have been peeking into that deserted alley for the last twenty-six years.” (Page 1) Time hasn’t freed Amir of his guilt. Although years continue to pass, Amir is constantly reminded that he is still the cowardly boy who failed Hassan. Amir lives his life in shame. He’s ashamed of the boy he once was and the man he still is. After Amir wrecks countless relationships and past decisions, the change in his life starts to benefit