Kite Runner Forgiveness

570 Words3 Pages

You’d never guess that a novel titled “The Kite Runner” would ever lead into an epic tale of betrayal, forgiveness, love, and eventually redemption; however, Hosseini manages to do it all. “The Kite Runner” was written by Khaled Hosseini in first person primarily describing events that occurred in the past. Sohrab is saved from a life of sexual abuse and an orphanage, but is unable to escape his traumas. Sohrab’s internal conflict with himself regarding his sexual abuse and orphan status made him feel depressed resulting in an attempted suicide .

Sohrab was sexually abused which has caused him to feel dirty and sinful. On page 319 Hosseini says “ because I don't want them to see me...I’m so dirty.” “ I’m so dirty and full of sin.” Sohrab …show more content…

In the middle of the novel Hosseini mentions Amir betraying Sohrab and telling him that their taking him back to the orphanage. But on page 371 we can infer that amir was forgiven with a smile because Hosseini says “ It was only a smile, nothing more. It didn't make everything all right. It didn't make anything all right.. Only a smile. A tiny thing. A leaf in the woods...But I’ll take it. With open arms. Because when spring comes, it melts the snow one flake at a time, and maybe I just witnessed the first snowflake melting. This is when Amir finally witnesses the forgiveness and acceptance that he’s been seeking. Amir redeems himself by finding Sohrab and taking him with him. The “first snowflake melting” partially symbolizes Amir letting go of the guilt he's had bottled up.
Sohrab was betrayed by Amir but soon forgave him with a smile. Sohrab’s smile symbolizes the redemption Amir has received. Finally, Amir says to Sohrab “ For you a thousand times over” meaning Amir will do anything for Sohrab now. The only way complete forgiveness can occur is when one forgives oneself, and that will only occur when one has truly attempted to atone for the mistakes one has