The Kite Runner Redemption Essay

In the novel, The Kite Runner, Hosseini explores the idea of redemption in an array of different ways throughout the book. The story follows Amir, the main protagonist, who has struggled all his life to make amends with himself and others for the mistakes he has made in the past. Throughout the book, Amir uses the pain, loss, and guilt he has sustained to guide him through his journey to redemption. Hosseini dissects what it means to truly redeem oneself and the challenges endured by those. Hosseini depicts the idea of redemption through the symbolism of kite-racing and foreshadowing as it follows his journey. Hosseini also portrays redemption through the intricate imagery illustrated in the novel. Essentially, Hosseini hints that the journey

The speculation of redemption can be seen in the opening sentences of the novel, hinting at the pivotal event that will shape Amir’s life, as well as the plot. In the text, it expresses, “I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a frigid overcast day in the winter of 1975” And, “That was a long time ago, but it’s wrong what they say about the past, I’ve learners, about how you can bury it. Because the past claws it’s way out.” (Hosseini 2). Indicating the foreshadowing of the focal point within the novel, when Amir witnesses the assault of Hassan and does nothing to stop it. This event haunts Amir for the rest of his life, commencing his journey to redemption as he seeks to make restitution for his past mistakes. The use of foreshadowing in the opening sentence creates a sense of anticipation and tension in the reader, as we know that something significant is going to happen to Amir at the age of twelve, that will serve as a vital instrument in Amir’s venture to

Hosseini uses comprehensive detail to describe the landscape of Afghanistan to highlight the beauty and tragedy of Amir’s homeland, while also entailing the importance of redemption in a country torn apart by war. The novel, The Kite Runner, is set in Kabul, Afghanistan, at a time of uncertainty and fear as violence is inflicted upon the country. Moreover, as acknowledged later in the novel, Amir returns back to Afghanistan as he is on his journey to redemption. Upon return, Amir is struck with the devastation and destruction he sees within his homeland. According to the text, “A sadness came over me. Returning to Kabul was like running into an old, forgotten friend and seeing that life hadn’t been good to him, that he’d become homeless and destitute.” (Hosseini 210). The war-torn country’s imagery conveys the loss and despair that consumes Amir. However, as Amir begins to act on his mistakes we are able to see the scenery of the novel become more uplifting and hopeful. Ultimately, the scenery is able to serve as a reflection of Amir’s emotions, mirroring his internal emotions to the world surrounding