The Kite Runner: Looking Into the Impacts of Childhood on Adulthood. Childhood is where we blossom as individuals. Where we learn exactly who we are and what we stand for. It defines the rest of our lives. In Khaled Hosseini’s, The Kite Runner, the importance and impact of childhood is clearly evident as Amir grows up. Amir's cowardly behaviors in childhood lead to intense guilt, which he has to overcome to become a responsible, caring individual. This is evident upon examining his behaviors enabled during childhood, the guilt he experienced and how he overcomes his cowardly behaviors. To start, as a child, Amir was able to get away with a lot due to his social standing. This can clearly and repeatedly be seen in his and Hassan's relationship. Often, Amir would take advantage of Hassan's trust and use his superior education to trick him. Amir would take pleasure when he could “tease him, expose his ignorance” (30). For example, when Hassan couldn't understand the word “imbecile” instead of explaining the meaning to him, Amir told him “it means smart, …show more content…
Sohrab had a very difficult childhood after his parents' death, carrying significant amounts of trauma from the orphanage as well as his time with Assef and the abuse he suffered through. In the past, Amir would have taken the easier way out and sent him to live at an orphanage or with strangers like the Caldwells. With his newfound bravery, Amir chose to fight for Sohrab even though it was nearly impossible to adopt from Afghanistan at the time. Ultimately he learned the importance of his bravery when, at the end of the novel, he and Sohrab are kite running, finally putting Amir at peace after so long living in guilt. He joyously described, “I ran with the wind blowing in my face, and a smile as wide as the Valley of Panjsher on my lips” (391). Amir finally overcame the instinct to be a coward, leading to his complete and utter fulfillment and