Symbolism and Theme

Throughout reading this story I have noticed a few scenes that relate to symbolism and theme. These themes effectively display how the story "The Kite Runner" is indulging more and more into the dark theme of the story. What is happening during this segment of the book is that Rahim Kahn (Amir's former mentor) calls Amir and tells him to come meet him in Pakistan. Amir is overwhelmed and completely confused as to why Rahim wishes to see him after such a long time. Amir is still in regret for what he did to Hassan in the earlier years and believes that Rahim Kahn may have an opportunity for him that would allow Amir to make up for it. Under this assumption, Amir leaves to Pakistan without telling his wife or kids a thing. Upon arrival Amir meets up with Rahim Kahn. Kahn explains that Hassan had unfortunately died, Amir blames this on himself because Amir decided not to bring Hassan with him, and Hassan died at the house Amir left him at. Much to Amir's surprise he finds out that Hassan was actually his brother, they shared the same father. This was a huge realization for him as he now understands that Hassan wasn't below him. Hassan was the same as him. Amir found out that Hassan had a child, and this child had survived the unfortunate fate the bestowed upon Hassan and his wife. Amir was ready to go on a journey.

This story has displayed many themes very accurately as far. The most present theme during this section was the theme of the search of redemption. Amir was faced with the opportunity to make up for ruining Hassan's life and essentially killing him by being able to save the life of his son. As Rahim Kahn said "A man who has no conscience, no goodness, does not suffer."(301). This quote shows theme directly as it states that Amir's conscience will eat him alive until he is able to make up for what he did to Hassan. It also states that since Amir is hurting he has goodness in him, and eventually this goodness will lead him to redemption for what he has done. Through this section questions have come to mind, what will be enough for Amir? Will it be enough that he saves Hassan's child or will he still blame himself for the death of him? Will Amir ever begin to think that it wasn't entirely his fault or even if his father will ever love him?

Also, as this story develops more Symbolism has become apparent. For example, the Kite's used to symbolism freedom and justice and all that was good about their childhood. Unfortunately now when Amir sees a kite it reminds him of the terror and horror that was forced upon Hassan just to get the "winning" kite. When Amir eventually found Hassan's child he got in a fight with the old bully Assef (who was now Hassan's child's slave master) he was quoted in saying "My body was broken—just how badly I wouldn't find out until later—but I felt healed. Healed at last. I laughed."(289). This quotation showed how even though Amir was broken done from being beat up, he felt healed because he finally saved Sohrab (Hassan's boy). This symbolised peace and serenity; even though he was beat up he was still happy, he was happy that he finally could redeem himself for ruining Hassan's life. Or could he? Was this enough for him? Amir was a happy person momentarily, but as he developed further would he become sad once again because he didn't save Hassan? These questions were still unanswered at the end of the chapter.

In conclusion, I believe that the Kite Runner has started to develope Theme and Symbolism in a more contrast manner throughout this segment of the story. I believe that it will eventually build Amir into a stronger person and he will persist into beating through his emotional chains.