Personal Response

             Unfamiliar of the book “The Kite Runner” I did not know what to expect reading the story. I had heard from many readers what they thought of the book and there was not one negative comment to come from it. With that I decided it was something I should potentially read. With this in mind, I am extremely happy with my novel choice. At no point in the story was it slow and boring. Myself as the reader came to an understanding of how corrupt a country can be as well as experiencing first hand the struggles on being an immigrant from your homeland. This combing created a very appealing and interesting story. The connection you feel to both of the main characters is unmatched by any other novels or stories I have read. Overall, this was a great choice for me and I recommend it to everyone! 

What the title “The Kite Runner” represents

         The title refers to the main characters Amir and Hassan and the event that will in effect change both of their lives. The kite flying in the sky refers to the kite flying competition that Amir wins with the aid of Hassan. Besides the references to these characters, the title invokes the freedom that a kite has which is made possible through control from the spool attached to the kite. The fact that the kite flying takes two people to be successful, points out that freedom is possible in the case in which people can get along together and come to an agreement. When you put that into perspective, war itself can be avoided by resolving issues typically between two sides, alike how we see that in the story through the eyes of the two main characters. If the problems are left unresolved then inhumane acts are without a doubt inevitable. Therefore naming the novel “The Kite Runner”, harmonizes all of these aspects.

Dramatic Irony

Rape in an Islamic country- In a country such as Afghanistan, rape is not recognized. The act of raping is not something Islamic countries are not interpreted in the same way North America or Europe for example sees it. More less the act of rape happens and if no one has actually proof or sees it nothing will be done. In Afghanistan is rape has taken place and a women is raped they will be stoned. In the case of the Kite Runner where two boys are involved, typically it would mean that they are both to be executed.   

Superiority- Amir constantly at the beginning of the story thinks he is “above” his friend Hassan on several occasions. Time passes and Amir comes to reality and realizes he is on the same level if not lower.

An example of this would be when Hassan was being raped and Amir did nothing to help his friend. If Amir was that manly figure that was above everyone, he would have gone right over to help his friend. Instead Amir runs off trying to forget he ever saw the event take place. The ironic part of the situation is that if it was Hassan in Amir’s position, without hesitation he would go and do the best he could to help. Hassan therefore displays the characteristics that would make him in fact ‘’higher” than Amir. 

Internal/External Conflict

           The internal conflicts revolve around Amir. Amir feels unspeakable guilt towards Hassan when he was raped. Amir also struggled to get a true sense of love from his father, as he always felt he was not a priority and felt lost and left out from his life almost. The great amount of pride and manly hood Hassan has made Amir realize that he never stands up for himself which he had difficulties coping with. When Hassan is gone, Amir feels extremely lonely because his father is not a typical father figure and since Hassan was his childhood friend that was with him through all the tough times.

As far as the external conflicts in the Kite Runner is indefinitely betrayal, and sacrifice that each character has to come face to face with physically, mentally and emotionally. Expiation is also a notable external conflict with relation to the sin that Amir and Hassan have partaken in. 

Symbolism

Kite Running

Kite Running in the story symbolizes a form of battle and competition in which you cannot loose. Kabul’s interpretation of kite flying is that it’s simply going to war. Amir and Hassan’s friendship is shown through the teamwork required to build a successful kite. The two parts of kite running which are controlling the kite and the running after the cut down kite are perfect representations of distinction between the two boys. Knowing that the kite flying is less desirable but more honorable. The running s the more ideal job but its less respected in as sense. Amir is the kite flyer in the story when Hassan is the runner. The audience that was spectating the event would scream at Amir to “cut him, cut him” insinuating that he needs to win. Amir described the screaming to be similar to Gladiators being screamed at by the Romans to “kill”. By the end of the competition the two boys are victorious. Amir has become a “man” according to his father, but not long after he has lost his manhood by not taking on the male responsibility to help a dear friend when he was in need.

The Pomegranate Tree

The tree is a direct representation of the strong bond Amir and Hassan share. Their names are carved into the tree representing something lasting a “lifetime”. When they are sitting under the tree Amir whips a pomegranate at Hassan hoping that he would fight back. Hassan does not respond in such a way in fact he smashes a pomegranate against his own forehead. It shows that he again is making a sacrifice for Amir. This basically signifies the extent of their relationship because Amir cannot comprehend the reason why Hassan always sacrifices himself for Amir. Amir’s overall guilt ends the friendship.