Redemption In The Kite Runner

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The idea that one can redeem a past action is often closely tied to the morals/values of that person. In Khaled Hosseini’s novel The Kite Runner, he depicts a change in morals in order to show how redemption can change a person. Hosseini sheds a light on what redemption truly is through universal themes, extended symbolism, and character development. Hosseini uses universal themes throughout the novel in order to depict redemption and its necessary components; these themes include comments on the effects of discrimination and sin. Hassan’s rape is the perfect example of Hosseini’s effective combination of these two themes. During the rape, Assef’s friend Wali states that rape is “sinful;” however, Assef replies that “there’s nothing sinful about teaching a lesson …show more content…

Hosseini uses the symbol of a dream throughout the novel in order to depict how redemption can change a person. The most memorable dream in the novel is Amir’s dream about Baba fighting the black bear, but upon further inspection, Amir realizes he is the one battling with the bear. Amir states that “[Baba] looks up at me and I see. He’s me. I am wrestling the bear” (Hosseini 295). This dream symbolizes Amir’s battle with his guilt and eventual atonement of his past actions. By using dreams to symbolize atonement, Hosseini depicts redemption as more of an internal conflict that needs resolved. Earlier in the novel, Hosseini depicts a dream that Hassan has had in which he and Amir are swimming in a lake with a supposed monster in order to show others that the monster isn’t real. Hassan describes the dreams conclusion as “they see now. There is no monster, just water” (Hosseini 60). This dream is used to symbolize Amir’s fears going into the tournament, and how the Hassan’s devotion prompts him to sooth Amir. However, after Hassan’s rape, Amir sees himself as the monster in the lake which symbolizes his guilt for not saving

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