The Kite Runner Themes

The Kite Runner Themes

1. Forgiveness

2. Redemption- "There is a way to be good again"

   • Moral Standard Amir Must meet is set early in the novel
     • "And where is he headed?" Baba said " A boy who won't stand up for himself becomes a man who can't stand up to anything."
       • As a boy, Amir fails to stand up for himself. As an adult, he can only redeem himself by proving he has the courage to stand up for what is right.
   • Amir's quest to redeem himself makes up the heart of the novel.
     • Guilt regarding Hassan.
     • Personal feeling of responsibility for mothers death.
     • Guilt drives the climatic events of the story
   • Statement confirms the concept of free will and personal choice as the way to redemption
   • True redemption comes from restoring one's own sense of self worth and goodness as a human being
     • Everyone is entitled to redemption; even Sanaubar

3. Identity "I became what I am today at the age of twelve"

   • Amir sense of guilt pervades every aspect of his life