The Kite runner

The story is mainly based on the perspective around Amir's personal growth, The story twists, and turns, touching the heartstrings.

“Childhood”

Amir analysis

Amir is a boy who grows up in a rich Afghanistan family. In his childhood, he enjoyed all the glory brought by his father， he can reduce his punishment because of his father, can buy expensive bicycles as gifts, and has servants to take care of his life. His life seems to be envious of other kids. I thought about why Amir is weak in childhood.

Here are some of my thoughts：

other people's praise of his father, his father's wealth, and his father's character let Amir set up a great image of his father. Amir wanted to be like his father, he already was used to having everything. The only thing he seems to have missed in childhood is his father's love.

His weakness comes from his loneliness in childhood. He can only find a sense of existence in Hassan, he threw fruit at Hassan to prove his loyalty, read Hassan a blind story, and directed Hassan to bully animals. But I think childhood is a time when a child's values are not fully formed, he is just too used to having people serve.

Amir keeps begging for his father’s love, making him sensitive.  Maybe he didn’t want a perfect father but instead, a father who was able to understand himself.

In his childhood, he did not build up a tough character like Hassan. Amir’s behavior is consummately selfish.

The goodness in his heart had always been there, and he had always felt guilty about Hassan. Especially when Baba died, he realized that “My whole life, I had been “Baba’s son” Baba couldn’t show me the way anymore; I ‘d have to find to on my own.” His kindness finally manifested itself in action. Along his own path, he finally learned to be a real man.

Analysis of Hassan

His kindness, innocence, and simplicity should be the most touching point for readers. He played the role of servant and playmate throughout Amir's childhood. He was so innocent, without any jealous thoughts. Hassan thus appears as the embodiment of innocence, and this innocence is crucial to the drama and symbolism of his rape by Assef. Amir had no reason to betray Hassan. Hassan even gave his life to that loyalty and kindness.

Analysis of Amir’s father:

He is a man with backbone, he owns his rules. Even though he is avoiding the chaos caused by war, he did not allow soldiers to abuse the dignity of women who stick to won principles without fear of death. He refused the gift of sympathy， and even in hard times, he refused to accept food stamps he choose to work by his own hand.

He is a man of kindness. To give orphans a home, he built an orphanage day and night. He is a man of contradictions， he is also the father who don’t good at conveying love. His heart all along feels sorry for Hassan, he may think his glory is a gift for Amir. But ignoring is true violence in any relationship.

“Redemption”

Baba and Amir have redemption in their lives.

Baba’s redemption was accomplished through setting up orphanages and helping the poor. His atonement was for his faith in himself, and he once make a mistake and become a “thief”.

Amir’s redemption was accomplished through taking care of Sohrab. Standing up for Sohrab. His atonement is for Hasson, but also for his past self.

Evidence

The kite

Amir's heart is tense during the kite contest. All he thought about was winning and Daddy's love. Hassan went kite chasing for him.

Twenty years later, A's heart is relaxed and happy. He went kite chasing for Hasson's son.

“For you a thousand times”

This sentence, when Hassan said it to A for the first time, was a testimony of loyal friendship.

At the end of the article, when Amir said to Sohrabs, it was A continuation of genuine. his sincerity made the reader feel powerful and touching.