In The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, there are both emotional and physical scars experienced by many characters; the most significant scars in the novel symbolize courage and loyalty.
Hassan’s emotional scar was received in his effort to stand up for what he believed was right, as he was sexually assaulted. He was challenged by Assef in his attempt to bring back Amir’s kite for him. “A loyal Hazara. Loyal as a dog.” (77, Hosseini). Hassan made a courageous and loyal sacrifice to refrain from letting Amir down. He did not give Assef Amir’s kite, and in return, he was scarred for his whole life.
Baba’s over-worked and scraped knuckles symbolize the price he paid for the courageous and loyal act of bringing Amir, his son, to America. “...I’d seen the way he winced and rubbed his wrists on damp days... ‘Besides, I didn’t bring us here for me, did I?’” (137, Hosseini). Baba left his whole life in Afghanistan to assure his son of a great, new life where he could be successful.
Finally, there is Amir’s scar that represents his loyalty to Hassan and Sohrab. With his courageous act of fighting Assef to rescue Sohrab, Amir was beaten drastically and his upper lip was sliced in two. This scar symbolizes Amir’s bravery towards sacrificing his life for Sohrab.
Hassan’s emotional scar due to his assault, Baba’s work-worn and cut-up hands, and Amir’s sliced lip due to his fight with Assef are all representations of these characters’ most courageous and loyal experiences.
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I think that Amir's scar not only shows his loyalty to Sohrab and Hassan, but I also think it shows the character change that occurred within Amir. Amir has changed from the selfish child of his past to the present selfless adult. This is shown when he sacrifices himself for Sohrab. Amir doing this parallels what Hassan had done for him. He's changed his old personality to one that is like Hassan's, which is what the hare-lip represents.
ReplyDeleteI agree wiith Sydney, I think the fight between Assef and Amir was representing the man Amir had become from the boy he used to be. I also feel that Hassan's emotional scar from being raped also scarred Amir. It scarred Amir in the way that he had to redeem himself and could never forgive what he didn't do for Hassan. This showing Amir the weak boy with lack of courage he was in the beginning turning into a couragous man in the end.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Sydeny, not only does it show Amirs manhood but how Amir finally stood up for somthing. Amir use to always let things that bother him go. Now he is a changed man and will stick up for what he believes in. That thing is Sohrab.
ReplyDeleteI also think that Babas scars shows the hard work and sacrifice he was put towards Amirs good life and Baba trying to make up for his sins.