The Kite Runner Major Character Essay

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The Kite Runner: Major Character "It may be unfair, but what happens in a few days, sometimes even a single day, can change the course of a whole lifetime...” Hassan is one of the most significant characters in The Kite Runner. He is very dynamic, changing drastically throughout the novel. At the beginning of the book, Hassan is seen as a sweet, happy, young boy who is fiercely loyal to his best friend, Amir. When referring to the story of Hassan's birth Amir says, "...because even in birth, Hassan was true to his nature: He was incapable of hurting anyone....Out he came smiling"(11). This quote displays Hassan's warm, loving personality. He was initially a genuinely sweet character that charmed the reader. On the contrary, later on in the book we see Hassan's severe change in attitude. This comes about after Hassan has been raped by some older boys in the village. Amir had been a bystander, however pretended that he knew nothing of the event. Since that occurrence, Hassan became quiet, closed off and lethargic. Despite this change, his love and loyalty towards Amir never faltered. Amir's extreme guilt caused him to avoid Hassan as much as possible. Noticing this, Hassan said, "I don't know what I've done, Amir agha. I wish you'd tell me. I don't know why we don't play anymore"(93). Later on in the book we find out that Hassan knew Amir stood by idly the night of his rape. This reminds me of when I felt like one of my friends had betrayed me by not sticking up for me in a situation where I was being made fun of. I still wanted to fix things and move on, just like Hassan tried to do. I was willing to forgive my friend because we had known each other for a very long period of time. I imagine that Hassan felt the same way I did, and wanted to rekindle his relationship with Hassan for the sake of loyalty. However, looking back on the experience I think that being friends with someone for a long time doesn't necessarily mean that the person is good company to surround yourself with. Perhaps, it would have been a good idea for both Hassan and I to eliminate that friend in our life that did not reciprocate our loyalty. Ultimately, it is shown through Hassan how when growing up change is inevitable. Hard circumstances can cause a sweet, optimistic individual to become harsh and closed off. However, there are some traits that will always stay stagnant. Deep down, you will always remain loyal to your loved ones, not unlike Hassan and I.

The Kite Runner: Major Theme Redemption is the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil. While reading The Kite Runner, one of the most prevalent themes I noted was redemption. The plot of the novel was based upon Amir's journey to seek redemption for the wrongs he committed as a child in Kabul.

Amir had betrayed Hassan by idly watching him get raped. He then spent the remainder of the novel trying to redeem himself in various ways. Amir had struggled with his guilt, which was only made worse on the basis that he was never penalized for his actions. He had even gone searching for some form of punishment by trying to provoke Hassan to hit him with pomegranates. As Amir was throwing pomegranates at Hassan, he said, "Get up! Hit me!"(98). Doing so, there would at least be some justice for the way he treated Hassan.
Nonetheless, Hassan refused and then smashed a pomegranate into his own forehead saying, "Are you satisfied? Do you feel better?"(98). This indicates Hassan's eternal devotion towards Amir, considering that even after Amir's dreadful actions, Hassan refused to hit him. Thus, unable to attain his redemption, Amir only felt greater guilt.

Amir was finally able to compensate for his actions when he found Sohrab, Hassan's son. “My body was broken—just how badly I wouldn’t find out until later—but I felt healed. Healed at last. I laughed"(298). This quotation occurs during Amir’s meeting with Assef, as he tries to retrieve Sohrab. Assef beats Amir with
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