Internal And External Struggles In The Kite Runner

Fighting kites demonstrate the internal and external struggles of Amir. Personal disappointment cuts deep into Amir’s conscious after the initial celebration of the retrieval of the blue kite. He is unable to view the kite without the accompanying feeling of guilt. Rather than being the origin of fatherly respect Amir desires, the kite becomes a concrete symbol of his cowardly decision. As a result, Amir’s memories are now tainted with remorse. As mentioned earlier, Hassan’s face is that “of Afghanistan” (25) but, after the incident, he sees “lines etched into [Hassan’s] tanned face [that he] might as well have taken a knife and carved [himself]” (92). By mentioning how Amir feels he damaged Hassan, Hosseini draws parallels with the kite. Both Amir and the kite appear
For example, an external struggle exists between Amir and his father. Unbeknownst to each other, both characters have initiated a betrayal. Debates regarding the definition of “theft” litter their conversations. In fact, Baba states that “there is no act more wretched than stealing.” (18) Not until the discovery of Baba’s betrayal does Amir truly understand the importance of redemption and the purpose behind his father’s generosity. Similar to Amir, Baba did not account for future emotions regarding his intimacy with Sanaubar; a decision which produced Hassan. Their relationship can be seen in the light of battling kites. Amir feels as though Baba is above him, attempting to cut his line by reminding his son how he had “cut fourteen kites on the same day” (56). Furthermore, Amir’s resentment shows when he reveals his belief that “all fathers…harbor a desire to kill their sons” (29). The protagonist’s philosophy stems from his feeling of inadequacy when compared to his father. In the end, neither father nor son sever the other’s line but rather their personal remorse harms them the