The Kite Runner Argumentative Essay

Can anyone be forgiven or receive the a chance to change for their past mistakes? Many would argue that to become good again, they must pay for their sins. The ones who feel guilt believe they should be punished physically to be rescued from their agony. Many avoid the situation or go as far as blaming others for their own actions because of their troubling conflict (Barth). Numerous people feel like they should do acts of kindness as a way to redeem themselves, but to truly become good again one must try to change their own character. Amir from The Kite Runner, recognizes his error and fights to become better when he is given the news of his nephew. He torments himself daily until he decides to take action on doing justice. Hosseini uses Amir
Dr. Lickerman explains that,”To label anyone, even the most despicable of figures, as purely evil is to delude ourselves”(Redemption). Labeling Amir as a bad person suggest that he never did anything to change or continued to act as the same misguided boy from his past. Even with his weaknesses he turns his life around and transcends to do the right thing instead of behaving egocentrically. He puts massive efforts in helping Sohrab recover emotionally and physically. His recovery suits as his last step in finding peace with himself and accepting that he has no power in changing the past. Amir becomes a parental figure for him which helps him deal with his emotions until Amir breaks his promise. When Amir breaks his promise, he reminisces his past betrayal and must take another step to make things right with Sohrab. After the incident Amir saves Sohrab from the danger of Afghanistan and takes him back to America. Amir then expresses that he has, “brought Hassan's son from Afghanistan to America, lifting him from the certainty of turmoil" (Hosseini 356). His feelings change from guiltiness and self condemnation to clarity and peace when he stands up for Sohrab. He becomes his protector from society and himself. When General Taheri asks why he made such an effort for a Hazara, Amir responds, “He’s my nephew. That's what you tell people when they ask... You will never refer to him as ‘Hazara boy’...he has a name” (Hosseini 361). Standing up for Sohrab shows Amir’s development throughout the story, proving his goodness and redemption. According to Diane Barth’s study on redemption, “Development and growth only occur when we are able to recognize and attempt to rectify our transgressions”(How Much Guilt is Enough). Amir works his way slowly to change his actions becoming someone honest, caring, and