The Kite Runner Symbolism Analysis

Symbolism Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner describes the effects of social levels when a boy betrays his friend in time of need. Amir is a Pashtun and Hassan is a Hazara. The social differences between the boys impact Amir’s actions when he encounters Hassan in a situation of sexual abuse, yet he chooses to run away instead of helping; a regret he carries over the years. The symbolism in this story provides a deeper insight on how Amir and Hassan’s friendship progressed over the years through kites, slingshots and a pomegranate tree. From when Amir first flew kites as young boy in Afghanistan, to flying them years later with his nephew, the different kites in this story convey different meanings. The kite tournament occurred annually in Afghanistan during the winter and Amir described it as “the highlight of the cold season”(Hosseini, 53). The kites flying in the skies represented the happiness and freedom Amir had; however, after he saw Hassan get sexually assaulted to save the kite for him, it served as a reminder of his actions. Amir did not help Hassan as a result of fear of getting hurt. Social differences also played a role in his decision, the thought of Hassan as “just a Hazara” (Hosseini, 82) running through his mind. The incident causes a break in Hassan
Amir referred to Hassan as a Hazara more than as a friend, despite their link being classified as a friendship. Hassan’s loyalty to Amir stuck with him for many years regardless of Amir’s betrayal, a sign of true strength and maturity. As Amir returned to Afghanistan and saved Hassan’s son, he finally received the chance to get rid of his guilt. Although Amir never got the chance to apologize to Hassan, he never allowed anyone to refer to Sohrab as a Hazara, proving that social differences no longer bothered him and that he could move on from his past