KITE RUNNER

THEMES

Marie Bella

Company name or other info

16/03/2024
 BETRAYAL
 "There is only one sin, only one. And that is theft..." - Baba
Context: Baba expresses his belief that all sins stem from theft, emphasizing
the idea that actions like lying, cheating, and killing deprive others of
something valuable. This quote encapsulates the moral code by which he
lives his life and the values he tries to instill in his son, Amir. "There is only
one sin, only one. And that is theft. Every other sin is a variation of theft."
equates all sins to theft, emphasizing the act of betrayal at the core of
wrongdoing. Betrayal involves taking something valuable - trust, loyalty,
honesty - from another person, much like theft. The metaphorical comparison
underscores the theme of betrayal in the novel, highlighting how acts of
deception and betrayal are akin to stealing from others.
Literary Devices:
o Metaphor: Baba metaphorically equates all sins to theft, illustrating his belief
that every wrongful action involves taking something from someone.
o Moral aphorism: This statement serves as a moral maxim or aphorism,
conveying a profound moral lesson or truth about the nature of sin.
 "But better to get hurt by the truth than comforted with a lie." -
Amir
Context: Amir reflects on the importance of facing the truth, even if it brings
pain, rather than living in denial or falsehood. This realization is a key
moment in his journey towards redemption.
Literary Devices:
o Antithesis: The contrast between "hurt by the truth" and "comforted with a
lie" highlights the dichotomy between facing reality and seeking false
comfort.
o Epigram: This quote presents a concise and memorable statement that
conveys a deeper truth or moral lesson.
 "There is a way to be good again." - Rahim Khan
Context: Rahim Khan offers hope to Amir, suggesting that redemption is
possible despite past mistakes. This quote serves as a catalyst for Amir's
journey to confront his guilt and seek forgiveness.
Literary Devices:
o Foreshadowing: This quote foreshadows the central theme of redemption and
Amir's eventual path towards atonement.
o Motif: The idea of seeking redemption becomes a recurring motif throughout
the novel, shaping the characters' actions and decisions.
 "For you, a thousand times over." - Hassan
 Context: Hassan expresses his unwavering loyalty and love for Amir,
promising to go to great lengths to protect and support him. This quote
reflects the depth of their friendship and Hassan's selflessness.
Literary Devices:
o Hyperbole: The exaggerated statement "a thousand times over" emphasizes
the extent of Hassan's devotion to Amir, underscoring the strength of their
bond.
o Symbolism: This quote symbolizes Hassan's sacrificial love and willingness to
endure hardship for the sake of Amir's happiness.
 "I ran. A grown man running with a swarm of screaming children..."
- Amir
Context: Amir reflects on his past cowardice and betrayal of Hassan, feeling a
sense of redemption as he runs to protect Hassan's son, Sohrab, from harm.
This moment marks a pivotal shift in Amir's character.
Literary Devices:
o Symbolism: The act of running symbolizes Amir's journey towards
redemption and his determination to make amends for his past mistakes.
o Imagery: The vivid description of Amir running amidst a "swarm of screaming
children" creates a powerful visual image, highlighting the chaos and
urgency of the moment.
 "Because the thing about people who mean everything they say is,
they think everyone else does too." - Amir
Context: Amir reflects on the sincerity of people's words and how it contrasts
with his own experiences of betrayal and deception. This quote highlights the
naivety of assuming that everyone operates with the same level of honesty
and integrity.
Literary Devices:
o Irony: There's an irony in this statement as it reflects Amir's realization that
not everyone's words carry the same weight or honesty as his own, despite
his past actions suggesting otherwise.
o Insightful observation: The quote reveals a deeper understanding of human
nature, emphasizing the disparity between intentions and actions.
 "I wish I had a thousand Afghan hands." - Assef
Context: Assef, a symbol of evil and brutality in the novel, expresses his
desire for power and control over others. This quote underscores his sadistic
nature and his longing for dominance.
Literary Devices:
o Hyperbole: Assef's wish for "a thousand Afghan hands" is hyperbolic,
emphasizing his insatiable desire for strength and authority.
o Symbolism: The hands symbolize Assef's thirst for power and his willingness
to use violence to achieve his goals.
 "For a very long time, it was believed that the lions only came out at
night..." - Rahim Khan
Context: Rahim Khan reflects on the hidden truths and secrets that lie
beneath the surface of society. This quote serves as a metaphor for the
buried secrets and untold stories that shape the characters' lives.
Literary Devices:
o Metaphor: The lions represent hidden dangers or truths that remain
concealed until they are brought to light.
o Foreshadowing: This quote foreshadows the revelation of hidden secrets and
the consequences they may bring to the characters.
 "It was only a smile, nothing more..." - Amir
Context: Amir reflects on the significance of a seemingly small gesture of
kindness from Hassan, realizing its profound impact on his life. This quote
highlights the theme of redemption and the power of forgiveness.
Literary Devices:
o Irony: The phrase "it was only a smile" contrasts with its actual significance,
emphasizing the transformative effect of Hassan's forgiveness on Amir's
guilt-stricken conscience.
o Symbolism: The smile symbolizes Hassan's forgiveness and acceptance,
which ultimately leads to Amir's path towards redemption.

FATHERS & CHILDREN

 "Children aren't coloring books. You don't get to fill them with your
favorite colors." - Rahim Khan
Literary Devices:
o Metaphor: Rahim Khan employs a metaphor by comparing children to
coloring books, emphasizing that parents cannot simply impose their own
desires or preferences onto their children's lives. Instead, children are
depicted as individuals who must be allowed to develop their own identities.
o Imagery: The metaphorical comparison evokes vivid imagery of coloring
books being filled with colors, highlighting the idea of shaping or influencing
a child's development.
 "Children aren't mirrors, they're more like mobiles. You never know
what's going to capture their attention or imagination." - Baba
Literary Devices:
o Simile: Baba uses a simile to liken children to mobiles, suggesting that they
are dynamic and unpredictable in their interests and reactions. This
comparison emphasizes the autonomy and individuality of children.
o Analogy: The comparison between children and mobiles creates an analogy
that helps illustrate the idea that children are not passive reflections of their
parents but rather active and independent beings.
 "Children aren't supposed to pay for their father's sins." - Amir
Literary Devices:
o Personification: This quote personifies the abstract concept of "father's sins,"
attributing human qualities to it. By doing so, it emphasizes the injustice of
burdening children with the consequences of their parents' actions.
o Theme statement: This quote encapsulates one of the central themes of the
novel — the idea of the intergenerational transmission of guilt and the
unfairness of holding children accountable for their parents' mistakes.
 "A boy who won't stand up for himself becomes a man who can't
stand up to anything." - Baba
Literary Devices:
o Parallelism: This quote features parallel structure in its repetition of the
phrase "stand up," which reinforces the importance of assertiveness and self-
respect. This repetition adds emphasis and rhythm to the statement.
o Aphorism: Baba's words convey a universal truth or principle about the
importance of self-advocacy and resilience, making it an aphorism or maxim.
 "Children aren't a coloring book. You don't get to fill them with
your favorite colors." - Baba
Literary Devices:
o Repetition: Baba repeats the same metaphor used by Rahim Khan,
reinforcing the idea that children cannot be molded to fit their parents'
desires. This repetition adds emphasis to the message of individuality and
autonomy.
o Symbolism: The imagery of coloring books and colors symbolizes the attempt
to influence or shape a child's identity, highlighting the theme of parental
influence versus a child's autonomy.
 "I see a beautiful boy who is kind and honest and brave. An
honorable man. He is like you in so many ways, Agha sahib. And like
you, he grows up with a father who is often disappointed in him." -
Rahim Khan
Literary Devices:
o Parallelism: Rahim Khan uses parallel structure in listing the qualities of the
boy ("kind and honest and brave") and drawing parallels between him and
Baba. This repetition adds coherence and emphasis to his observation.
o Foreshadowing: Rahim Khan's remark about Amir growing up with a father
who is often disappointed foreshadows the conflicts and struggles in Amir's
relationship with Baba, hinting at future developments in the narrative.
 "I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a frigid
overcast day in the winter of 1975. I remember the precise moment,
crouching behind a crumbling mud wall, peeking into the alley near
the frozen creek." - Amir
Literary Devices:
o Bildungsroman: This quote marks the beginning of Amir's coming-of-age
journey, as he reflects on a pivotal moment from his childhood that shapes
his identity and future actions.
o Setting: The description of the "frigid overcast day" and the "crumbling mud
wall" creates a vivid setting that contributes to the mood and atmosphere of
the scene, highlighting the significance of the moment.
 "But it was my father who taught me the meaning of truth... 'When
you tell a lie, you steal someone's right to the truth. When you
cheat, you steal the right to fairness.'" - Amir
Literary Devices:
o Direct characterization: Amir directly attributes his understanding of truth to
his father, Baba. This quote reveals Baba's moral teachings and their
influence on Amir's values and beliefs.
o Parallelism: The parallel structure in Baba's statements ("When you tell a lie,
you steal someone's right to the truth. When you cheat, you steal the right to
fairness.") adds emphasis to his moral lesson, making it more memorable
and impactful.
 "Children aren't a little bit of this, a little bit of that. Every last one
of them is precious." - Rahim Khan
Literary Devices:
o Parallelism: Rahim Khan uses parallel structure in the phrase "a little bit of
this, a little bit of that," emphasizing the contrast with the assertion that
"every last one of them is precious." This parallelism adds emphasis to the
statement and reinforces the theme of the value of every child.
o Repetition: The repetition of the word "precious" emphasizes the importance
of recognizing the inherent worth and uniqueness of each child, highlighting
the theme of individuality and value.
 "But Baba had found a way to create the illusion of the magic trick,
packing our suitcases full of his favorite American-made products.
In those days, it was mostly cassette tapes of western music,
movies like Rambo, Rocky, and Dracula." - Amir
Literary Devices:
 Symbolism: The act of Baba packing suitcases full of American-made
products symbolizes his desire to provide material comforts and
opportunities for his family, even at great personal expense. It also
underscores the theme of cultural assimilation and the influence of Western
ideals on Afghan society.

MEMORY AND THE PAST

 "There is a way to be good again." - Rahim Khan
Literary Devices:
o Repetition: The repetition of the word "good" emphasizes its significance and
reinforces the theme of redemption. This repetition adds emphasis and
poignancy to Rahim Khan's statement.
o Foreshadowing: This quote foreshadows the central theme of redemption and
hints at the possibility of overcoming past mistakes, setting the tone for
Amir's journey towards atonement.
 "And that's the thing about people who mean everything they say.
They think everyone else does too." - Amir
Literary Devices:
o Irony: There's an irony in this statement as it reflects Amir's realization that
not everyone's words carry the same weight or honesty as his own, despite
his past actions suggesting otherwise.
o Insightful observation: The quote reveals a deeper understanding of human
nature, emphasizing the disparity between intentions and actions.
 "I ran. A grown man running with a swarm of screaming children." -
Amir
Literary Devices:
o Symbolism: The act of running symbolizes Amir's journey towards
redemption and his determination to make amends for his past mistakes. It
represents his longing to return to a simpler time of innocence and
camaraderie.
o Imagery: The vivid description of Amir running amidst a "swarm of screaming
children" creates a powerful visual image, highlighting the chaos and
urgency of the moment.
 "Memories are like a garden. Regularly tended, they grow and
flourish, but left to run wild, they become tangled, overgrown, a
jungle; they become the enemy." - Rahim Khan
Literary Devices:
o Extended metaphor: Rahim Khan employs an extended metaphor comparing
memories to a garden, illustrating how they require care and attention to
remain healthy and productive. This metaphor enhances the depth of the
quote and emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with one's past.
o Personification: The personification of memories as becoming "the enemy"
when left untended adds a sense of urgency and danger to the metaphor,
highlighting the potential negative consequences of neglecting one's past.
 "For you, a thousand times over." - Hassan
Literary Devices:
o Hyperbole: The exaggerated statement "a thousand times over" emphasizes
the extent of Hassan's devotion to Amir, underscoring the strength of their
bond. It adds emotional depth to Hassan's declaration of loyalty.
o Symbolism: This quote symbolizes Hassan's sacrificial love and willingness to
endure hardship for the sake of Amir's happiness. It represents the enduring
power of their friendship despite the challenges they face.
 "I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded; not with the
fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up,
and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night." - Amir
Literary Devices:
o Metaphor: Amir compares the process of forgiveness to pain "packing up"
and "slipping away unannounced," highlighting its gradual and often subtle
nature. This metaphor adds depth to the concept of forgiveness and
underscores its [Link]
o Imagery: The imagery of pain "packing up" and "slipping away unannounced
in the middle of the night" creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind,
evoking a sense of relief and release.
 "But better to get hurt by the truth than comforted with a lie." -
Amir
Literary Devices:
o Antithesis: The contrast between "hurt by the truth" and "comforted with a
lie" highlights the dichotomy between facing reality and seeking false
 comfort. This antithesis adds depth to Amir's reflection on the importance of
honesty and integrity.
Epigram: This quote presents a concise and memorable statement that
conveys a deeper truth or moral lesson about the value of truthfulness.
 "That was a long time ago, but it's wrong what they say about the
past, I've learned, about how you can bury it. Because the past
claws its way out." - Amir
Literary Devices:
o Metaphor: The phrase "the past claws its way out" employs metaphorical
language to depict the persistence and intrusive nature of memories. This
metaphorical imagery emphasizes the difficulty of escaping the past.
o Personification: The personification of the past "clawing its way out" imbues
it with agency and suggests an active role in influencing the present, adding
depth to the metaphor.
 "I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a frigid overcast
day in the winter of 1975. I remember the precise moment,
crouching behind a crumbling mud wall, peeking into the alley near
the frozen creek." - Amir
Literary Devices:
o Bildungsroman: This quote marks the beginning of Amir's coming-of-age
journey and reflects on the significance of a pivotal moment from his
childhood. It underscores the theme of memory and the role of past
experiences in shaping one's identity.
o Imagery: The imagery of the "frigid overcast day" and "crumbling mud wall"
creates a vivid setting that contributes to the mood and atmosphere of the
scene, highlighting the significance of the moment.