Redemption In The Kite Runner

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Redemption can be defined as the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil. Amir actively seeks his redemption for his inability to assist Hassan in his time of need. He also purses Baba’s affection but, constantly falls short of Baba’s expectations. In The Kite Runner, Khaled Hossieni explores that redemption does not mean receiving forgiveness from others but actually occurs when one accepts them self. This is evident through the role of the symbol of Sohrab, the person versus person conflict between Amir and Baba, and the jealous tone of Amir. To Amir, Sohrab resembles Hassan and through him Amir is able to receive his redemption that he has been searching for since his childhood. Amir finally feels okay with who he is instead…show more content…
Amir’s shortcomings are reinforced through Baba’s actions on the truck, “‘Tell him I’ll take a thousand of his bullets before I let this indecency take place,’ Baba said. My mind flashed back to that winter day six years ago” (116). Amir is reminded of what he should have been willing to go through for his friend Hassan because Baba did this for a complete stranger. Ironically, Amir does eventually take a similar stand against Assef and when he accepts his actions he feels redeemed. When Amir is unable to meet Baba’s high standards Amir feels deeply hurt, “‘Sorry Assef jan,’ Baba said, shrugging. That stung, his apologizing for me” (96). Amir does feel hurt from not being able to meet Baba’s standards but when he does meet his expectations of winning the kite festival, he realizes it does not feel as good as he thought it would. He instead feels far better when he meets his own personal standards. When Amir finally does make a stand just like Baba, he does not do it to please others he does it because it is what needs to be done, “Assef had backed down, promised that in the end he’d get us both. He’d kept that promise with Hassan now it was my turn” (286). Amir feels a far greater pleasure when he actually does something for himself instead of trying to please others. Even through Amir constantly falls short of Bab’s expectation, his total redemption does not come until he is able to look past his shortcomings and focus on who he really

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