Symbols In The Kite Runner

Can dreams predict our fate? Khaled Hosseini displays the power of dreams and other symbols in his novel The Kite Runner. The characters use recurring objects that stand for much something on a larger scale. These symbols add meaning to the story and help readers go beyond seeing them as objects. Throughout The Kite Runner, symbols are revealed that display larger meanings such as the monster in the lake, a slingshot, and the kite.
The monster in the lake is much more than just a dream, it's used to symbolize Assef being the monster in the story. On the morning of the kite tournament Hassan tells Amir about the dream he had. In the dream they defeat an evil monster that was lurking in Lake Ghargha and they receive praise from the people. “We turn towards the shore and wave to the people.They look small like ants but we can hear

When Hassan and Amir are up against Assef and his group of bullies, they don't back down and Hassan aims his slingshot right at Assef's eye. “They’ll have to call you one eyed Assef” (60). Hassan is displaying his bravery against much bigger and older boys that are threatening him. Later on in the story Sohrab finds himself in a similar situation with Assef. Sohrab has trained with the slingshot and is known to be skillful with the weapon. “He knows how to read and write. And he’s good with the slingshot” (216). Sohrab has taken on the use of a slingshot just like his father has. The slingshot is much more than just a weapon, it shows the courage Sohrab has to defend himself from Assef and shoot him in the eye when he's fighting Amir. “The slingshot made a thwiiiit sound when it was Sohrab released the cup. Then Assef was screaming” (250). Sohrab stopped Assef from doing any more harm to Amir and defeated the man who has inflicted so much pain on him and his family. The slingshot shows the bravery he and his father had throughout the