ipl-logo

Effects Of Betrayal In The Kite Runner

1473 Words6 Pages

Betrayal’s Ripple Effect: Consequences of Actions in The Kite Runner.

Betrayal - a word of demise, breaking of one’s trust, treachery, all of these meanings convey that betrayal is the worst act it comes in different forms, it may even be intentional to help one but creates the opposite effect. In The Kite Runner, Hosseini uses the character’s experiences and relationships to explore the theme of betrayal and conveys that the act of betrayal leads to guilt, loss of trust, and grief. In this story, bonds are broken due to societal issues as well as own faults, and mistakes that emphasize that betrayal isn’t just an act but a long-term effect on lives. Hosseini’s novel - The Kite Runner utilizes the theme of betrayal using devices such as …show more content…

Guilt is prevalent in The Kite Runner similar to the way in Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby Nick feels guilt towards Gatsby’s death whereas Amir feels guilt throughout his life to Hassan, as well as Baba. Hosseini uses this notion of guilt through the symbolism of the monster. The secret Amir held was the reality of betrayal, and the consequence of it- guilt. Amir and Hassan were like brothers growing up before even knowing the truth of their bond, Amir began to slightly fade away from Hassan in awe of his father, Baba- Amir as any child wanted attention and affection from his father he yearned for it. One day, Hassan and Amir go into the traditional kite-running game together, Hassan was the ultimate kite runner and Amir was his partner always during it- Amir noticed Baba’s attention directed towards him during this game - all he wanted to do was win. Amir came out winning with Hassan, proud of himself for finally making Baba overjoyed for him- Hassan decides to go run the kite, Amir wanted the kite to prove Baba of his victory, the prize that represented winning his father over finally. The kite that day was the only thing that mattered to Amir, as Hassan ran to get the kite he was abused and raped by the boys that bullied him. Amir went to look for the kite, and saw what had happened “I had one last chance to …show more content…

Trust is broken through actions and secrets hidden in relationships throughout the novel. Hosseini uses this concept of treachery through the characterization of Baba as a thief. While Amir was a child his father told him about sins, Baba explaining to him “ There is no act more wretched than stealing.” ( Hosseini18 ) Baba believed that stealing was the worst crime yet little did Amir know, Amir would have anger towards his father for being a thief. There was a secret unknown - Hassan, and Amir were blood brothers. This secret was kept by Baba from Amir until Amir’s trip to Afghanistan, where he learned the truth. Baba does an act that shows Baba ultimately betraying Ali as he got with Sanabuar, Ali’s wife and bore Hassan together. Amir was filled with anger after finding out from Rahim Khan thinking to himself “ He had sat me on his lap looked me straight in the eyes and said… There is only one sin..theft..I was learning that Baba he been a thief.. the things he’d stolen had been sacred..I had a brother.. Hassan his identity.. and from Ali his honor.” (Hosseini 225) This shows Baba as the sin he described to Amir, Amir upset at his father for robbing the most important people to him of the truth. Hosseini uses the phrases “There is no act more wretched than stealing “ and “..he’d stolen had been

Open Document