Khaledhosseni's The Kite Runner: The Consequences Of Sin

What is a sin and how can we overcome it? This is perhaps the most asked question by men since the beginning and it is the basis of many of our social cultures such as religion and caste. It is, in a way questioning the existence of life itself and what one does in the course of it. Is a sin committed a sin at all? Who defines what we do into good and bad? And can one overcome his/her feelings of guilt and regret? Does committing another action supposedly outweigh your first?

The Kite Runner, a touching story told by KhaledHosseni revolves around Amir’s sin as a little boy, how it affects him during his life and the way he atones himself. There are several viewpoints on how one can atone themselves. Whether it be personal, religious or societal.

Amir’s life changing incident took place at a very young age and went on to affect the majority of his life. The winter of 1975, Amir watched his best friend, his own brother getting raped in front of his own eyes, and he did nothing about it. Hassan, who had been his best companion, his favorite playmate, who had stood up for him all these years yet Amir couldn’t do the same. All he could do was sit there paralyzed and watch as Hassan gave up everything for Amir, and for the only way Amir could ever impress Baba. This later led to Amir distancing himself from Hassan and led to the disintegration of their relationship, leaving Amir feeling guilty for the remainder of his life for betraying Hassan. The book also portrays several