Ce Kite Runner Good Bits

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Higher Critical Essays The Good Bits The following extracts relate to the question: Choose a novel in which an incident reveals a flaw in a central character. Explain how the incident reveals this flaw and go on to discuss the importance of the flaw in your understanding of the character. Introductions 1. ‘The Kite Runner’ by Khaled Hosseini is a compelling novel set in Afghanistan during the 1970’s. The story revolves around a key incident which reveals a significant flaw in the central character, Amir. Hosseini explores the themes of loyalty and betrayal which constantly allude back to the pivotal moment that destroys a childhood friendship. 2. The complex and brilliant novel ‘The Kite Runner’ written by Khaled Hosseini explores how a character’s real identity can be exploited by any one incident. Hosseini shows us that every action has a consequence and these consequences can control and mould a character’s life for many years afterwards. Hosseini uses this theory to illustrate the flaw in his main character Amir. This flaw in turn emphasises the themes of loyalty, betrayal, sacrifice and secrets that run through the whole novel. Both of these start well, immediately focusing on the question. What one thing should have been mentioned at the end? Have they fully explained the question and do they show what they intend to do in the essay?

‘The Kite Runner’ by Khaled Hosseini is a story underlined by themes of loyalty, friendship, betrayal and sacrifice. It tells of how one incident shaped the rest of Amir’s life, revealing to us what he is like as a central character. The aim of this essay is to explain why this incident brought out his flaws by referring to theme and characterisation and to how every action, no matter how big or small, has its own consequence.

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Look at this one. Does it fully answer the question? Some good examples of analysis. •

Amir is relieved when dusk settles, ‘Then mercifully darkness’ signifies that he is content to block out all thoughts and memories of his friend, ‘darkness’ could represent the guilt that has engulfed him. Witnessing Hassan’s rape and living with the guilt has totally changed him as a person and eclipsed his childhood, however we do not feel sympathy towards him as our opinion of him lowers evermore when he establishes a plan and frames Hassan for theft, consequently forcing him to leave permanently.

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‘I stepped back and all I saw was rain through windowpanes that looked like melting silver’ The weather sets the atmosphere of a depressing and significant moment in time, ‘melting silver’ could represent the definitive end of the boys relationship that Amir allowed to slip away forever, the referral to ‘silver’ could also mean that Amir saw Hassan as valuable and the only thing worthwhile in his life but because of his gambling with their friendship he has lost the core wealth to his existence.

• ‘I opened my mouth, almost said something. Almost. The rest of my life might have turned out differently if I had. But I didn’t. I just watched. Paralyzed.’ The repetition of ‘almost’ suggests that Amir is about to say something. The words are on the tip of his tongue, but he doesn’t seem to have enough courage to put himself on the line for someone who has been

so loyal to him in every aspect of his life. ‘Almost’ could also emphasise Amir’s uncertainty in everything that he does and how unsure he is as he considers whether he should take the chance to miss a punishment he does deserve or share the burden of the punishment for his friend. ‘Paralyzed’ by definition means to bring to a condition of helpless stoppage, inactivity or inability to act. This we then know is the feeling that Amir is experiencing at that precise moment in time. He doesn’t have the ability to move. He is paralyzed by the realisation of fear considering what would happen to him if he is to intervene in the rape. The repetition of short sentences creates a pressured environment when lots of thought would have been sifting through Amir’s mind. •

‘In the end, I ran’. ……Amir’s running away from the scene could have a hidden double meaning. We know he is running because he is scared of the consequences but ‘ran’ is in the past tense. Amir is talking about this event in hindsight and it could refer to his running away from all his guilt and sin which moulded his life.

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Just before the horrific action has taken place, the sky is described as ‘blameless blue’ which could suggest that nothing can possibly go wrong, therefore it may be a way of foreshadowing Hassan’s fate. However the phrase is one of contrast as ‘blameless’ refers to innocence and vulnerability, whereas ‘blue’ hints at violence, depression and sadness.

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The fact that Amir has described Hassan as ‘just a Hazara’ …With one word, ‘just’ Amir manages to belittle an entire ethnic group.