Symbols in Khaled Hosseini's "The Kite Runner"

Introduction

• Overview of symbolism in "The Kite Runner"
• Importance of analyzing symbols for deeper understanding of story and characters
• Focus on five main symbols in the novel

1. The Monster in the Lake

• Context: Hassan tells Amir about a dream before the kite fighting tournament.
• Dream Details: In the dream, everyone fears a monster in the lake but Amir and Hassan swim out to prove there is none.
• Symbolic Interpretations:
  • Asaf as the monster (bully who rapes Hassan).
  • Amir's jealousy could symbolize the monster.
  • Amir may himself represent the monster.
  • Cheer from Babar and Rahim Khan may indicate their oblivion to Amir's jealousy.

2. The Pomegranate Tree

• Significance: Represents friendship between Amir and Hassan.
• Events:
  • Initially a place of bonding, reading, and play.
  • Post-rape, Amir's resentment leads him to throw pomegranates at Hassan.
• Symbolism:
  • Transition from brotherly love to bitterness and anger.
  • Hassan's act of crushing pomegranates symbolizes loyalty and defiance.

3. The Cleft Lip

• Significance: Represents Hassan's social status and separation from Amir.
• Events:
  • Babar pays for Hassan's surgery, symbolizing his secret love for Hassan.
• Later Events:
  • Amir receives a split lip, linking him back to Hassan.
• Symbolism:
  • Amir's scar represents his redemption and connection to Hassan’s legacy.

4. Baba and the Bear

• Symbolism:
  • Baba is rumored to have wrestled a bear, symbolizing strength but also intimidation.
• Duality of Baba:
  • Publicly generous (building an orphanage) vs. private shame (infidelity).
• Amir's Revelation:
  • As Amir is beaten, he dreams of wrestling the bear, reflecting his internal struggle and connection to Baba's dual nature.

5. The Flying of Kites

• Overview: Most prominent symbol, representing beauty, violence, betrayal, and redemption.
• Events:
  • Amir and Hassan's bond during kite flying; their roles in the tournament.
  • Amir’s inaction during Hassan’s rape corrupts the symbol of the kite.
• Final Acts:
  • Amir's eventual kite flying with Sohrab represents redemption.
  • Kites symbolize hope for Afghan immigrants in California, reflecting a future beyond trauma.

Conclusion

• Reflection on the multi-layered symbols in "The Kite Runner"
• Encouragement for further exploration and understanding of the text.