The Kite Runner
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini includes many examples of symbolism throughout the text. Each item that is shown in the novel can be interpreted in many different ways however three major examples of symbolism that reoccur include the kites, the cleft lip and the slingshot. The kite represents the childhood of Amir and Hassan and relationship between the, the cleft lip signifies the journey of redemption for Amir and the slingshot is shown as an item that can be used for different purposes depending on the owner.
For Amir and Hassan, kite flying was an activity that the pair enjoyed the most when children. At this time the kites can be seen as a representation of childhood innocence and their carefree lives. The kite tournaments are an example of how Amir is able to fully connect with people such as Hassan, Baba, and Sohrab. Amir craves for Baba’s acceptance and does this through winning the kite tournament. At the end of the novel, Amir takes on a role similar to Hassan when connecting with Sohrab. Amir stops flying kites with Hassan after Hassan’s rape, at this time the kite represents the broken connection between the two and the change of their relationship. For Amir, his goal of retrieving the kite and gaining his father’s acceptance is more important than his friendship with Hassan. The juxtaposition of roles between Hassan and Amir are displayed when Amir runs the kite for Sohrab repeating Hassan’s words ‘for you a thousand times over.'
The cleft lip is a symbol used in the beginning and end of the novel. For Hassan, the cleft lip represents the economic and social difference between him and Amir. As Ali cannot afford the expense of getting Hassan’s cleft lip fixed, Baba pays for it. This also signifies Baba’s underlying parental love for Hassan and indicates that Ali and Hassan are more than servants in Baba’s home. The cleft lip represents Amir’s constant battle to redeem himself to Hassan and to choose between right and...