Khaled Hosseini’s the Kite Runner: from Betrayal to Forgiveness

1122 Words5 Pages
Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner: From Betrayal to Forgiveness It is often said that “to know all is to forgive all.” This means that if someone knows all of the circumstances around an act or a choice, they are far more likely to forgive those who have acted against them. This is because the behavior can be seen as the result of many different influences rather than as a simple choice or exercise of free will. Khaled Hosseini shows this several times throughout his novel, The Kite Runner. Because of that, betrayal, atonement and forgiveness are key themes within the novel and are expressed through the actions and choices made by Amir and Baba. The theme of betrayal is present in The Kite Runner in the events of the rape, Amir framing Hassan and Baba hiding the fact that Amir and Hassan are half-brothers. First of all, Amir stands by as Hassan, his best friend, is raped and beaten by Assef and his entourage. As he watches, he contemplates whether or not he should do anything to help, but, “in the end, he [runs].” (Hosseini, Page 82) This reflects the theme because throughout the beginning of the novel, Hassan constantly sticks up for Amir by fighting off other kids for him. Yet, in Hassan’s most desperate time of need, Amir does nothing to help. This could be because Amir is a coward or because he sees Hassan as merely a servant. Nonetheless, he deceives a great friend. In addition to not helping Hassan during the rape, Amir also frames Hassan later on in the story by “lift[ing] Hassan’s mattress and placing [his] new watch and a handful of Afghani bills under it” (Hosseini, Page 110). He does this because he wants to get rid of Hassan and, ultimately, the feelings of guilt that he brings with him. However, in doing so, he is deceiving someone who, under the same circumstances, would never do anything so hurtful. Instead of helping Hassan and possibly redeeming

More about Khaled Hosseini’s the Kite Runner: from Betrayal to Forgiveness

Open Document