The Kite Runner

1204 Words5 Pages
The kite runner Change of narrative voice in the kite runner The first part of the kite runner is told to the reader using first person narration through Amir as a young man as he struggles to grow into adulthood faced with his own shame concerning his best friend, Hassan, and his quest to forge a strong bond with his father, Baba. Through Amir's voice, the reader is able to understand the harsh realities of growing up and the pain and guilt associated with the betrayal of one you love: "Kabul had become a city of ghosts for me. A city of hare lipped ghosts."First person narration provides insight into Amir's heart and soul allowing the reader into the Afghan culture through the eyes of the main character.As the novel is from Amir's point of view, We as the readers could question whether amir is a reliable narrator. The main point is that the majority of the story is told through firs person narrative, the protagonist of Amir. For this reason, the reader creates a 'bond' with the character of Amir. This enables us to empathise with himuntil chapter 16 where Rahim Khan takes over the role of first person narrator. The voice of Rahim Khan is different from the voice of Amir in the first 15 chapters. Amir uses a personal point of view. He shares his thoughts and feelings with the readers and we understand the story behind Amir’s eyes. Rahim Khan summarizes the years they have been separated. He tells about the people Amir knows and the situation in the country. Rahim leaves his feeling out and gives us the facts. To be able to explain the situation the author have to use a narrator that lived in Afghanistan and had experienced what happened in the country after Amir and Baba left. The switch of first person narrator is also a way show the readers a change, it works as a turning point in the novel. Amir is with Rahim in Peshawar when Rahim is telling us
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