Naturalistic Perspective: The Kite Runner

Overseas English

2010

9

A Naturalistic Perspective to the Kite Runner and Its Enlightenments to the Contemporary
（ ，

546300 ）

Abstract: By analyzing the basic naturalistic features, namely the controlling power of environment and heredity, it is expected that the naturalistic tendency, at least naturalistic features of the novel can be revealed and some enlightenments on the world view of the contemporary can be gained. The early part of the thesis provides a frame by giving the research background and synopsis, while the later sections aim at approaching the conclusion at the efforts of unveiling the naturalistic features in the novel. Key words: naturalistic perspective; naturalistic tendency; Enlightenments on world view
First, the kite corresponds with naturalistic emphasis on force of environment and naturalistic view that nature is indifferent. Whether a kite can fly high or not largely depends on the wind, which is part of nature, and the characters in the novel, be it Amir, Hassan or Baba, and their fates are just like a kite controlled by the string of heredity and environment. Second, kite's movement is controlled by both the string and the wind, which is a confirmation of the naturalistic view that freewill of individual is denied and destroyed by forces that one can not control. 2.2 Controlling Power of Environment In The Kite Runner, the impact of environment on the characters that can not be resisted is shown by their personalities, fate and behavior, etc. Amir and Hassan's characters are indebt considerably to the environment. Amir's mother died giving birth to him, so Amir has long regarded himself as guilty for his mother's death. Even in his adulthood, the impact of the force of environment is still obvious. Spending the later years of his adolescence in the
Such is the influence of environment in individual's character shaping. The impact of environment is clearly embodied by Hassan's unique character:resignation. The climatic part of Hassan's resignation comes when Hassan is raped by the bullies in order to protect the blue kite for Amir. His tragic resignation is presented from the view of Amir. The turning point of the whole novel and the fate of the two also have strong association with the controlling power of the environment. After the Russian invasion, everything has changed dramatically and the fates of the two have been changed. From the war then on, the fates of the two thus go to different destination, pre-decided by the environment. 2.3 Denial of Freewill In The Kite Runner, denial of freewill can be observed almost everywhere. Amir wants so desperately to gain Baba's affection and approval even at the sacrifice of Hassan. However, this will is denied by the pre -existing circumstance:Amir's mother died giving birth to him. Consequently, Amir's failure to make it up for Hassan for his earlier wrongs is actually determined by the pre-existing fact that Hassan is killed by the Taliban. Some may argue that Amir finally saves Hassan's son from Taliban maltreats and gives the latter a new life; it is to be noticed that this makeup is not done to Hassan himself but his son. Therefore, the death of Hassan, which is pre-existed, can never be compensated