Symbols In The Kite Runner
November 27, 2011
4th period English Literature
One can tell that kites are the central symbol in “The Kite Runner” just by reading the title. Kites have many symbolic uses in this story. Freedom, joy, and camaraderie between Amir and Hassan are just a few examples kites symbolize in this novel. In the very beginning of the story we can see the first symbolic use of the kites to represent relationship. “Then I glanced up and saw a pair of kites, red with long blue tails, soaring up in the sky. They danced high above the trees on the west end of the park, over the windmills.” (Page 1) The kites represent the relationship between Amir and Hassan, they float close to one another occasionally bumping each other accidently or manipulated on purpose. As the kite flyer and the kite runner they are a perfect team as each is an expert in their own right. “Every winter, districts in Kabul held a kite-fighting tournament. If you were a boy living in Kabul, the day of the tournament was undeniably the highlight of the cold season … In Kabul, fighting kites was a little like going to war.” (Pages 49-50) …show more content…
In kite fighting, one boy controls the kite while the other assists by feeding the string. Just as Hassan makes Amir's breakfast, folds his clothes, and cleans his room, so does he cater to Amir in kite tournaments. Even though Hassan shares in the excitement of kite fighting, he does not actually have control over the kite. Hassan may help the kite "lift-and-dive," but Amir is the one who claims a victory. When running kites Hassan may catch a cherished rival kite and hold it in his arms, but always to bring it back to Amir. His joy is vicarious, just like his experience of wealth and privilege while living in Baba's
4th period English Literature
One can tell that kites are the central symbol in “The Kite Runner” just by reading the title. Kites have many symbolic uses in this story. Freedom, joy, and camaraderie between Amir and Hassan are just a few examples kites symbolize in this novel. In the very beginning of the story we can see the first symbolic use of the kites to represent relationship. “Then I glanced up and saw a pair of kites, red with long blue tails, soaring up in the sky. They danced high above the trees on the west end of the park, over the windmills.” (Page 1) The kites represent the relationship between Amir and Hassan, they float close to one another occasionally bumping each other accidently or manipulated on purpose. As the kite flyer and the kite runner they are a perfect team as each is an expert in their own right. “Every winter, districts in Kabul held a kite-fighting tournament. If you were a boy living in Kabul, the day of the tournament was undeniably the highlight of the cold season … In Kabul, fighting kites was a little like going to war.” (Pages 49-50) …show more content…
In kite fighting, one boy controls the kite while the other assists by feeding the string. Just as Hassan makes Amir's breakfast, folds his clothes, and cleans his room, so does he cater to Amir in kite tournaments. Even though Hassan shares in the excitement of kite fighting, he does not actually have control over the kite. Hassan may help the kite "lift-and-dive," but Amir is the one who claims a victory. When running kites Hassan may catch a cherished rival kite and hold it in his arms, but always to bring it back to Amir. His joy is vicarious, just like his experience of wealth and privilege while living in Baba's