The Kite Runner Cultural Analysis

When the average person thinks of Afghanistan, thoughts of war, danger, and suffering might arise. Through reading The Kite Runner, written by Khaled Hosseini, one can look at another side of Afghanistan. The real Afghan culture shows pride in tradition, heritage, and custom. Afghan culture is unique to each individual, since religion plays a large role in the culture, but people have different understandings of the same religion. The Kite Runner shows Afghan culture is full of pride in tradition, and although Islam plays a large role in this culture, the religion is interpreted in many different ways. Afghan culture is driven by heritage and tradition. General Taheri would not let Amir talk to Soraya until he asked his father to propose their marriage in the traditional way. (Hosseini). The kite-fighting tournament was a tradition which held importance to any young boy in Kabul. Amir said, “Afghans cherish custom but abhor rules,” (52). This represents a culture that is independent, but keeps within tradition at all costs. The heritage and tradition is apparent in Afghan culture. Islam plays a large role in Afghan culture, but many people have different interpretations of the religion. Mullah Fatiullah Khan, Amir’s teacher, says people should not drink alcohol. He …show more content…
Afghan culture is based on nang, the Farsi word which translates to pride, and namoos, which means honor. These values are significant, and are essential parts of the plot. Afghan culture focuses on nang and namoos in tradition, and honors tradition above all else. Afghan culture is based on the religion of Islam, which has many different interpretations. Throughout the story, Amir is learning different ideas of religion, and he tries to decide what to believe. The Kite Runner shows Afghan culture at its best, and shows the main themes in culture, including pride in tradition, and the impact different interpretations of Islam have on Afghan