The Theme Of Redemption In 'The Kite Runner'

“That I believe is what true redemption is, when guilt leads to good.” Redemption is often seen as freeing one’s self from error or sin but in Khalid Hosseini’s novel, The Kite Runner, it proves that true redemption is when good is brought out through guilt by helping both yourself as well as other’s. Amir has a past of “unatoned sins” and although he destroys the lives of many, he has several opportunities to redeem himself of his guilt; he works to not be the selfish little boy he once was. Guilt and regret in peoples past develop the idea that among bitterness and regret lays hope for redemption. It is apparent that Amir works towards absolving his guilt through many different situations such as framing Hassan, rescuing Sohrab and running …show more content…
He did this by travelling to Afghanistan to rescue Sohrab. Rahim Khan calls Amir where he indicates that “there is way to be good again.” Amir is hesitant at first but his guilty conscience takes over since this is his last chance at hope for redemption. He is making the effort to not only help himself but to help others as Sohrab is in danger and needs to be retrieved. Amir travels to rescue him only to find out that he is being exploited by a Taliban leader. At that point, Amir does not know that he will have to deal with “unfinished business” with his childhood rival again which turns out to be Assef. When he does confront Assef and fight him for Sohrab, he is doing what he should have done for Hassan years earlier. After being brutally beaten it leaves a strikingly similar scar to the one Hassan had which in a sense, merges their identities together. Amir finally learns to stand up for those he cares about as Hassan once did for him; he also becomes a father figure to Sohrab since he cares deeply for him. Sohrab continues to be Amir’s ‘trophy’ of redemption but it was truly kite flying that seals his idea of