Theme Of Forgiveness In The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner showcases a variety of different themes; the major three themes are betrayal, forgiveness, and atonement. Betrayal can be described as a violation of trust or confidence, that results in moral and/or physical conflicts in relationships. Throughout the text almost every character must forgive another individual for trespassing against them, or they must work to be forgiven for their wrongdoings. Forgiveness is the act of forgiving someone or being forgiven for your harmful actions. Lastly, atonement is the action of reparation for a sin through meaningful tasks that help an individual overcome the guilt for sins committed. Have you ever betrayed someone, forgiven someone or wanted to atone for your past sins? The characters …show more content…
Throughout the novel Amir is shown to be the character who experiences the most guilt for his wrongdoings and thus he is the character who requires the most forgiveness from those around him. Amir feels decades of guilt caused by his sins against Hassan. Amir searches for ways to control and get rid of the guilt that is constantly weighing him down. Amir begins to forgive himself for what happened in his past towards the end of the novel. His self forgiveness occurs while he is being beaten by Assef while trying to take Sohrab from Assef. Like Assef Amir begins to laugh during his beating, uttering the words’’ My body was broken- just how badly I wouldn’t find out until later- but I felt healed. Healed at last. I laughed.’’(pg 303) This quote shows that Amir has let go of the guilt he once felt and that he has now forgiven himself for his actions. Amir forgives himself because he believes that Hassan and himself are now equal. Amir believes that they are equal in the sense that Amir has been beaten by Assef and felt the pain that he believes Hassan must have physically felt during his rape by Assef. Furthermore, Baba, Amir’s father, learns to forgive in the novel. Baba is unaware of the reasons that Amir wants to get rid of Hassan. Amir believes that in making Hassan leave he can erase the guilt he feels. Amir creates a plan to make Hassan appear like a thief. Subsequently, Amir carries out his plan and it has all the signs of having the desired effect. Until Baba forgives Hassan.’’I forgive you’’(pg 112) are the words that leave Baba’s lips much to the displeasure of Amir. This act of forgiveness takes Amir by surprise as his father has never forgiven him. I believe that Baba forgives Hassan because he feels guilty towards Hassan for lying to him about his paternity