The Kite Runner Symbols Quiz

The Kite Runner Symbols

• The Cleft Lip: Symbolizes social status; wealthy families can afford surgery, significant in relation to Hassan's character and Amir's guilt when Baba pays for the surgery as a birthday gift.

• Kites: Represents betrayal and craving for paternal approval; Amir's guilt over Hassan's assault and his desire for Baba's acknowledgment as a kite fighter converge in this symbol.

• Sohrab: Hassan's son, embodies innocence lost; serves as a parallel to Hassan and undergoes trauma, showcasing the impact of violence on children.

• The Lamb: Amira associates Hassan and Sohrab with lambs to the slaughter; symbolizes innocent sacrifice, echoing themes from Eid Al-Adha.

• Rape: Central theme representing physical and emotional violence; Amir's witnessed assaults on Hassan and Sohrab trigger deep-seated guilt and highlight the psychological consequences of trauma.

• Amir: The protagonist, privileged yet guilt-ridden; seeks redemption by rescuing Sohrab, transitioning from a coward to a courageous figure.

• Irony: Hassan’s assault while retrieving the kite illustrates the tragic consequences of loyalty; despite retrieving it, his bravery is overshadowed by his victimization.

• Assef: The antagonist and embodiment of societal corruption; idolizes Hitler, perpetuates violence against Hazaras, highlighting ethnic tensions in Afghanistan.

• Hazara: Ethnically marginalized group in Afghanistan; faces historical discrimination and violence, represented through characters like Hassan and Ali.

• Farzana: Briefly features as Hassan's loving wife and Sohrab’s mother; her presence emphasizes familial bonds and loss.

• Ali: Baba's servant and surrogate father to Hassan; reflects the loyalty and struggles of the Hazara people, physically and socially marginalized.

• Rahim Khan: Baba's friend and father figure to Amir; illuminates themes of understanding, forgiveness, and the weight of secrets.

• Farid: Amir's loyal driver and friend, representing the scars of war; formerly a mujahedin fighter, reflects the physical and emotional toll of Afghanistan's conflicts.

• Soraya: Amir’s supportive spouse; her character counters traditional gender roles and reflects the struggles Afghan women face in society.

• General Taheri: Soraya’s father, proud and sometimes arrogant; epitomizes traditional Afghan masculinity and the expectations placed on men.

• Tone: The narrative conveys a confessional and remorseful tone, emphasizing themes of regret and redemption throughout Amir's journey.

• Setting: The story unfolds in Kabul, Afghanistan from 1975 to 2001, emphasizing a pre-war idyllic landscape gradually overshadowed by conflict.

• Narrative Structure: The story is woven through a series of flashbacks, revealing layers of Amir's past and the impact of key events on his life.

• Climax: Amir's return to a war-torn Kabul marks a critical turning point in the narrative, escalating tension and leading toward his quest for atonement.