Symbolism The Kite Runner

Question 1

Kites

Answer 1

“Pair of kites” pair of boys Amir and Hassan

Kites and kite flying link Amir and Baba, a way for Baba to be proud of him. “Proud of me at last”

The kites remind Amir of Hassan’s rape and his betrayal. He guilt. Bc he cared more for the kite. “Sitting in piles of scrap and rubble, was the blue kite” [blue, bright in the dark rubble, highlights importance of the kite for amir]

Amir flies kites with Sohrab. Way to be good again to be like Hassan. Brings happiness to Sohrab “a smile”

Question 2

The pomegranate tree

Answer 2

Amir and Hassan carve their names in the tree, represents their relationship. It’s their own little thing. No issue of class, equality between them.

When Hassan dies, the tree no longer bears fruit. The fruit represents life, and it no longer has it like Hassan no longer has his life.

Their names are still there, that strong friendship still stands, bc Hassan was so forgiving.

Hassan’s memory lives on

Amir can’t forget, engraved into his mind forever

Question 3

Lamb

Answer 3

Sacrificing an innocent. Hassan was innocent and good.

Shows Amir’s power and status, power to sacrifice Hassan.

Link to Hassan and Sohrab. Amir saves him before he is sacrificed too

Question 4

The slingshot

Answer 4

Shows loyalty and protection of Amir from Hassan. How Hassan is able to stand up for Amir, but without his slingshot he doesn’t stand up for himself when he is raped

Links Hassan to Sohrab. Both father and son were skilled. Shows bravery of them. Sohrab finishes what Hassan started [assefs eye]

Amir’s influence over Hassan. Telling him to shoot the dog. Shows the power difference. Superiority. Divide. “Hassan never denied me anything”