The Kite Runnerpsychology Argumentative Essay Example

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The text explores Amir's mixed emotions towards his father, Baba. He both admires and fears him, and even harbors some resentment. Amir understands that Baba has a strong impact on those around him, but also acknowledges that Baba sees things in absolutes - in black and white. This makes it challenging to love him without feeling fear and perhaps even a touch of hatred. Due to his immaturity, Amir's perspective of his father is limited, causing him to only focus on Baba's flaws while disregarding his bravery and selflessness.

Amir's cowardice is a clear display of his naivety, which is his most prevalent flaw and could potentially have disastrous consequences. This flaw is best illustrated by his inaction during Hassan's rape – "In the end, I ran. I ran because I was a coward." (pg. 72) – and the immature actions he takes afterward in an attempt to suppress his guilt. These actions include pretending to be ignorant about the assault, harboring resentment towards Hassan for his unwavering loyalty (pg. 83), allowing their friendship to deteriorate, and ultimately causing Hassan and his father Ali to leave his household.

After five years, when Amir is eighteen and runs away from Kabul with Baba, it is clear from his narration that he has grown up slightly. He speaks more eloquently and his vocabulary has expanded. However, he still feels overwhelming guilt. The thought of Hassan crosses his mind and he becomes physically sick, vomiting in the presence of the loud noise from the MiG. Despite this, he lacks the courage to confront his guilt. This contrasts with Baba's bravery when he defends a

stranger, refusing to let a Russian soldier harm her. Amir questions Baba's constant need to be the hero.

Throughout the novel, Amir's struggle with cowardice and lack of enlightenment is apparent. Despite growing into adulthood, he remains incomplete. However, his redemption occurs when he bravely infiltrates the Talib headquarters to save Sohrab, who is Hassan's son. Interestingly, it is ultimately Sohrab who saves himself using a slingshot. Although Amir's actions may appear foolish and implausible, they demonstrate true bravery and can be viewed as the final step towards his wholeness and enlightenment. It is worth noting that Rahim Khan, Amir's older friend, played a significant role in shaping Amir's journey.

Rahim Khan serves as a faultless mentor to Amir, showing kindness and empathy despite Amir's self-centeredness. He consistently provides guidance and gently directs Amir toward the right path. Rahim Khan recognizes Amir's talent for writing and offers him encouragement through an uplifting note, stating "I shall hear any story you have to tell. Bravo." (pg. 31). Later, Rahim Khan presents Amir with a leather-bound notebook for his birthday, declaring it as a gift for his stories (pg. 93). This gesture strongly influences Amir's decision to pursue a career as a full-time writer. Additionally, Rahim Khan possesses knowledge of Amir witnessing Hassan's sexual assault and understands his feelings of guilt, which Amir has buried deep within himself.

At Amir's birthday party, he gives him moral support by sharing his past experiences and offering himself as a confidant (pg. 92). He urges Amir to leave America and visit him in Pakistan when he is on his deathbed (pg. 177). He informs Amir about Hassan's

adult life and his unwavering loyalty until his death. He advises Amir to rescue Sohrab from Kabul, recognizing that Amir must be the one to do it (pg. 204).

Rahim Khan reveals an enlightening truth to Amir – that Hassan is actually his half-brother. Rahim Khan greatly influences Amir's personal growth and plays a vital role in his journey towards becoming whole and enlightened. By the end of the novel, Amir finds contentment in his life. He is successful as a writer, happily married to Soraya, even though they can't have children due to her infertility. However, he steps in as a father figure for Sohrab, Hassan's son. Most importantly, he has finally made amends for the wrongs he committed against Hassan. Through these experiences, Amir achieves a sense of wholeness and emotional enlightenment.