Power of Redemption and Forgiveness

Power of Redemption and Forgiveness 

Khaled Hosseini explores the power of redemption and forgiveness through the lens of a complex relationship between two boys, Amir and Hassan in his novel, “The Kite Runner”. Amir and Hassan are from two different social classes in Afghanistan, and their relationship is initially strained by the socioeconomic differences between them (Hosseini,2018). However, as the novel progresses, it becomes apparent that the two boys share a strong bond, despite their differences. The novel follows Amir's journey to redeem himself after he makes a terrible mistake that has devastating consequences. Along the way, he discovers the power of forgiveness and how it can pave the way to redemption and hope, even in the darkest of times. Through Amir and Hassan's relationship, Hosseini illustrates how the power of redemption and forgiveness can bring hope in even the most difficult of circumstances. 

The novel’s exploration of redemption and forgiveness begins with Amir and Hassan’s relationship. Despite their different socioeconomic backgrounds, Amir and Hassan form a close friendship. Hassan is the son of a Hazara servant who served Amir’s father, while Amir is the son of a rich Pashtun merchant (Hosseini, 2018). Amir is also jealous of Hassan’s loyal and unconditional love for him, which he does not receive from his own father. Their relationship is put to the test when Amir betrays Hassan by failing to prevent Assef from sexually assaulting his friend Hassan. This event has a profound impact on Amir’s guilt, leading to a lifetime of regret. Amir initially distances himself from Hassan due to his own feelings of guilt and shame over his failure to protect Hassan from his bullies (Hosseini, 2018). This guilt is further made worse by Amir’s secret knowledge that Hassan is his half-brother, a truth that he dares not express for fear of the consequences (Hosseini, 2018). Despite Amir’s feelings of guilt and shame, Hassan remains loyal and devoted to Amir, a testament to the power of forgiveness and its ability to overcome even the most complex relationships. 

Hosseini uses Amir and Hassan’s relationship to illustrate the power of redemption and forgiveness. Amir’s guilt and regret for his past actions are a major theme in the novel, and his inability to forgive himself is a major barrier to his redemption. However, his eventual journey to Afghanistan and his reunion with Rahim Khan, a family friend, and mentor, allow Amir to come to terms with his past and find redemption. He calls Amir after the death of Hassan and the invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union to tell him that there is a way, he can be good again (Hosseini, 2018). By saying this, Khan informs Amir that there is a way he can redeem himself and seek forgiveness for his past actions which weighed heavily on him. Rahim Khan sets Amir on the path to redemption by sending him to rescue Hassan’s son, Sohrab, from an orphanage where he was captured by the Taliban. When Amir returns to Afghanistan, he meets with Hassan’s son, Sohrab, and is reminded of his own guilt and betrayal. He is overwhelmed with emotion and guilt but Sohrab shows him mercy and forgiveness. Hosseini writes that Sohrab looked up at Amir, his eyes blank and emotionless, and then he smiled (Hosseini, 2018). This is a powerful moment in the novel, where Sohrab’s willingness to forgive and accept Amir’s apology illustrates the power of redemption and forgiveness. He was ready to leave his family, and a comfortable life in America and sacrifice his own life to redeem himself and end the cycle of betrayal he had set in motion in the past. Through Amir’s rescue of Sohrab, he is able to find redemption for his past actions and finally forgive himself, allowing him to move on with his life.

Hassan’s willingness to forgive Amir and sacrifice his own life for his friend’s happiness further illustrates Hosseini’s message of the power of redemption and forgiveness. Hassan is willing to risk his own life in order to protect his friend. Despite being the victim of immense mistreatment, Hassan tells Amir that, for him, a thousand times over (Hosseini, 2018) when Amir asks him to risk his life for the kite. Amir fails to protect Hassan from being sexually assaulted by Assef, nonetheless, Hassan remains loyal and devoted to Amir. Hassan refuses to let the Taliban confiscate Baba’s and Amir’s house stating that he was taking care of the house which leads to his death by being shot. He was able to risk his life in protecting Amir’s home despite what Amir had done to him in the past. By stating that for you, a thousand times over, Hosseini perfectly summarizes the power of Hassan’s forgiveness and demonstrates how even in the most difficult of circumstances, redemption and forgiveness can bring hope. 

Finally, Hosseini’s use of symbolism furthers his message of the power of redemption and forgiveness. The kite, which is symbolic of Amir and Hassan’s friendship, also serves as a symbol of redemption and hope. The kite contest, which Amir eventually wins, is symbolic of Amir’s redemption and his ability to finally forgive himself. This is evidenced in the novel when Hosseini states that, the right kite, the right tree, and the right day. Even when all the odds were against it (Hosseini, 2018). The quote perfectly illustrates Amir’s redemption, and it is a testament to the power of redemption and forgiveness. Amir’s journey to redemption was difficult and painful, yet he is eventually able to forgive himself and accept the forgiveness of others. His ultimate redemption is symbolized by the kite he chooses to fly. As Hosseini writes, a winter gust of hope, of redemption, of absolution, blew through my soul (Hosseini, 2018). By flying the kite, Amir symbolically forgives himself for his past actions and finds hope for the future. 

In conclusion, Khaled Hosseini’s novel, “The Kite Runner”, explores the power of redemption and forgiveness through the lens of a complex relationship between two boys, Amir and Hassan. Despite coming from different socioeconomic backgrounds, Amir and Hassan become close friends. In an attempt to please his father during a kite race, Amir fails to prevent Assef from abusing his friend Hassan which makes him guilty and weighs heavily upon him throughout his lifetime. Rahim Khan later sets Amir on the path to redemption by sending him to rescue Hassan’s son, Sohrab, from an orphanage. Hosseini illustrates how, even in the most difficult of circumstances, redemption and forgiveness can bring hope. Through Amir’s eventual journey to redemption, and Hassan’s willingness to forgive and sacrifice his own life for his friend’s happiness, Hosseini perfectly illustrates the power of redemption and forgiveness in his novel. 

Reference 

Hosseini, K. (2018). The kite runner. Bloomsbury Publishing PLC.