Relationships:
Husseini’s use of relationships allows the reader to create a stronger understanding and bond towards the characters interactions with each other. Throughout the whole novel Baba and Amir have been having trouble connecting with each other due to Amir’s lack of courage and “manly hood”, causing Amir to constantly search for his father’s approval. This constant search of acceptance, that Amir is striving for, results in broken relationships. After Hassan was raped, Amir totally shut himself away from Hassan for no absolute reason. He no longer wanted to interact with Hassan or even speak to him! Amir goes as far to get rid of Hassan by planting the watch Baba gave to him under Hassan’s bed (as if Hassan stole it). Relationships within The Kite Runner help create the plot and it makes the reader question the text (Why did Amir stop talking to Hassan? What did Hassan do?).Islam:
Islam has both directly and indirectly re-occurred in this book numerous times. The story being set initially in an Islamic nation, with the majority of characters apparent being Muslim themselves, the Islamic faith has frequently been referenced and mentioned subtly throughout Amir’s lifetime. Though Amir himself was not an extremely devoted Muslim, nor his father, he was constantly reminded of the significance Islam played in his life. In the beginning of The Kite Runner, Baba commented on Islam when the subject of religion was brought up after a discussion involving an Imam’s (religious scholar) teachings in Amir’s school. Baba’s argument was summarized in saying “Piss on the beards of all those self- righteous monkeys... and recite a book written in a tongue they don't even understand” (pg. 18). This incident indicated the resentment held by Baba and subsequently through his influence Amir toward religion that would set the precedent for further discussion and references to Islam later on in the book. To note another particular incident that quickly changes the reader’s perception of Amir’s stance on religion was when Sohrab was hospitalized after attempting suicide. Amir, in time of need and under great stress, reverted to Islam for guidance and peace of mind. He blatantly explained how he would diligently follow Islam and practice frequently in order for Sohrab’s survival. Amir turned to religion, to Islam, when he had nowhere else to seek refuge. And this was an important aspect of the novel because Amir was constantly seeking refuge, examples being; his cowering from Assef, his escape for Afghanistan, and the protection of America. And when times became so dire, he found Islam.
Violence:
Any reader that has enjoyed the kite runner would outright acknowledge the prevalence of violence throughout the novel. To select violence as a motif in The Kite Runner was not done without the review of every particular occurrence of violence. It became clear that violence played a major role in conveying the perceptions the author was striving to convey. And with every major occurrence of violence, progress and advances in the novel were to follow. Such occurrences being the rape of Hassan by Assef, this direct act of violence indicated a major shift in the story line of the novel and revealed much more about the characters then the act itself. Another, more indirect, occurrence would be the dramatic change of power in Afghanistan from the initial monarch government, to the Communist, Northern Alliance and then subsequently Taliban lead government. Of course, immense violence would rise throughout these shifts in power in the form of war, oppression, and cultural/political tensions. This violence was to shape Afghanistan and the reader’s perception of Afghanistan, and such violence was to take place frequently. Amir’s clash with Assef in the presence of Sohrab was similar to the incident that took place in Amir’s childhood with Hassan, Assef, and himself. In this case it was noted that Amir enjoyed the brutal beating he sustained from Assef, he felt satisfied when Assef dealt consecutive blows to his face and body. And this could be the ultimate evidence validating violence as a motif, this particular incident embodied the violence that has occurred so strongly throughout Amir’s life, and the story, and he was finally relieved to feel it so real, and physically for himself.
