The Kite Runner The Theme of Sacrifice By Evie

Sacrifice- To give up, surrender something, for a higher good or for mere advantage.

Symbols That Represent Sacrifice in the Story The theme of Sacrifice is represented throughout the story by: Blood Sacrificial lamb

Blood “His hands already bloodied by the string.” “Blood trickled down my palm.” Blood ties in strongly with the theme of sacrifice as it relates back to historical times when the blood of an animal, or even a human, was spilled, with the belief that it would act as an offering to a god, in order to gain their good faith.

Sacrificial Lamb “It was a look I had seen before. It was the look of the lamb.” This links to the theme of sacrifice as a lamb is one of the animals that can be slaughtered during the festival of Eid al- Adha in honour of the prophet Ibrahim who was willing to sacrifice his own son at the request of his god.

The Importance of Sacrifice to the Story It forms the foundation of Amir’s sins. This leads to the next section of the plot line; his guilt as he tries to move on with his life. It also leads to building the pathway to Amir’s redemption

Chapter 7- Hassan’s Sacrifice “‘Amir agha won the tournament and I ran this kite for him. I ran it fairly. This is his Kite.’” short sentences - shows the reader Hassan’s unwavering loyalty and determination to please Amir. Contrasts with Amir’s cowardice.

Chapter 7- Amir’s Sacrifice “I had one last chance to make a decision. I could step into that alley, stand up for Hassan….. and accept whatever would happen to me. Or I could run. In the end I ran.” ‘I could run’/‘I ran’ - forms a repetition of sorts, emphasises Amir’s cowardice. short, blunt sentences - highlight Amir’s panic and fast train of thought as he debates what to do. Shows his selfishness as he is willing to let Hassan be hurt to gain Baba’s love.

Effects of Baba’s Sacrifice “He loved you both, but he could not love Hassan the way he longed to, openly, and as a father. So he took it out on you instead” Baba’s sacrifice of not being able to raise his own son (Hassan), in order to protect his reputation, leads to a guilt that causes his relationship with Amir to be strained for the better part of Amir’s life, and ultimately is the main reason for Amir’s betrayal of Hassan on the day of the kite tournament.

Chapter 22- Amir’s Sacrifice for Sohrab ““Of course,” Assef said behind us, “I didn't say you could take him for free.”” Just like the kite tournament, Assef is playing games, looking for payment for Sohrab, only this time Amir is willing to sacrifice himself for Sohrab, not only to make it up to Hassan but to protect the boy as well.

“My body was broken…..but I felt healed.” Chapter 22 “My body was broken…..but I felt healed.” The contrast of ‘broken’ and ‘healed’ is effective as it shows the reader that although, physically, Amir is severely hurt, emotionally, he feels better than he has in a long time. Feeling that on some level he deserves this, almost craving it as a punishment, he is finally freed of the guilt he has felt all of these years.

Chapter 25 ““For you, a thousand times over,” I heard myself say.” Amir has become the kite runner, good like Hassan and no longer selfish; he does things to help others, and in return is given help himself. He is willing to sacrifice anything for Sohrab, and through his sacrifices for other people he has earned redemption.