1. The Kite Runner
Themes

2. DEFINTION : Being faithful to someone, honouring someone, standing by them through hardships and adversity
LOYALTY
HASSAN
Loyal to Amir and his family.
Loyalty stems from his gentle nature and his Hazara, servant status
Evidence : “for you a thousand times”/ Kite running/ Pomegranate episode/ not denying watch, never criticising – even at end.
AMIR
Does not believe he is loyal
Guilt about his betrayal
His guilt is because of his loyalty
Shows his loyalty – rescuing of Sohrab.
RAHIM KHAN
Loyal to Baba/ to Amir/ to Hassan.
Evidence: Baba – does not tell his secret, looks after the house.
Amir – understands he is “different” to Baba. Sticks up for him/ the notebook.
Hassan – goes and fetches him
BABA
Although he had an affair with Sanuabar, for which he felt guilt, he shows loyalty to:
Amir – protects him his whole life.
Hassan – treats him like a son
Afghanistan
(example – Russian doctor)
ALI
Loyalty to Baba and his family.
“For you a thousand times over”

3. BETRAYAL AMIR Betrays Hassan’s trust /friendship Ignoring the rape
DEFINITION: To be unfaithful, to give over to an enemy
BETRAYAL
AMIR
Betrays Hassan’s trust /friendship
Ignoring the rape
Planting the watch
Why? Jealousy
ASSEFF
Betrays being a human
Abuses power
Sexual abuse
Bully
BABA
Betrays Ali – commits adultery with Sanuabar.
“There is only one sin, only one and that is theft. Everyo other sin is variation of that.”

4. DEFINITION: Making right what is wrong, washing away the sin of an action by doing good.
REDEMPTION
AMIR
His guilt: jealousy towards Hassan/ mental conflict
Anger at his father
Standing by in the rape / inaction
Planting the watch. / action
Redemption – going back to save Sohrab
Does he achieve redemption? Yes
BABA
Guilt about his adultery
Attempts at redemption
Charity work
Giving Hassan every opportunity he can
Does he achieve redemption?
This point can be argued -
Yes: the good he does -
His feelings of remorse
SANAUBAR
Her promiscuous life
Abandoning her son
Attempts at redemption:
Returns to look after Hassan and be with his family
Does she achieve redemption:
Looks after Hassan.
The family forgives her.
RAHIM KAHN
Guilt about his inaction – Not telling Amir about his half brother.
Takes over Hassan and his family.
Calls Amir/ asks for forgiveness
“There is a way to be good again”