The Kite Runner
Khaled Hosseini
Contributed by Youlanda Mill
Motifs
Motifs are devices or structures that are used by artists or authors to help in the development of a theme.
Rape

Rape is a reoccurring element in the novel. It first provides the basis for the novel’s main conflict, and subsequently serves to underscore the novel’s themes and define its characters. The first instance of rape occurs when Assef sodomizes Hassan. For Amir, this tragedy is formative. It follows him throughout his life and steers him to the path of redemption when he saves Hassan’s son from sexual abuse, and protects him from the threat of violence by adopting him. Another instance of rape is prevented when Baba stands up to the Soviet soldier who threatens one of the female passengers. In this case, the threat of rape is used to characterize Baba as someone willing to risk his own life in order to save others.

Irony

Irony is heavily featured throughout the novel. Amir first learns about this literary device by unwittingly using it in one of his stories. From that point in time, unintentional irony appears throughout Amir’s life. The first and most significant instance of irony occurs when Amir neglects to help Hassan so that he can get the blue kite — and Baba’s approval — with it. By blindly pursuing this, Amir is doing exactly the opposite of what his father would have wanted. Another example of irony is when Amir finds out Hassan is his half-brother. While Amir tries his whole life to be more like Baba, it is their shared act of betrayal, and the subsequent guilt, that makes them akin to one another. Having said that, both men also redeem themselves by the end of the novel.

info_outline
Have study documents to share about The Kite Runner? Upload them to earn free Studypool credits!