A lifted Burden

Since furthering into the novel “ The Kite Runner” I have actually been in awe at the character change within Amir. I was assured that this story would really be almost depressing because of Amir weak and cowardly personality. To predict the ending from the first 10 chapters I would say that the only outcome for Amir character development would be the fact that later on in life, he is able share his story by writing a biography. In doing this he would be finally release his guilt and possibly move on from the past that haunts him. What actually happens though is that Amir character seems to change shortly after the significant event… getting married. When he marries Soraya the mood in the story shifts because for once Amir’s father is truly proud of his son. By true I mean that this time it is not for something that is fake, like when he brought home the blue kite, but for something that Amir actually accomplished himself. That moment in time where his father is proud of him seems to lift life long insecurities within Amir, like the fear he will never meet his father’s expectations. It also appears to annihilate the constant comparison in Amir head, between Hassan and himself. This is proven when at the wedding Amir father states “ I wish Hassan were here to see you”. Instead of Amir normal retaliation to comments like this he returns a smile and remains happy. This positive change of character continues, Amir is no longer unhappy, and begins to write and sell his books, becoming quite famous in the Afghanistan community. As Amir character constantly develops, a sense of honor begins to emerge from Amir, specifically when he decides to go back and reconcile with Rahim Khan. While visiting, Amir also accepts the task bestowed upon him by Rahim to locate Hassan’s child, and make amend with Hassan’s once and for all. This to me is the ultimate demonstration of Amir’s changed character because, never in the past would Amir do anything for anyone else, especially Hassan. Amir has had years to make things right with Hassan, but he was always to cowardly to do so. Finally in doing so it is like a burden is lifted, and a new Amir comes out.