The final words of Amir are simple, but hold an immense amount of meaning. His concluding words, as he is retrieving the kite for Sohrab are “ I [run]”, which becomes even more powerful to the ending of the book, when Amir repeats again “ I ran”. The simplicity of the statement is obvious, because he simply is running as free as the wind to retrieve the kite; as Hazzan did for him one. However the statement “ I ran” is huge because, to me for once it seems that Amir is running for something instead of running away. Going back to the beginning of the book, he ran away from Hazzan when he was in need. He also ran away from the guilt, which like a plague haunted him, by plotting for Hazzan and his father to be kicked out. It was not until he ended up on an adventure back in Afghanistan that the clouds began to shift His character began its slow trasision.He had no idea what he was getting into but made an effort to push forward and fight for what is right. However he was hesitant to do so, always questioning, and remembering, contradicting himself, wondering why he was not back in America with his loving wife? As time and experience has shaped his character he,now as “ [he] ran” it with complete passion and without hesitation.. This statement shows incredible passion because there is no uncertainty. He first offered, “ Do you want me to run that kite for you?” and with a simple nod from Sohrab he said ‘ for you a thousand times over” and just begins to run.
In my mind I picture this slow motion movie clip, where this grown man’s arms are flailing around like an imbecile, as he flows freely with the wind. He captures everyone’s attention because he looks like sure an idiot, but he doesn’t care. The sun is a golden color reflecting off of the red and maple leaves. He runs, run in the open field, finally with some sort of purpose. This is how I view Amir now, his confidence has blown through the roof, and he really has come to terms with himself. It has taken a life time to deal with his guilt that has entrapped his soul, but he is now free, free to run with no limitations.
2 comments:
Hey Kara,
Great entry! I completely agree with you. I really liked the ending of the book because Amir turned into the selfless person that he could have always been. He became an amazing character; it just took some roadblocks along the way. In the end, he had no inhibitions and it almost lifted the weight off of my chest because he had made amends. Had the book ended with him remaining the same coward, I probably wouldn’t have changed my opinion about the book.
I never took much out of "I ran", but your analysis brought up some really good points. Like how he had always been running from something and finally he was running for something and to something instead of away from it. He learned to think of others first by making Sohrab the centre of his life. The sacrifices that he was willing to make were astounding, coming from a person that was once willing to sacrifice his best friend's dignity so that he wouldn't have to feel stupid.
I agree with you on the image the ending creates. It would totally be the slow motion, wind in their hair, cheesiness that would drive the moral of the story home. But got the message across and the end it made up for all the low, depressing points in the book.
Kara, I really enjoyed reading your blog post as well. The points you made were very appealing to me, they were interesting ideas that I had really never given any thought into until I read your post. I was never aware that those two simple words; “I ran” could be interpreted in such a way which you portrayed them. I definitely agree with you though. I believe that Amir was definitely running all his life. He was running from his own actions, his past, the truth and most of all I believe he was running from his true self. He was afraid of being the person he really is, because of the terrible act that he once allowed happen to a dear friend. I definitely find it is true that when he returns to Afghanistan he truly stops running. The exact moment, I believe, is when he finds himself in the fight for his life and can do nothing but laugh. I feel it is at this moment the Amir is able to find piece within himself, and as you stated is able to show complete passion, and to stop running from things in his life. I enjoyed the end of your post when simply concluded that “It has taken a life time to deal with his guilt that has entrapped his soul, but he is now free, free to run with no limitations”. I found this statement very powerful and influential. Good work Kara!
Post a Comment