I must say that my decision to pick The Kite Runner was a random choice. All the books on the summer reading list were checked out. I would have had to wait for quite a while until it was my turn. Luckily this book was one of the many few that were available. I enjoy reading every written word in this novel from the beginning to end. It leaves me with a justification that “what goes around comes around.”
Even though Amir and Hassan got breastfeed from one nurse, and live in the same house, they are each in different worlds. The soul reason that separates these worlds is the social status. Hassan is the son of a servant. Amir is the son of a wealthy business man. Despite the differences, these two boys bonds like brothers. Hassan protects Amir from all danger with his slingshot. Amir reads books to the illiterate Hassan. What is disappointing is the fact that, due to cowardice, Amir abandons his life-long partner, Hassan. The incident at the alleyway could have been prevented. Amir could have stop Assef. But he did not. This betrayal later injects a painful guilt into Amir for the rest of his life.
Karma soon works its way around. Amir feels ashamed of his decision. He is bashful from his own action. Since that day at the alleyway, he never lives peacefully. He does not even dare to face Hassan. There is a constant reminder of his wrongdoings living inside. This is karma’s first waking alarm; it lets the sinner lives through an uncomfortable life with a regrettable mindset.
The second retribution Amir must face is his obligation to save Hassan’s son. He went back to his homeland in
The greatest punishment Amir has to endure is finding out the truth that his half-brother is Hassan. This is the person whom he has always take advantage of. It is the person whom he has been jealous of throughout his childhood. It is the person whom he had betrayed. But also, it is the person whom loves Amir more than himself. This is a cruel penance. He must now feels more remorseful for committing sin on his only half-blood brother.
This novel reminds me of an important life lesson which is to treat others the way I wanted to be treated. The actions I make today might not affect me right away, but it can come to haunt me later on. Good things come to those who give and wait. For others, karma will definitely pursue them in life.
2 comments:
Destiny,
I hadn't thought of the idea that the need for redemption would be part of the Buddhist concept of karma, but the way you explain it makes sense to me.
I agree that since Amir can't undo what he did all those years ago, saving Sohrab is his one chance to make what amends he can with the past and with himself.
My only confusion is that the Kite Runner wasn't on the list of choices for 12th grade summer reading. It is on the list of recommended books, but I left it off the "required" list because I thought the violence might be too disturbing for some. I think maybe you confused one list with another, perhaps?
LCC
Destiny,
I loved your final paragraph. It kind of has a "what goes around comes around" feel to it. I was also very interested in what you said about Buddhism, and believing that everything happens for a reason. I wish that I had grown up with a religion that believes something like that. I thought your blog was very interesting, I may even go and get this book if I have time. Talk to you later.
Deby
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