Symbolism

1
Symbolism
2
The Kite Runner

• There is a lot of symbolism used in the book,
• Kites
• The Pomegranate trees
• Hare lip
• Sacrificial lamb

3
Kites-freedom

• At the start of the book Amir sees the kite as a
  symbol of freedom. As he is now in America, and
  in a way free from his past.
• However he sees the kites as a link to his
  childhood, and to Hassan.
• They could fly kites before the Taliban, when
  Kabul was free.

4
Kites-violence

• Kite fighting is violent by nature.
• Kite fighting represents the conflicts that rage
  Afghanistan throughout the book.
• The kite causes Hassan to get raped, as he would
  not give it to Assef.

5
The Pomegranate tree

• The pomegranate tree represents the sprit of
  Afghanistan .
• During the boys childhood the tress is full of
  life, standing tall and fruitful, just like
  Afghanistan.
• When Amir returns to Afghanistan from America the
  tree is dead, just like the country which has no
  prospects and people feel threatened and are not
  allowed to live normal lifes.

6
Hare lip

• Hassan is left with a scar after having an
  operation on his hare lip.
• Once the wound had healed Hassan was able to
  smile properly, however Amir never saw him smile
  after that terrible day.
• After Amir goes back and makes things right he is
  left with the same scar.

7
Sacrificial Lamb

• The Sacrificial Lamb is an Afghan tradition, to
  ask for forgiveness from God.
• Hassan gets the look of the lamb during Assefs
  attack
• Hassan is sacrificing himself for Amir and is
  prepared to give everything for him, just like
  the lamb gives its life.

8
(No Transcript)