GUILT AND RETRIEVAL IN KHALED HOSSEINI'S THE KITE RUNNER

Open Access

Abstract

Guilt is the intense sense of remorse that accompanies the conduct of a sin. When anyone seeks to purge their guilt in the process of redemption, they are compensating for their mistakes through acts that rid them of guilt. This is shown by Hosseini's characters Amir, Baba, and Sohrab. The novel's plot centre around the desire for repentance, which extends as a motif to encompass both personal and political elements. As a result of Hassan's abuse, Amir has spent the remainder of his life attempting to atone for his betrayal of his long-time partner. This leads to Amir's return to Afghanistan and his efforts to save and adopt Hassan's son, Sohrab. After learning of Baba's deception of Ali, Amir knows that Baba was most likely attempting to atone for his adultery in later life through his many benevolent activities and firm values. Hosseini makes a subtle link between these personal searches for redemption of Afghanistan. Despite his country's brutal and dishonest past, Hosseini wishes for its restoration one day.