In The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini adopts the kite image to deepen the theme of this novel. First, the kite is a part of the title of the novel, and functions as a main story line from the beginning to the end. Second, the kite witnesses the psychological changes and growth process of the protagonist. Moreover, it symbolizes a delicate relationship between Amir and Hassan—who is not only Amir’s friend and playmate, but also his servant.

The kite appears in different periods of the story represents different meanings. It is the key to interpret Amir’s self-salvation and redemption, and it plays an important role in the protagonist’s life. The kite symbolizes the spirit of courage in hometown and the desire for father’s love in childhood. As the story develops, it represents Hassan’s loyalty and Amir’s betrayal in their friendship. Lastly, the kite symbolizes the protagonist’s long run of redemption and self-salvation in adulthood.

By analyzing the symbolic meanings of the kite image, readers can have a better understanding of the picture that the author wants to provide for the readers. Meanwhile, the symbolism illustrates the theme more deeply and leaves room for imagination which will surely catch the eyes of readers.

Chapter One  The Kite as the Symbol of Bravery

1.1 Afghan and Kite—the Custom of Kite Fighting

The kite fighting tournament is an ancient traditional custom held in winter in Afghanistan. The nation has a strong affection for the kite tournament. Afghanistan has a severe winter, so the kite fighting tournament belongs to the real brave. The Cabuliwallah regards the kite fighting tournament as a hard battle. The sky where kites fighting with each other is the battleground where soldiers fight against the enemies. Therefore, the kite is the weapon, and the wounds on the kite flyers’ hands are just like soldiers’ honorable injury. The audiences in the game are extremely excited. Those kite runners run through all the streets and lanes to catch the kite. “For kite runners, the most coveted prize was the last fallen kite of a winter tournament. It was a trophy of honor, something to be displayed on a mantle for guests to admire.”(56) For the protagonist, the kite image carries the yearning for the brave quality.

Thirty years are covered in this novel. The time span reflects that Afghanistan was an unrest society filled with suffering. The nation has been trampled because of the Civil War in 1978 by the Soviet invasion and the armed control of Taliban. However, the optimistic description of the kite fighting custom is a metaphor for a confidence in the nation’s future.

The children’s passions for kite fighting symbolize energy, hope and joy. It is a tenacious spirits to fight against coldness, illness and poverty to survive under difficult circumstance. At the same time, the force of darkness in the kite fighting tournament has begun to show up. Assef, who is a leader of a youth gang, bullies Amir and Hassan later, which implies that the social disruption has an irreversible damage to traditional spirit.

The action that the Taliban rule forbids the kite fighting custom conveys that the quality of bravery of this nation is ruined as the kite can’t fly in the sky any more. The freedom of the nation is restricted. It is clear that innocence and purity has disappeared, the bravery of cutting others’ kites has been transforming to violence.

In a fairly happy ending, the war finally comes to an end, and Amir, who is the representative of cowardice finally steps on “a way to be good again.” (207) The day that Afghan returns to bravery can be expected soon, and the author also reposes his confidence in a better future for his country.