Connection Between Past and Present in the Kite Runner Essay Example

In Khaled Hosseini’s, The Kite Runner, a plot element that comes back full circle is Amir’s past and his connection with Hassan. This full circle ending reveals the universal truth that one can never really leave their past completely behind them. Amir and Hassan shared a unique bond. Hassan felt he was Amir’s protector and would do almost anything to keep his friend safe from harm. This bond was passed down to Sohrab who like his father Hassan, protected Amir’s life. A simple weapon, the slingshot, saved Amir’s life as a child and as an adult. Hassan and Sohrab are both excellent with the slingshot, and it never left their side.  When Amir and Hassan were younger, he used his slingshot to stand up to Assef. Decades later Hassan’s son stood up to Assef with his slingshot just like his father. As a child, Hassan was described as “…deadly with his slingshot” (Hosseini 4). As Hassan grew older and had a son, he taught him how to use the slingshot. Sohrab, just like his father is skilled with his slingshot, “…Sohrab had become deadly with that thing…” (Hosseini 212). Hassan and his son Sohrab have protected Amir during encounters with Assef.

Assef harassed Amir during his childhood. Hassan defended Amir when they were kids and told Assef “If you make a move, they’ll have to change your nickname from Assef ‘the Ear Eater’ to ‘One-Eyed Assef, because I have this rock pointed at your left eye” (Hosseini 42).    On his return visit to Afghanistan, Amir encounters Assef yet again. Assef was attacking Amir and it was Sohrab, Amir’s son, who came to his rescue. Sohrab was just as good maybe even better than his father at the slingshot.  Sohrab asked Assef to let Amir go, but he would not listen, “The slingshot made a thwiiiiit sound when Sohrab released the cup.  Then Assef was screaming.  He put his hand where his left eye had been just a moment ago” (Hosseini 291). Many years apart, Hassan and his son, Sohrab, use their sling shot skills to save Amir from Assef’s attacks.  The connection between Amir’s past with Hassan and the present with his son, Sohrab provides a full circle moment.

In the novel, A Kite Runner, Amir’s past and present are connected. During his childhood in Afghanistan, Amir needed Hassan’s protection, especially from Assef.  On a return visit to Afghanistan, Amir would need rescuing from Assef again.  This time, it would be Sohrab, Hassan’s son that would defend Amir from Assef. At the end of the novel, Amir learned no matter where he lives, his life will always connect with Afghanistan.