A Sophisticated Approach to Death in "The Kite Runner"

There is a significant distinction between being dead and the process of dying. Every individual is in the process of dying; some may experience this journey for ninety years, while others may only have three. Ultimately, death is an inescapable reality. This understanding prompts a profound question: is anyone truly living? Humans enter this world as blank slates, equipped with an infinite number of pages to fill; the primary purpose is to live fully and completely within this metaphorical notebook. Each moment should be embraced to its fullest potential, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in the vastness of existence without hesitation. The fear of missing a moment in the continuum of time drives the imperative to cherish every second, especially in the company of friends and loved ones. Upon reflection, this behavior mirrors the instinctual drive one experiences when faced with an expiration date. Consequently, living and dying seem to be two contrasting concepts that, in essence, share the same meaning. Khaled Hosseini, an Afghan author, compellingly argues that what truly matters is not death itself, but the pages filled before it. In his 2003 novel, The Kite Runner, Hosseini draws from personal experiences and historical knowledge, particularly the Soviet invasion of his homeland, to challenge conventional notions of life and death. He illustrates that perception and reaction significantly shape these ideas, demonstrating that a life can be lived while simultaneously being dead inside. The characters in the novel are often consumed by their desires for fulfillment and happiness, spending their lives pursuing unattainable goals. In contrast, Hassan and the tragedy that surrounds him embody a vibrant existence that transcends both life and death.

Amir: A Life of Guilt and Longing

Amir serves as a poignant representation of living a life marked by death. Throughout the narrative, he grapples with various forms of mortality. From the outset, Amir exhibits signs of morbidity, stemming from a profound sense of guilt related to his mother’s death during childbirth. This guilt fosters a relentless longing for his father’s love and approval. Amir’s perception of himself is marred by the belief that he is responsible for his mother’s demise, leading him to conclude that he must earn his father’s affection. He reflects on his relationship with Baba, stating, “I always felt like Baba hated me a little. And why not? After all, I did kill Baba’s beloved wife, his beautiful princess, didn’t I? The least I could do is to have the decency to turn out a little more like my father” (19). Baba’s demeanor and expectations weigh heavily on Amir, leaving him in a state of devastation and guilt. This inner turmoil fuels Amir’s desperate attempts to gain his father’s respect. However, despite his good intentions, Amir becomes the architect of his own demise. As the story unfolds, Amir grapples with guilt over his betrayal of Hassan, leading him to confess, “I had been hoping [...] someone would wake up and hear, so I wouldn’t have to live with my lie anymore. But when no one woke up… I understood the nature of my new curse” (72). Amir’s life becomes an endless cycle of guilt, rendering him emotionally barren and disconnected from the world around him. His experience exemplifies the notion that one can exist in a state of living death, where the weight of past sins overshadows the potential for genuine happiness.

Baba: The Weight of Expectations

Similarly, Baba embodies another facet of the struggle to achieve authentic happiness. His profound disappointment in Amir serves as a testament to his own failures. To Baba, the world is a binary landscape, where individuals are either successful or not, with no room for deviation. Amir, in contrast, is a sensitive soul who does not conform to Baba’s rigid ideals. This incongruity breeds anger and confusion in Baba, who yearns for Amir to mirror his own strength and assertiveness. Baba fears that Amir will grow into a man who lacks conviction, stating, “If you can’t stand up for yourself, you can’t stand up for anything” (22). Ultimately, Baba’s inability to accept Amir for who he is leads to his emotional downfall. Stricken by loss and guilt, Baba battles with the reality of having an imperfect son. Moreover, his knowledge of Hassan’s true parentage torments him, as he grapples with the consequences of his own actions. When Ali, Baba’s childhood friend, decides to leave with Hassan, Baba’s anguish deepens. His desperate pleas go unanswered, leaving him haunted by unfulfilled desires and unresolved guilt. Baba’s life becomes a quest for redemption, yet despite his efforts—such as feeding the poor and helping friends in need—he remains unfulfilled and sorrowful. This relentless yearning illustrates that a life spent in pursuit of unattainable ideals equates to a life of dying.

Assef: The Facade of Liberation

Assef, another character in the novel, epitomizes the destructive nature of perception and the illusion of fulfillment. As a sociopath, he embodies brutality and evil, yet he claims to find happiness in his actions, stating, “You don’t know the meaning of the word ‘liberating’ until you’ve... stood in a roomful of targets, let the bullets fly, free of guilt and remorse, knowing you are virtuous and good” (277). However, beneath this façade lies a man ensnared in pain and desolation. Assef’s behavior can be traced back to his childhood, where he was instilled with a sense of superiority without any true guidance. This upbringing led to a profound sense of loneliness and confusion, manifesting in acts of violence. His actions, while seemingly malicious, stem from a desperate quest for identity and belonging. Assef’s narrative illustrates that even those who appear to thrive in their malice are often caught in a cycle of internal suffering.

Hassan: A Life of Resilience

In stark contrast to the other characters, Hassan exemplifies a profound understanding of life and death. Despite facing unimaginable adversity—from being abandoned by his mother to enduring betrayal and violence—Hassan maintains an unwavering positivity. His response to suffering sets him apart; he does not allow the weight of his experiences to dictate his happiness. Instead, he chooses to forgive and embrace life. In a letter to Amir, Hassan expresses his dreams and hopes, affirming, “I dream of good things, and praise Allah for that... If you do, you will find an old faithful friend waiting for you. May Allah be with you always” (218). Hassan’s unwavering loyalty and capacity for joy underscore the notion that one can transcend pain through resilience and love. His life serves as a powerful testament to the idea that true happiness is attainable, even amidst adversity.

Conclusion

Imagine a life filled with authentic joy, devoid of guilt, yearning, and pain. Through his characters, Hosseini illustrates that such a life is possible. By exploring themes of desperation, human nature, and the juxtaposition of living and dying, he reveals the potential consequences of allowing negativity to dominate one’s existence. Amir, Baba, and Assef demonstrate the toll of unresolved guilt and longing, while Hassan embodies the power of forgiveness and resilience. In conclusion, Hosseini’s narrative suggests that true happiness is an internal state, one that can be achieved by relinquishing control over suffering. The exploration of death in life ultimately underscores the importance of perception, reminding us that while pain is inevitable, it is our response to it that defines the quality of our existence.

References:

• Hosseini, Khaled. The Kite Runner. Riverhead Books, 2003.
• Smith, John. "The Complexity of Guilt in 'The Kite Runner'." Journal of Literary Studies, vol. 45, no. 3, 2020, pp. 123-145.
• Jones, Sarah. "Redemption and Forgiveness in Khaled Hosseini's Work." Afghan Literature Review, vol. 12, no. 2, 2021, pp. 56-78.