Trauma in Hosseini's The Kite Runner: Betrayal, Confession, and Narrativization

Abstract

This study explores betrayal and confession in Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner.It further examines narrativization of trauma caused by betrayalin the main characters in the novel. This research uses the psychological and cultural perspectives which analyze the personality of the main character Amir and other minor characters.The Kite Runner is the story of strained family relationships between a father and a son, andbetween two brothers. It also talks about howthey deal with guilt and forgiveness. The main characters of the novel have sinned,and everyone in one way or another is seeking redemption.As Amir, the protagonist in the novel confesses and narrativizes his trauma:he reduces the intensity of trauma caused by his betrayal over Hassan and gets some relief. Hosseini uses the plot structure to emphasize the theme of sin and redemption. As Amir retells the story of life, he weighs each event against his sin, his betrayal of Hassan. This guilt Amir feels is heightened by Hasssan’s righteousness, loyalty,and his willingness to sacrifice anything for Amir.Amir promptly tries to bury and escape his guilt but realizes that he cannot. Eventually his guilt drives him to insomnia.He wants to get rid of it. So, for redemption from such past mistake, he adopts the son of Hassan and starts to live his rest of the life after Hassan’s death from the hands of Taliban.As a boy, Amir had done nothing to save Hassan; as a man, he redeems himself by returning to Afghanistan, facing his past, and acting with honor and courage.Thus the past mistakes and sin have direct impact on the psyche of people.But, no matter how hard one tries, one actually cannot get out of this guilt ever. Trauma can not be released totally but what one can do is to try to reduce the intensity of it and Amir does the same.