"America was a river, roaring along, unmindful of the past. I could wade into this river, let my sins drown to the bottom, let the waters carry me someplace far. Someplace with no ghosts, no memories, and no sins." (page 136)
This entire excerpt is very important to the entire story. It is a metphor used by Amir to share with the reader his feelings towards America. I think that this contributes to the theme of possibility of redemption. Amir was burdened by his memory of betraying Hassan and the guilt that followed him. He was constantly reminded of this guilt where he lived before because he saw Hassan, or saw the places they used to play and have constant memories. America is the possiblity of starting over, of having a new beginning. Unlike his father, Amir rejoiced in the fact that he had the chance of a new beginning. His father (seen as 'crazy' by the Americans on page 128) did not like America and resented a new way of living. Amir wanted to make himself new and become a better person in America, which is seen when he graduates and tries so hard to be an American. Amir merely wants to clan the slate of his guilt. He longs to rid himself of the feelings that have kept him for so long, and America is where he finds this chance for the first time.
Showing posts with label Metaphor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Metaphor. Show all posts
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Kite Runner:4
"There was a monster in the lake. It had grabbed Hassan by the ankles, dragged him to the murky water. I was that monster." (page 86)
This particular part of the story has a few important parts to it. The first is that this is one instance where Amir is remembering something someone has said to him. I think that this is style, and it emphasizes the internal thoughts of Amir. This is because he is remembering specific things that we as readers learned along with him. It is a realistic memory that the audience can grasp. They become more connected to because they have experienced it with him. In addition, this metaphor is one that supports the theme of guilt, which is an effect of betrayal. Amir feels that he IS a monster. He cannot escape the horrible thing he has done, and it effects how he views himself. It is a way of intensifying his guilt. Also, the entire metaphor is used to represent the act of Amir running away from Hassan's rape. He drug Hassan to the bottom because he had a chance to save hims, but his cowardness kept him from helping. Also, the bottom is Hassan losing innocence, friendship, and feeling unworthy and dirty about himself. He does not respect himself the same, which is seen one page 80 when Amir shares that he has barely spoken to Hassan and Ali says that he is acting depressed.
This particular part of the story has a few important parts to it. The first is that this is one instance where Amir is remembering something someone has said to him. I think that this is style, and it emphasizes the internal thoughts of Amir. This is because he is remembering specific things that we as readers learned along with him. It is a realistic memory that the audience can grasp. They become more connected to because they have experienced it with him. In addition, this metaphor is one that supports the theme of guilt, which is an effect of betrayal. Amir feels that he IS a monster. He cannot escape the horrible thing he has done, and it effects how he views himself. It is a way of intensifying his guilt. Also, the entire metaphor is used to represent the act of Amir running away from Hassan's rape. He drug Hassan to the bottom because he had a chance to save hims, but his cowardness kept him from helping. Also, the bottom is Hassan losing innocence, friendship, and feeling unworthy and dirty about himself. He does not respect himself the same, which is seen one page 80 when Amir shares that he has barely spoken to Hassan and Ali says that he is acting depressed.
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