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A literary analysis of the kite runner
The kite runner is one of the most famous fiction stories known across the globe. This aspect is based on the fact that the novel has a strong storyline and different twist of events covered by the book. The various activities included in the novel describe the events that happened in Afghanistan, and the change of power and the story of Amir make the novel very popular. The twist of activities used in the story and the incorporation of the different stylistic devices and themes makes the story to be fascinating. Such aspects are considered to enhance the flow of ideas i the story and capture the reader’s attention to the story from the beginning to the end. The literary devices used in the novel enhance the understanding of the various activities undertaken by the characters and how such aspects connect to the main idea in the story. Elements such as similes, symbolism, and personification are used by Khaled Hosseini to advance his thoughts to the audience and enhance the readers’ connection to the various aspects happening in the novel.
In different parts of the novel, Hosseini utilizes different similes to enhance the attachment of the audience to the story. Metaphors are considered to make the audience relate the various activities to different aspects of the story. In this case, similes may describe a non-living thing to living to create a feeling on the multiple actions to the reader. The different similes used in the novel are used for various reasons and to convey a particular form of information to the reader. For example, the simile “His face is like a Chinese doll chiseled from hardwood” illustrates the shape of the tenor’s face. In this case, the simile provides an illustration using the characteristics that the reader can relate to. Another simile used in the novel is when the author states that “It made a sound like a paper bird flapping its wings.” This simile is used by Hosseini to personify the kite. In this case, the author gives the kite the ability to have wings like a bird and fly. This aspect makes the reader feel the connection with the kite running competition as Amir in the novel thought it. This aspect shows how the author utilizes similes to serve various purposes in the story to enhance the understanding of the different ideas that the author wants to convey to his readers.
The novel also utilizes different symbols to provide different meanings across the story. Such objects symbolize various aspects that make the reader think beyond the ordinary meaning to capture the perceived sense. In the novel, kites are used to convey a different purpose than the ordinary meaning of the object. In this case, kites are used as objects of Amir’s happiness and as an object of his guilt. This aspect is based on the fact that Amir enjoys running kites when he is a small boy, as they always make him happy. During his childhood, Amir is a champion in kite competitions, but the aspect changes its perception when Hassan, his best friend, and half-brother are raped. Due to this reason, Amir does not fly kites until he is grown up as they make him feel guilty about what happened to Hassan. The novel also uses the lamb as a symbol of innocence and purity according to the Islam religion. Since the story is based in Afghanistan, an Arab country, the primary faith is Islam. Just like Christianity, lambs are used to refer to the sacrifice of an innocent. This aspect is experienced when Amir describes Hassan and Sohrab as looking like lambs waiting to be slaughtered. This lamb is mentioned in different instances in the novel. First, the word is mentioned when Hassan is being raped. Amir says that Hassan resembled a Lamb they kill during the celebration of Eid Al-Adha. Amir also used this word when he first sees Sohrab with Assef. In this case, both Hassan and Sohrab are considered as lambs for sacrifice when they are raped.
Personification is another literary device that is much used in the novel. The author uses personification to describe the feelings and burdens that are experienced by the different characters. This aspect is used to give non-living things the ability to undertake various activities, just like humans. Such instances have been used in the novel in different parts of the story. One of the cases of personification is present in the first chapter when the author writes, “Then I glanced up and saw a pair of kites…soaring in the sky. They danced high above the sky.” This statement shows how kites are given the ability to dance just like humans. This activity illustrates how the kites are given moves, which are similar to the dancing of humans. Another instance of personification is in the fifth chapter of the novel, where Hosseini states that “The gun roared.” In this instance, the gun is given the ability to roar like lions. In this case, personification is used to explain the sound of the gun. Such aspects explain how the element of personification has been executed to address various issues.
In conclusion, Khaled Hosseini’s novel “The Kite runner” has utilized various literary devices. The devices enhance the storytelling process and to create a connection between the story and the reader. One of the methods which have been utilized in the novel is the simile. Different similes have been used to serve various purposes in the story. Also, different symbols have been used in the book to provide mixed feelings, and burdens felt by the different characters. Lastly, personification has also been used to enhance the meaning of various aspects as well as to create a tone of the novel. Such elements have enabled the author to improve his creativity through the use of different stylistic devices.