After+Sohrab's+Rescue

= __**The Importance of the Quote At the End of the Novel**__: =

=**__ [|The Scene] __**=

= "Do you want me to run that kite for you [Sohrab]?" I thought I saw him nod. "For you a thousand times over, " I heard myself say. Then I turned and ran. =

=**__ The Significance: __**= = The quote signifies the start of Amir's redemption. After Amir and Sohrab fly a kite together and manage to cut another kite down (using Hassan's favorite technique), Amir asks Sohrab if he wants him to get the kite for him. This is significant, because Hassan was always the one to run kites for Amir. In this sense, Amir is showing his love and respect for Sohrab. Therefore, the novel appears to come full circle as it ends, with Amir going to run the kite for Sohrab. Moreover, the quote's timing is significant, because Amir says to Sohrab the last words that Hassan said to him before Hassan was raped. But despite the fact that those were the circumstances the last time that these words appeared in the book, the hopeful tone suggests that Amir has paid his penance and found his redemption. He no longer feels superior to Hassan "the kite runner", because he is a kite runner, too. = = Furthermore, the quote is significant, because it symbolizes the beginning of a fresh start for both Amir and Sohrab. For instance, flying the kite with Sohrab, Amir feels like a boy again, and for that time at least, he is innocent. It is also the first real connection he feels to Sohrab since Sohrab stopped speaking. Flying the kite is his link to Sohrab, much as it was once his link to Baba. The lifeless, vacant look leaves Sohrab’s eyes as he gets ready to battle the other kite, and half a smile peeks out from his face, which is enough to mark the beginning of Sohrab’s recovery in Amir’s mind. A hint of what’s to come, Sohrab’s smile implies that the abuses of the past cannot dominate him or anyone forever, and that eventually Amir, Sohrab, and Afghanistan will look to the future and be healed. =