The Kite Runner

What is an universal theme question pertaining to chaper 9 of The Kite Runner?

The Kite Runner by Kahled Hosseini

Asked by
Last updated by Aslan
Answers 5
Add Yours

I think guilt would be the universal theme.

In Chapter Nine, I would say that sacrifice is the universal theme. Amir sets Hassan up, Hassan takes the blame for something he didn't do, and Baba shocks his son by forgiving Hassan. I think that Amir's jealousy and guilt are trumped by Hassan's selfless sacrifice. He lost his honor twice.

I think guilt comes out strong right at the beginning of the chapter. Guilt is also more universally felt than the type of sacrifice Hassan gave. The morning after his birthday party, Amir opened his presents joylessly. To him, each gift was tainted with Hassan's shed blood. He knew Baba never would have thrown him such an extravagant party if he had not won the tournament, and to him the victory was inseparable from Hassan's rape. Baba himself gave Amir a coveted Stingray bicycle and a fancy wristwatch, but they too felt like "blood money."

Source(s)

http://www.gradesaver.com/the-kite-runner/study-guide/section3/

You're right, Amir's guilt is completely evident from the beginning of this chapter, and guilt is certainly the most universal theme in the novel. But in this chapter, I believe Hassan's selflessness, sacrifice and goodness override Amir's feelings of guilt. Sometimes there isn't just one answer.

Yup , there is room for interpretation.