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Ella Hough
Dr Rejan
Author Study Essay
May 16, 2024  
Khaled Hosseini’s novels, “The Kite Runner” and “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” delve deep into the complexities of human experience against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s tumultuous history. Through his poignant storytelling and rich character development, Hosseini explores themes of guilt, redemption, resilience, and the enduring power of love. This essay will examine these themes using specific quotes from the novels, shedding light on the intricate narratives crafted by the author. Additionally, it will analyze the societal reflections present in Hosseini’s works and discuss the impact of his storytelling on contemporary literature.
In “The Kite Runner,” Hosseini crafts a narrative that becomes very compelling in tackling the issue of the weight of past actions and the challenge of redemption. Amir’s character goes through a tough time dealing with a complicated web of relationships haunted by guilt and regret. One of the heartbreaking quotes from the book is, “That was a long time ago, but it’s wrong what they say about the past, I’ve learned, about how you can bury it. Because the past claws its way out” (Hosseini 1). Hosseini, hence, rouses the readers with the idea that one’s past mistakes continue haunting present life. Hosseini argues that redemption is not merely a single event but a life-long process for self-discovery and atonement. Another quote bears much weight, “There is a way to be good again” (Hosseini). This shows how, amidst all darkness of his past, Amir finds hope in the possibility of redemption—the universal human desire to have one’s sins forgiven. Amir’s journey invites the readers to ponder upon the complexities of moral choices and forgiveness.
In “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” Hosseini shifts the focus toward the resilience and power of Afghan women confronting and fighting against oppression and violence. Through Mariam and Laila, Hosseini chronicles the painful realities of life under the Taliban regime. One quote takes its place: “Like a compass needle that points North, a man’s accusing finger always finds a woman” (Hosseini 7). Hosseini opens up the deep-seated gender inequalities that exist in Afghan society. Hosseini challenges his readers to consider the injustices that women go through and the resilience of women. With Mariam, a powerful quote, “Mariam wished for so much in those final moments. Yet as she closed her eyes, it was not regret any longer but a sensation of abundant peace that washed over her” (Hosseini 370), is a reflection of Mariam’s journey to self-acceptance and power. Mariam finds peace in the knowledge that she was loved and could love in return, thereby reclaiming self-worth over and above societal oppression.
In “The Kite Runner” and “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” complexities of characters pushed to the sidelines and their noteworthy toughness when facing hard times are masterfully shown. By showing the alike yet separate paths of Amir and Mariam, the author crafts protagonists that readers can connect with, asking them to feel sympathy for their fights even though the situations they are in are very far from each other and different. Because he also approaches immigration in his novels from these perspectives, Khaled Hosseini’s impressive impact on contemporary literature highlights some potential guidelines that contemporary authors should follow. For instance, in “reconciling with memory” and “landscaping authenticity,” they have to make unremitting effort to produce some patchy or disjointed memories and present fragmented or misplaced remnants of immigrant predecessors’ homes in which the physicality of many neighborhoods is a visual counterpoint. Hosseini follows the same guidelines and uses his talent to emotionally unify immigrants in his novels. He devotes The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns to opening Westerners’ eyes to the suffering his Afghan compatriots have faced in recent years because, as Lenz declares, it happened “when the world turned away from this violence.” However, Hosseini is not the only writer who sought to conjure collective feelings and a sense of unity through his fictional writings, and contemporary literature also has a strong exponential list of people who have tried to provide concrete responses to the myriad manifest problems of a multicultural world.
Among the most compelling themes in “The Kite Runner” is the resilient presence of the past, which haunts the protagonist, Amir, into his adult years. Amir’s childhood memories, marked by guilt and betrayal, continuously resurface, demonstrating that the past is inescapable. This is captured effectively in the quote, “That was a long time ago, but it’s wrong what they say about the past, I’ve learned, about how you can bury it. Because the past claws its way out” (Hosseini 1). These words underscore the relentless nature of past misdeeds and set the stage for Amir’s journey towards redemption, encapsulated in his realization that “There is a way to be good again” (Hosseini). Through Amir’s narrative, Hosseini explores the universal theme of seeking forgiveness and healing, prompting readers to reflect on their actions and pursue redemption.
Contrasting with the personal quest for redemption in “The Kite Runner,” “A Thousand Splendid Suns” portrays the resilience amidst the dire adversities faced by Afghan women. Through the lives of Mariam and Laila, Hosseini delves into the tenacity required to endure oppressive conditions. The societal judgment and gender inequalities inherent in Afghanistan are poignantly criticized in moments such as, “Like a compass needle that points north, a man’s accusing finger always finds a woman” (Hosseini 7). However, it is through Mariam’s serene acceptance before her death, “Mariam wished for so much in those final moments… She was leaving it as a person of consequence at last” (Hosseini 370), that Hosseini crafts a narrative of empowerment in the face of oppression. This exploration is crucial for understanding the dynamics of victimization and empowerment Hosseini portrays, presenting a stark yet hopeful view of overcoming societal marginalization.
Both novels feature rich, multidimensional characters who navigate complex moral landscapes, enhancing their relevance and relatability. Amir’s transformation from a guilt-ridden child to a man seeking redemption, and Mariam’s evolution from a suppressed spouse to a symbol of considerable strength, demonstrate Hosseini’s skill in character development. These characters are crafted with profound imperfections yet possess redeeming qualities that evoke empathy, thereby deepening readers’ engagement and understanding of the broader societal issues tied to their journeys.
Hosseini’s narratives stretch beyond storytelling to reflect significant societal challenges and the complexities of cultural displacement. His depiction of Afghan society, scarred by conflict and suppression, alongside the immigrant experience in the USA, illustrates the struggles with identity, belonging, and heritage faced by immigrants. Through vivid storytelling, Hosseini offers insights into the hardships and resilience of individuals confronting these daunting challenges.
Khaled Hosseini’s works, “The Kite Runner” and “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” transcend mere storytelling to offer profound explorations of the human condition. Through his intricate exploration of themes like guilt, redemption, resilience, and love, Hosseini doesn’t just craft narratives but creates experiences that resonate with a global audience. His characters, imbued with depth and complexity, navigate their lives under the burdens of their pasts and the hopes for their futures. By reflecting on societal issues and personal adversities through his narrative craft, Hosseini not only enriches the contemporary literary scene but also compels readers to reflect on and empathize with the broader human experience. Ultimately, Hosseini’s novels serve as a lasting reminder of literature’s power to transcend cultural barriers and foster a profound connection among us all, promoting a deeper understanding and empathy across diverse landscapes.  
Hosseini’s brilliance in creating three-dimensional characters is also seen in Amir and Mariam, who are both portrayed as flawed yet empathetic individuals. Their flaws and struggles are relatable to the audience and even call for self-reflection and introspection to review their own moral compasses and personal journeys. The imperfections that the characters demonstrate make them relatable, thus enhancing the emotional engagement of the reader with the narrative and themes presented.
Furthermore, Hosseini’s novels provide a mirror to reflect the struggles faced in society, particularly in terms of cultural displacement and the immigrant experience. In telling the stories, Hosseini vividly and richly depicts the struggles Afghan immigrants have in reconciling their past with their new lives in the USA. The stories bring out issues of identity, belonging, and heritage to give a better understanding of the immigrant experience and its complexities. Hosseini’s works remind us of the human cost of displacement and the resilience of those who seek a home and a sense of belonging.
In short, Khaled Hosseini’s novels “The Kite Runner” and “A Thousand Splendid Suns” are immortal creations that stand for exploring the timeless themes of guilt, redemption, resilience, and the power of love. Through his evocative storytelling and intricate characterization, Hosseini invites the reader to engage with the human experience in all its bewildering complexity and to embrace compassion and forgiveness as a way of navigating the challenges thrown up by adversity. From the pages of his novels, one is confronted with the pain that wars, oppression, and death cause but still with a never-diminishing hope and resilience of the human spirit. Hosseini’s works are a strong reminder of some universal truths that link us together as members of the human family and make us understand and appreciate the world in which we live.
When I delve into the complexities and ways in which Hosseni parallels these two novels, I am struck by the intricacies and depth of the characters, skillfully crafted for the purpose of relatability despite circumstance, and incorporation of human emotion.
Some repeated themes I picked up on were the marginalized characters and the way Hosseini crafted them in such a way that it was impossible not to sympathize with them. From my thinking, I noticed that when Amir immigrated to America, he was lowered on a pedestal, forced to feel what Hassan had felt and removed from the hierarchal place he once held in Afghan society. I found it challenging to sympathize with Amir, seeing as he was at fault for the shame and guilt he fought for so long to resolve. When he sought a new beginning in America, he was met by disappointment, and ultimate lack of fulfillment. He was forgotten, constantly “wrestling with the ghosts that haunted his consciousness.” 
In A Thousand Splendid Suns, Mariam and Laila were undermined all their lives. They endured unthinkable treatment, constantly fighting for their own right to freedom and independence. “In her marriage, she experiences emotional neglect and abuse from her husband. All her life, Mariam yearned for love and tenderness but was always met by cruelty. The echoes of her mothers warning serve as a constant reminder for the pain of her unmet expectations. As the novel develops, Mariam’s journey becomes a powerful exploration of resilience. As she grapples with the enduring emotional neglect, she begins to forge a new path towards freedom and empowerment. Even after her trauma, she is able to reconnect with herself and to those who she is later able to form soul ties with.” 
Moreover, I picked up on some connections in the novels, creating a more nuanced and powerful stance from my point of view. “Her path, full of hardship and marginalization, has led her to a place of peace, a testament to her strength and resilience. Through this reflection, I was transported to some of the most pivotal moments of her life, from her scarring childhood full on abandonment and neglect to her abusive marriage. In the suffocating confines of her husbands tyranny, Mariam lost her spirit, grappling with a sense of hopelessness. Even in these moments of adversity, she refused to be broken. In her final moments, she is not only able to accept her past and pain, but her self-worth. I found that this paralleled to parts of Kite Runner, in such a way that Amir was able to forgive himself at the end of the novel, finding a sense of absolvement after making amends with Hassan. Although Mariam was never at fault, she was ultimately able to accept her trauma and past. Hassan and Mariam both struggled with discrimination and neglect, forming a literary parallel between the characters. Hosseini skillfully incorporated these connections, and my interpretation is that this may have been unintentional.”
I wish to explore how readers might sympathize with the characters, and how no character is truly good or evil in each novel. I also want to explore the marginalization and societal neglect faced by a number of characters in both novels. Building off of this, I want to further explore the idea of new beginnings, and the search for freedom and empowerment amidst the backdrop of a tumultuous war and society. How does this play a role in the characters development and behavior throughout the novel? What themes reverberate throughout the novel that signify the characters moral compass? 
Essay Plan
Statement of Inquiry: 
Kite Runner
Quote 1: That was a long time ago, but it’s wrong what they say about the past, I’ve learned, about how you can bury it. Because the past claws its way out. Looking back now, I realize I have been peeking into that deserted alley for the last twenty-six years”(Hosseini 1).
Quote 2: “There is a way to be good again.”
Quote 3: “I envied her. Her secret was out. Spoken. processed . . I suspected that Soraya Taheri was a better person than me in many ways. Courage was just one of them.”
A Thousand Splendid Suns
Quote 4: “Tell your secrets to the wind, but don’t blame them for telling the trees”(Hosseini 168).
Quote 5: “Mariam wished for so much in those final moments. Yet as she closed her eyes, it was not regret any longer but a sensation of abundant peace that washed over her. She thought of her entry to this world, the harami child of a lowly villager, an unintended thing, a pitiable, regrettable accident. A weed. And yet she was leaving the world as a woman who had loved and been loved back. She was leaving it as a friend, a companion, a guardian. A mother. A person of consequence at last. No, it was not so bad Miriam thought, that she would die this way. Not so bad. This was a legitimate end to a life of illegitimate belongings”(Hosseini 370).
Quote 6: “Like a compass needle that points North, a man’ accusing finger always finds a woman”(Hosseini 7).
Sources: – 
-https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/508085?searchText=Khaled+hosseini&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3DKhaled%2Bhosseini%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasi_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3A67eb0720e07e0d98e316d79b36b1e25a
-https://online.infobase.com/HRC/Search/Details/12?articleId=38345&q=%22Kite%20Runner%2