Symbols and Literary techniques

Among the literary techniques used to tell the story, one of the most predominant is Hosseini's use of symbols. The symbol of the kite is recurring, acting as a metaphor for a dying culture as well as a metaphor for Amir's guilt. Since kite fighting is such an integral part of Amir's childhood, the fact that it is banned when the Taliban take over symbolizes how drastically things have changed. On another level, the symbol of the kite serves to remind Amir of his sins. He wants so badly to impress his father with the trophy of the fallen kite that he fails his best friend, taking Hassan's sacrifice and using it for his own personal gain. Conversely, the kite, in the end, represents a sort of redemption, of flying above the sins of the past. When he flies the kite with Hassan's son and runs to retrieve the fallen one, he brings the symbol around full circle.

Assignment: What are some other symbols or literary techniques that heighten the meaning of The Kite Runner? Write a short essay (700-1000 words) examining one literary element such as the symbol of the sacrificial lamb, the use of flashback, or another technique that stands out. Use examples from the text and explain how you believe your topic helped or hindered the meaning of the novel. 

30 points possible: 10-creativity, 10-textual evidence, 5-conclusion, 5-grammar and mechanics