The kite runner is a symbol of hope and redemption, as well as the innocent childhood that Amir so desperately wants to reclaim. The kite runner is a metaphor for Hassan, the most important relationship of Amir’s life. The kite runner represents loyalty, love, and trust. In his adult life, Amir is haunted by the guilt of not saving Hassan from his death at the hands of Assef. The kite runner also represents the bond between Amir and Hassan. It was their shared passion for flying kites that brought them together and provided them with a lifeline in an otherwise unstable environment. This connection between them never died and continued throughout their lives, even after the tragic events that took place.
The kite runner represents Amir’s journey to find himself and his place in the world. When Amir returns to Afghanistan after many years away, he finds that he no longer fits into his old world or his old identity. This causes him to reevaluate himself and his purpose on earth. He learns that there are some things in life that cannot be undone—no matter how much he wishes he could go back in time and change things—and he must learn to accept this fact of life if he ever wants to move forward with his life.
