Inner Conflict in The Kite Runner: Guilt, Redemption, and Identity

Abstract

In Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner (2003), the story focuses on Amir and how his inner struggles shape his life. This paper looks at three main conflicts: his guilt for not helping Hassan during a traumatic event, his efforts to make up for it, and his confusion about who he is. Set in Afghanistan’s troubled history, these struggles show how personal choices haunt Amir and push him to seek forgiveness. The paper also touches on Baba’s hidden guilt and Hassan’s quiet pain, showing how inner conflict affects everyone. It argues that Hosseini uses these struggles to explore big themes like guilt, redemption, and finding oneself. The novel suggests that while these conflicts may never fully go away, facing them can bring some peace.