The Kite Runner Final Essay

Truth. Truth is one of the things that human beings value most above anything else. In everything we do on this earth, we are always some way, somehow, in search of some kind of truth. Whether that is finding the truth of how much your breakfast cost, or the truth of finding out that you’ve secretly had a brother your entire life – truth matters. The ironic thing about truth is that it’s subjective. Depending on the culture, society, and worldview you grew up in, each and every one of us perceives truth differently. The thing that drives truth in the novel, The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini, is the pure intention to protect the reputation of one’s family. However, I cannot say that the message of truth displayed in The Kite Runner is congruent with my beliefs as a Christian of said truth. Truth is essential because lying maliciously hurts others, and it is by accepting the objective truth that only God dictates that only then we are able to live freely in this chaotic world.

In Afghani culture, honor and reputation are highlighted and enforced in every aspect of one’s everyday life. The constant battle between honor and shame is afoot throughout the whole novel. We can see at the very beginning of the book where Baba, the wealthy and well-known father of the protagonist of the story, tells Amir, “there is only one sin, only one. And that is theft. Every other sin is a variation of theft.” (page 17). This was a phrase that Amir held so close to his heart throughout his life, idolizing Baba for his wise words, only to be betrayed by this very truth. It is when Rahim Khan reveals that Hassan, Amir’s Hazara servant, is actually his half brother. Enraged by the truth, Amir can’t help but think that his whole life is a lie. Baba had stolen Amir and Hassan’s right to know that they are brothers, and he had stolen honor from his best friend (page 225). This is a massive turning point in the plot because Baba had violated the one thing that he stood by. Baba had concealed the truth from Amir, Hassan, and the rest of the Afghani community purely to protect his reputation as one of the most powerful businessmen in Afghanistan. It is apparent that the Afghani culture’s definition of truth is intrinsically motivated to only benefit oneself, and not the greater good. 

One of the ten commandments is “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour”. As a Christian, I am taught to value these important commands that are given to us by God, one of which is not to lie. Truth is objective in Christianity, and should not be dependent on the giver of the truth. In John 8:32, Jesus said, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”. Baba and Amir constantly try to cover up the truth of their mistakes – Baba hiding his illegitimate offspring from Amir, and Amir hiding his secret of practically granting Hassan’s rape (chapter 7). Guilt becomes a consequence of burying and hiding the truth for so many years, instead of it liberating oneself. Nonetheless, Jesus says that it is the truth that will set you free. What sets Christianity apart from the rest of the world is that it teaches the real truth. Jesus is the truth, and as long as one can recognize that, they are already a step closer to freeing themselves. 

Truth is an abstract idea that can be interpreted in different ways. In The Kite Runner, truth is to protect your honor by hiding it, but according to Christianity, truth is the one thing that will set you free.  Shame and guilt, the product of covering up the truth, shouldn’t have power over our actions unless we give it the power to. No matter how atrocious of an act we commit, the truth will always come out in one way or another. It’s our decision on what to do with it, and whether or not we let it dictate the rest of our lives. To choose the truth, to choose Jesus, is to choose liberation.

My Writing Process and Rough Draft

Reflection: Personally, I don’t enjoy reading lengthy novels that are difficult to understand. Honestly, when we were first told to read the Kite Runner, I was already dreading that I had to read such a long book in a short amount of time. But after reading this book, I beg to differ. The Kite Runner offers so many life lessons, all in one book. Though it’s frustrating at times, it’s also heartwarming and touching. I was able to truly learn the meaning of truth through this book, and it allowed me to reflect on some of the ideas presented in the book as well. The Kite Runner is a must-read and I definitely would read it again, because I’m sure that I have missed something in there that is meaningful.