These images symbolize the consequences that arise from Amir's failure to atone for his sins and redeem himself. The white,
non-wrinkled paper represents Amir's
clean slate at the beginning of the story when he was guilt-free and on good terms with Hassan. However, after Hassan's incident with Assef and Amir's betrayal, Amir's guilt worsens dramatically. Attempting to cope with his guilt and avoid suffering the consequences, Amir keeps the incident to himself and tries to bury the memories of it. However, the more he tries to
"erase" the memories, the harder it becomes for him to seek redemption, which is seen in the second image; erasing actually creates more wrinkles and dents in the paper. These wrinkles and dents are now
permanent, and it would be almost impossible to get rid of them and make the paper look like its original, non-wrinkled state. This is similar for Amir - keeping the secret and feeling guilty for so long has created more "wrinkles". Even though he thinks that it is better to bury his memories than to face his fear of being punished, it is hurting him and
making it difficult to achieve redemption.
I loved your idea about how the paper will never return to its original state. Amir's past will always taint his conscious, so he can only do what he can to alleviate that guilt.
ReplyDeleteI think this also relates to Baba's guilt for choosing not to tell the truth, since he is never really able to get over his decision and takes out his anger on Amir.
I like how you mentioned the fear that controls him. I think this is a really big theme in the novel that directs the characters' actions, and fear makes Amir keep pushing down his memories.
ReplyDeleteI think the wrinkled paper can also connect to the impact that the orphanage had on Sohrab. He chooses to attempt suicide rather than go back, which shows that the fear instilled in him at the orphanage never really left him.
I really like your idea of Amir crumpling and never fully being able to be clean again. I think that this metaphor is very fitting for the trauma that life has imposed upon Amir because of the rape.
ReplyDeleteI think that this paper could also represent the scarring that Sohrab's abuse under Assef has caused. The sexual abuse that Assef gave Sohrab has clearly scarred him because he will not talk to Amir. This also shows the fear that Sohrab has of the world now that he has bee abused.
This is a great idea! The crumpled paper is a lesson taught in project cornerstone. It shows that when you hurt someone, they can erase their markings and un-crumple themselves, but their creases and markings will still be the same. What do you think the eraser represents? I think it represents Amir's blissful ignorance of his past.
ReplyDelete