To Amir, Sohrab is the stepping stones he can use to reach the cherry tree of redemption, a way he can use to "be good again"(2). Throughout The Kite Runner, Amir reflects on his guilt and "unatoned sins" of the past, which repeatedly haunt him in various manifestations, such as Soraya's empty womb and Assef's bloody brass knuckles. Sohrab is a way for Amir to reach the optimistic, blossoming future set forth by Hassan. In this photo, we use the rocks as a representation of Sohrab and his ability to lead Amir to a better future filled with the flowers of opportunity and for a life for himself, freed from his past of contemplations of his sins. The flowering cherry tree in the photo represents a redeemed life for Amir, with him being able to find happiness with Soraya and Sohrab himself. The plants that loom conspicuously over the rocks demonstrate /symbolize the challenges Amir has faced on his journey through life. From a childhood bully, Assef, to traveling millions of miles across the world, Amir has faced many a challenge. These objects collectively represent Amir's journey to being at peace with himself.
I like how you tie all of the aspects of the picture together really well, and how together they tell Amir's story.
ReplyDeleteI really like the framing and colors in the photo, and I think you could even connect those elements to the book. You might say that the future ahead is a bright one, as represented by the bright pink on the tree, but to get there, Amir has to cross a dark and dirty path.
ReplyDeleteI never would have thought to relate one's troubles and trials to plants, but I think it makes sense for this metaphor. I like how you thought outside the box for that. I think you could also use this metaphor with Amir as the stepping stones and Baba as the traveler because he is receiving his own redemption through Amir. When Baba was alive, he never had a chance to make things right with Hassan and finally tell him that he was his father all along. So now, Amir is rectifying this in a sense by inviting Sohrab to live with him and rejoining Baba's line and Ali's line once again. I think this represents Baba continuing to care for Hassan by Amir caring for Sohrab.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very insightful metaphor! I really like the whole idea of the stepping stones leading to Amir's redemption. I think you can also tie this same metaphor to other people who seek for redemption, like Baba who feels guilty for never telling Amir about Hassan's true role in his life.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you had so many ties to the tree and novel. Really insightful! I would have never come up with something like that myself. Amir and Baba and Sohrab all tying together like that is very interesting. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI really love this photo! It is very cool that you found this, and I really like the idea of the path to redemption. Sohrab could also be represented by the cherry blossom tree, because Amir had many trials and tribulations trying to get to Sohrab. I like your ideas, good job!
ReplyDeleteI like how you mentioned that Sohrab does not just magically grant redemption, that there are trials that Amir must face in order to truly be redeemed such as getting to Afghanistan, uncovering the ugly truth about his and Hassan's past, finding Sohrab, fighting with Assef, recovering from his injuries, working with lawyers, and now dealing with Sohrab's suicide attempt. Sohrab opens up this new path for redemption, but Amir still needs a wealth of determination to reach that point/cherry tree.
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