The single purple blossom in this photo represents Sohrab and the new hope he offers, while the dead & decaying flowers surrounding it symbolizes Amir’s relationship with Hassan. The leaves in between assume the roles of Rahim Khan, Soraya, and various other characters who have helped develop Amir’s character along the way, but in the end prove to be merely witnesses of the morbid cycle that is coming to a close.
The dichotomy of the flowers can be interpreted quite literally, as Hassan is actually dead, while his son lives on. However, on a deeper level, the dead flowers represent the decay in their relationship than began decades before he was murdered by the Taliban. From the beginning of the novel, it is apparent that there are many major flaws in their friendship - if it can even be called that. Hassan practically worships Amir and considers them to be the best of friends, while Amir doesn’t even see Hassan as his equal. Their situation is infinitely worsened by Amir’s actions after the kite races, when he abandons Hassan and watches as he is attacked and raped by Assef’s gang. The whole thing is further skewed when it is revealed that the two were half-brothers the whole time, a fact concealed from both of them by Baba. While their relationship might have begun as beautiful, just as these flowers were at some point, it has since fallen into a state of complete decomposition. Sohrab is the only hope of redemption for Amir, a blossom of hope in an otherwise ruined situation. At least in the eyes of Rahim Khan, Amir rescuing Sohrab from the grasps of Assef and the Taliban will restore balance and finally bring an end to the vicious cycle of lies & betrayal, redeeming Amir as a person. He tells Amir, “there is a way to be good again” (226), and he truly believes it. Although there is no possible way to bring Hassan back from the dead, Amir hopes he can still make things right between them by rescuing Sohrab.
Do you believe redemption is always a possibility? It is very optimistic and refreshing but Im not sure of how plausible it is.
ReplyDeleteI think that this metaphor is so creative and clever! I love how you even included the dead leave into it.
ReplyDeleteI liked how detailed the explanation and analysis of the metaphor was - it was very thought-provoking, accurate, and it also effectively explained how Hassan and Amir's relationship was based on lies, and began to turn into betrayal. The image does a great job of representing these themes in the novel. Another connection that crossed my mind was that the leaves represent support and guidance from Rahim Khan to take of care of Sohrab and seek redemption. Without these leaves, a flower would be nothing; without Rahim Khan, it is uncertain whether Amir would motivate himself to seek redemption.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your connection and believe it is definitely an accurate representation of Amir's and Sorab's relationship. However I do believe the flower could represent Amir in this situation. For Sorab it seems that everyone in his family has left him, whether it was willingly or unwillingly.Then Amir comes into Sorabs life and stands up for Sorab. Amir is able to provide hope to Sorab that he isn't all alone in this world and he means more than just a Hazara orphan. Amir helps Sorab achieve a strength inside him that makes him stand up to Assef.
ReplyDeleteI like how you incorporated all parts of the picture and all aspects of Hassan and Amir's relationship and Sohrab into your explanation.
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