"I Ran"

     Within the book the Kite Runner the phrase "I Ran" holds a great deal of significance and is used repeatedly throughout the book. In the beginning "I Ran" is interpreted with negative diction and emotion. As Amir runs away from Assef, choosing to be a coward and saving himself, he leaves Hassan alone in the ally. "I had one last chance to make a decision. One final opportunity to decide who I was going to be. I could step into that alley, stand for Hassan-the way he'd stood up for me all those times in the past-and accept whatever would happen to me. Or I could run. In the end, I ran."(pg. 77) In previous chapters, Amir was characterized as a boy who depended on his fathers approve, willing to throw friend ships away in order to receive such love. However as the story progresses Amir matures and develops as a character as he realizes his past sins, agreeing to save Sohrab, in order to redeem himself. In the end of the novel, although the ending was not as dramatic as perhaps someone might have expected,  Amir clearly cares for the boy and begins to run kites with him stating "for you a thousand times over" (pg. 371) Amir is no longer running from his past but running towards it, embracing it with open arms. "I am a grown man running with a swarm of screaming children. But I didn't care. I ran with the wind blowing in my face, and a smile as wide as the valley of Panjsher on my lips. I ran" (pg. 371) By the end of the story Amir's sins are no longer a burden and are forgiven. Amir has found peace. In the beginning of the story, the reader believes the plot to be Amir running away from his past, but in reality he is running towards his future, ready to begin his new life.