In the Kite Runner, why is the story about the sultans included? What is that story about?
It's been a while since I read this book. This site may help you.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/the-kite-runner/
In the novel "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini, the story about the sultans is included to provide insight into Amir's relationships and personal growth. The story is primarily about the friendship and betrayal between Amir and his best friend Hassan.
To understand why this story is included, we need to look closely at the plot of the novel. The sultans are characters from a fictional story that Amir and Hassan create together as children. The sultans represent their idealized versions of themselves and reflect their dreams of bravery, honor, and a better life.
The inclusion of the sultans in the narrative serves several purposes:
1. Symbolism: The sultans symbolize Amir's desire for redemption and Amir's own personal transformation. As the story progresses and Amir matures, he tries to redeem himself for the betrayal he committed against Hassan. The sultans, therefore, represent Amir's journey towards taking responsibility for his actions and seeking forgiveness.
2. Complex Relationships: The story of the sultans also sheds light on the complex relationships between Amir, Hassan, and their shared past. As children, they were equal partners, but the power dynamics between them are reflected in the sultans' story. Amir is depicted as the leader, while Hassan is the loyal follower. This dynamic highlights the eventual betrayal and guilt that plague Amir throughout the novel.
3. Foreshadowing: Additionally, the sultans' story foreshadows the events of the novel. Just as Amir eventually betrays his friend Hassan, one of the sultans betrays the other. This prepares the reader for the pivotal moment in the story where Amir fails to help Hassan in a crucial situation, leading to lifelong guilt and regret.
Therefore, the inclusion of the story about the sultans helps to deepen the reader's understanding of the themes of friendship, betrayal, guilt, and redemption present in "The Kite Runner."