A Study of Amir’s Psychological Change in The Kite Runner

Abstract

The Kite Runner is a representative novel by Afghan-American writer Khaled Hosseini. In this novel, Hassan's loyalty moved countless readers while Amir's betrayal shocked and even angered many readers. In the researcher's view, all behaviors of the protagonist, Amir, such as his betrayal, guilt and redemption, are closely related to his psychological changes. From mistrust to doubt, guilt to inferiority, self-accusation to role confusion, and from being willing to love to devotion, different psychological states lead to different emotional needs and behaviors. Admittedly, the whole psychological process is actually a journey of growth for Amir. By employing Erikson's psycho-social development theory to analyze Amir's psychological change in different stages, this paper aims to reveal Amir's inner world so that we can have a better understanding of the reasons for Amir's sin and cowardice.

The Kite Runner: A Psychological Analysis of Amir

“…As Amir grew more mature and finally found one's role, Amir began to love and devote oneself to something right. The events unfolding during the main character's encounter with Assef and Hassan's son, Sohrab, would ultimately lead to Amir's psychological growth in the story (Kai Fu, 2019). As this study aims to elevate Ajzen and Fishbein's Theory of Planned Behavior to Amir's growth in the story, it explores the development of Amir as a character.…”