"Your past does not define your present or imprison your future." The past is a tricky thing; it can either weigh you down, or serve as a stepping stone for a better future. In Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner, the haunting past event that occurred during Amir's childhood creates a dark shadow that has strongly carried its way to his adulthood. Amir is constantly reminded of the flawed boy he was until he faced his fears and right what was once wrong after two decades. Through his quest for redemption, Amir grew into a selfless, courageous, and candid adult, the exact opposite of his childhood character, showing that it is never too late to change oneself for the better.
Once selfish, Amir grew to become selfless. Coming from a privileged society, Amir is accustomed to having whatever he wanted. The only thing he felt deprived of is an emotional connection with Baba, which he blames on himself for not being able to meet Baba's expectations. This extreme obsession to receive Baba's affection led him to abandon his most loyal friend and half brother, Hassan, during the harassment; "Maybe Hassan was the price I had to pay, the lamb I had to slay to win Baba" (82). And instead of trying to make up for committing such a grasping sin, he accused Hassan of stealing and made the pair of Hazara servants leave. This was all just because he could no longer face Hassan. However, after receiving Rahim Khan's call, Amir flew back to Kabul in order to safe Sohrab, whom existence was uncertain. Amir protested at first, reasoning that he has "a wife in America, a home, a career, and a family. Kabul is dangerous, you know that, and you'd have me risk everything for" (233) a stranger. But later he did exactly what he was afraid of and risked everything for someone he barely knew. This proves that Amir is no longer the selfish boy he used to be.
Once cowardly, Amir grew to become courageous.
