A Study On Tripartite-Personality Of Sons And Father In The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner is the first novel of Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini as well as the first English novel created by Afghan writer. Published in 2003, it ranked at the top of bestsellers in New York Times for two consecutive years. This novel tells a story about friendship, kinship, betrayal and redemption between two Afghan boys. It not only reflects the indictment to the war, but also racial and regional issues in Afghanistan.This thesis analyzes the novel in the light of Sigmund Freud’s psychic theory of personality structure. According to Freud, human psych is divided into three parts: the id, the ego and the super-ego. Therefore, the author of this thesis mainly presents the analysis of the psychological and personal characters of Amir, Hassan and their father from these three aspects. Chapter one expounds representations of Amir as well as his father’s indulgent id. Also, the causes of their primary desires deep in hearts are clearly displayed in this chapter. Chapter two explores the ambivalent behaviors and mentality of both Amir and his father. Restrained by realistic requirements, both of them have to repress their inner lust which they are eager to taste though. Meanwhile, in most time of their life, they are lost in deep compunction for what they have done before in wrong ways. Chapter three displays the superior and admirable characters shinning in Amir, his father and Hassan. All of them together illustrate how strong the moral power is in shaping a true great man.There is no denying that although not described too much in this novel, Hassan turns out to be the perfect spokesman of the super-ego due to his loyalty and kindness. No human weakness can be found in him. While driven by the id, both Amir and his father have made some mistakes in their early life. But controlled by strong ego and super-ego, they finally realize the personal sublimation and become the men respected by others. Through the analysis on deeds, words and mentality of Amir, Hassan and their father on the basis of Freud’s psychic theory of personality structure, the author of this thesis aims to illustrate that in reality, most people will receive the influence from the id, ego and super-ego at the same time. It is not unpardonable to make errors under the enticement of the id. Only by facing wrong doings bravely and improving oneself with the help of the ego and super-ego can a man realize a healthy and balanced personality.