An Archetypal Approach To The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner, written by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini, is one of the greatest novels in the 21st century. As a typical initiation novel, it tells a story about the growth of a Afghan boy, as well as his sin and redemption, which is similar to the core of Christianity to some extent. This thesis attempts to use Frye’s archetypal theory to analyze the biblical archetypes in the novel, including its characters, structures, and themes.This thesis composes of five parts. The introduction gives some information related to this study, which covers an introduction of Khaled Hosseini and The Kite Runner, a review of the relevant studies domestically and abroad, as well as a presentation of archetypal literary criticism. It points out that an archetypal approach to The Kite Runner is available, innovative and valuable. Chapter One is an analysis of archetypal characters in the novel. After a detailed analysis of the main characters (Amir and Hassan), including their personalities, deeds, and sufferings, we can see that Adam and Cain is the archetype of Amir, while the scapegoat is the archetype of Hassan. By using archetypal characters, Hosseini elevates the representatives of Ami and Hassan. Chapter Two is an analysis of archetypal structure. Frye argues that the narrative structure of The Bible is U-shaped, and there are many small U-shaped narrative units in the big U-shaped narration. In The Kite Runner, Hosseini also adopts this kind of U-shaped narration. Amir’s whole life is in a big U-shaped structure and his several experiences can be seen as small U-shaped narrative units. This U-shaped structure makes Hosseini’s narration well organized and easily comprehended. Chapter Three is an analysis of archetypal themes. It focuses on the most prominent themes of the novel:sin and redemption. Hassan’s tragedy is caused by the sins of several characters, and Amir’s redemption is also influenced by many factors. It is Amir’s sin and redemption that integrates all the plots, and it is the archetypal theme of sin and redemption that makes the novel more profound.The last part is a conclusion of this thesis. After a detailed analysis of The Kite Runner with the help of Frye’s theory, we can find that the characters, structures and themes of the novel all carry rich cultural connotation of Christianity. Hosseini creates the protagonist, Amir, as a representative of common people. He is not only a centralized manifestation of growth and redemption, but also a real reflection of the common experiences of mankind. All the hardships and torture Amir experiences in his way to redemption are what everyone will meet on the road of life. Life is a tortuous journey in which we may encounter various misfortunes and difficulties. But all the miseries are transient. As long as we face the perils bravely, we’ll finally pull through and live a happy life. This is what Hosseini wants to convey in The Kite Runner, as well as the philosophy of life in The Bible.