Amir’s Ethical Identity And Ethical Selection

Ethical and moral conflict is the central clue to the development of plot in the novel The Kite Runner.Based on Nie Zhenzhao’s theory of ethical literary criticism,using the method of close reading,with the experiences of the main character Amir,this paper analyzes Amir’s ethical identities and ethical selections in Afghanistan and in America.This thesis tries to indicate that the ethical environment influences Amir’s construction of ethical identity,and then his ethical selection changes as well.Based on time sequence,the main body of this thesis is divided into three parts.The first part is Amir’s childhood in Afghanistan.From the aspects of ethnicity,religion,status,and family,Amir’s ethical environment and ethical perplexity,ethical dilemma and ethical selection are analyzed.The subtle social ethical environment,incomplete family ethical relations and the complex emotions to Hassan make Amir perplexed by the construction of ethical identity,and finally he chooses to betray Hassan in the ethical dilemma.The second part is Amir’s adulthood period after immigration in the United States.In America,the open social ethical environment,the complete family ethical relations and the right social location enable Amir to finish ethical identity reconstruction.As a mature adult,Amir has courage and ability to make new ethical selection,namely,to redeem past mistakes.The third part is Amir’s return to Afghanistan to save Hassan’s son Sohrab.In Afghanistan,after the battle with Assef and difficulties,Amir finally brings Sohrabb to America,which means the finish of his humanity redemption.Based on ethical literary criticism,the purpose of this paper is to show that the ethical environment changes Amir’s ethical identity,and then his ethical selection changes as well.In addition,the interpretation of The Kite Runner from the perspective of ethics can make the readers have a better understanding of the ethical issues reflected in the novel,so as to motivate readers’ life-long pursuit of ethics in real life.