Analysis of Three Literary Journeys

Journeys are a path to knowledge and through them we gain a greater understanding of ourselves, others and the world around us. Journeys force individuals to view their place in their environment in new ways transcending barriers we never thought possible.

Amir's search for redemption in Khaled Hosseini's historical novel "The Kite Runner" (you can also read about it here 

https://freebooksummary.com/redemption-the-kite-runner-72937) changes him as he finally learns to stand up for his convictions. Similarly, Hogg in Roger Spottiswoode's "Children of the Silk Road" and the character in Robert Frost's poem "The Road not Taken" reflects decisions that alter an individuals perceptions of themselves and their environment.

Individuals motivated by self transformation may chose to undertake a journey that will facilitate change. Set in the background of Afghanistan, "The Kite Runner" explores the concepts of sin and redemption in the rigorous Afghan society. Khaled Hosseini uses Amir, the protagonist, as a vehicle to convey the transformations and greater understanding of an individual through the road to redemption. The retrospective rather than a strictly chronological structure, the reader has the power of hindsight, thus highlighting the enduring nature of sin.

In addition, the compose manifests the inner journey with the use offirst person and past tense, hence emphasizing the idea of the past. In doing so, the author allows the reader to gain a deeper understanding of Amir's experiences and maturity. Hosseini highlights the adversities of inner journeys through the characterization of Amir as being a coward and a person who "won't stand up for himself".

The cowardice and self centered personality of Amir is demonstrated by the use offirst person and lamb motif in "I actually aspired to cowardice, because the alternative, the real reason I was running, was that Assef was right: Nothing was free in this world. Maybe Hassan was the price I had to pay, the lamb I had to slay, to win Baba".