The Kite Runner
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Motif
A motif is a recurring subject, theme, idea, etc., especially in a literary, artistic, or musical work. Motif can be shown in our everyday lives. It can be shown in our culture through what we value and do. In America we consider the Bald Eagle a very important idea and can even be a theme for freedom and hope for our country. Many people across the country have been watching the Bald Eagles in Decorah, IA because it makes us believe that our country is starting to become what it is known for. The baby eagles have made us think that America is starting fresh. We are becoming what are roots wanted us to be. It gives us the hope for a bright future. Another idea that many people believe gives them hope, is the cross that Christians believe Jesus died on. Jesus gave us the hope that we could have a future because he took all of our sins away by dying for us. He has given us a reason to live because of what he did for us. Even though we have many motifs in our day-to-day lives, “The Kite Runner” also has a motif.

In “The Kite Runner,” rape is considered a motif, because is a recurring subject throughout the story. Even though rape happens numerous times, Hassan and Sohrab were affected the most by what they experienced. Their rapist, Assef, makes them believe that they are dirty human beings for what they had done. He makes them feel guilty for doing nothing wrong. But no matter who is becoming a victim to rape, it continues to be a critical element throughout the novel’s plot. Rape is a very important motif in the story for numerous reasons. It’s doesn’t just hurt the victim physically but also emotionally, if not more. They take away their dignity and makes them feel horrible. When people are raped, they lose all of their control. They are tormented in ways that shouldn’t be mentioned. But no matter who, how, or where the victim is raped, they will always suffer from emotional trauma. Hassan and Sohrab will never be the same, and Amir realizes that, so he wants to try and get make both theirs and his dignity back. In order to do that, he knows that he is always going to have to suffer some consequences.