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In what way does Amir's story illustrate irony in The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini?

Irony plays a significant role in the novel and is illustrated throughout Amir's life story. At the beginning of the novel, Amir decides to wait idly by and watch as Hassan is raped by Assef because he wants to bring the kite back to his father without being harmed. Amir hopes he will become a hero for bringing the kite home to show Baba, but ironically becomes a coward by allowing Hassan to get raped....

Irony plays a significant role in the novel and is illustrated throughout Amir's life story. At the beginning of the novel, Amir decides to wait idly by and watch as Hassan is raped by Assef because he wants to bring the kite back to his father without being harmed. Amir hopes he will become a hero for bringing the kite home to show Baba, but ironically becomes a coward by allowing Hassan to get raped. Amir's wish throughout the novel is to ultimately find happiness in his relationship with his father; but, ironically, he ends up being filled with overwhelming guilt. Amir also wants to be like his father and share Baba's positive character traits, but after speaking with Rahim Khan, Amir learns that he shares Baba's negative traits because they both betrayed their close friends. There is also irony in the fact that Assef, who raped Hassan and was the cause of Amir's guilt, is Amir's way to atone for his past sins. Amir finds redemption only after Assef beats him severely. Ironcially, Amir's physical pain heals him emotionally.

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