ACTIVITY: Symbols in The Kite Runner Answers
1. Pomegranate Tree
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The Pomegranate tree is symbolic of the friendship between Amir and Hassan.
'Amir and Hassan, the sultans of Kabul' was carved into the tree (page 30). Amir
heard from Hassan in his letter that the tree hadn't borne fruit in years (page 229).
Their friendship was withering.
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The tree is also symbolic of childhood innocence, and a future full of promise.
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The pomegranate tree also symbolizes the passage of time - the ruins of the
friendship between Amir and Hassan.
2. Blood
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Blood represents the violation of Hassan - his sacrifice.
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Blood symbolizes the blood shed by Afghans in the wars.
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Blood is linked to death: evidence of Baba's cancer and Sohrab's suicide attempt.
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Blood symbolizes bloodlines - family. Hassan was a blood relative of Amir,
therefore he felt obligated to rescue his nephew, Sohrab
3. Scars
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Scars are a symbol of both Amir and Hassan's physical and emotional pain.
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Scars symbolize the brotherhood between Amir and Hassan as Amir also bears
scars inflicted by Assef.
4. What symbol resonated most for you in this story? Why?
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Answers will vary