The Wounds of Innocence: A Jungian Reading of Hassan in Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner

Abstract

This study explores the concept of an archetypal "scapegoat" in Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner (2003) through the main characters, Amir and Hassan. It argues that Amir's mistakes and the harsh environment of war-torn Afghanistan drive him to blame Hassan for his wrongdoings. The findings of the study indicate that true friendship involves self-annihilation and life-threatening circumstances. Amir's guilt and societal pressures cause him to project his transgressions onto Hassan, who serves as a Christ-like figure of sacrifice. This tragic interplay reveals the destructive potential of the scapegoat motif, impacting both characters and emphasizing the need for self-reflection and societal healing after conflict. The novel also offers hope through the concept of self-improvement. By fostering self-examination, critical introspection, and a commitment to personal growth, individuals can potentially dismantle the mechanisms of scapegoating and pave the way for individual and collective healing, redemption, and transformation. The study also has thematic connections to the rebuilding of Afghan society after decades of wars and bloodshed.

Keywords: Afghanistan, Archetypal, Christ Figure, Friendship, Redemption, Scapegoat, The Kite Runner.