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Metaphors
Definition of Mood
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect of a piece of writing... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes... read full definition
Mood
Explanation and Analysis:
After the slightly alienating mood of the introductory first chapter of The Kite Runner, the novel's mood initially feels relatively nostalgic and warm. Amir recalls his childhood in Kabul in a wistful, romantic way. Even though his relationship with Baba is imperfect and sometimes painful, the reader gets an overall sense of how cradled in safety Amir feels by his father and his community in general.
While his father might not be the most demonstratively affectionate person, many of the book's early scenes create a sense of comfort through Amir’s memories of kite-flying and the familiar sights and sounds of Kabul. However, Hosseini threads small moments of unease through the warmth more frequently as Amir progresses through his memories. These moments begin to foreshadow the sadness and betrayal that are soon to follow. As Amir grows older, he also begins to see and resent how much attention Baba gives to Hassan.
The mood shifts sharply as political tensions in Kabul arise. Hosseini accompanies these with the beginnings of his descriptions of schoolyard cliques and child-on-child violence from Assef and his gang. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan happens concurrently with Amir’s betrayal of Hassan, so the two feel inextricably linked for the reader. The sense of early security Amir felt is quickly replaced with guilt, fear, and a constant undertone of instability.
The middle sections of the novel carry its heaviest emotional weight. Guilt and sorrow after witnessing (and not preventing) Hassan’s sexual assault dominate Amir’s life. They’re made worse by his memories of how he tried to get Hassan out of his and Baba’s house afterward. Although he’s no longer in physical danger by the time he gets to California, these pained recollections cloud his time in America and fill his thoughts with regret. This period of the book fees somber and oppressive for the reader. They’re forced to experience the emotional burden Amir cannot escape. They feel suffocated as they consider Amir’s internal struggle—that his, his struggle both with what he did and what he failed to do.
As the novel reaches its final chapters, the mood lightens slightly. Choosing to take action to “be better” feels infinitely more productive for both Amir and the reader. Choosing to return to Afghanistan and to do everything he can to rescue Sohrab introduces a sense of cautious optimism to The Kite Runner's mood. Although Ali and Hassan are dead—meaning that Amir can’t ever apologize to them or make his failings right with the people he hurt—the possibility that he can rescue and adopt Hassan’s son allows the reader to hope that redemption is possible. In keeping with this, the novel’s closing scenes, in which Amir becomes Sohran’s “kite runner,” offer the reader a sense of hope even in the face of the horrors that came before.
Related Themes:
