After reading The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, it can be concluded that there is a

vast amount of symbolism in the novel. The most prominent symbol seen in The Kite Runner is

the Kite itself. The kite is a recurring symbol in the novel, as it symbolizes fate. This was

expressed in chapter 7 when a fortune teller who is an old man does not tell Hassan his future.

Rather, he returns Hassan’s rupee back to him because the old man knew that Hassan's future

would be incredibly dark. This whole seen also acts as foreshadowing, because Hassan is raped

by Assef following this encounter.

Another symbolic item in The Kite Runner is Hassan’s Slingshot. It was first used against

Assef on page 44 where Hassan was being threatened by Assef. The symbolic meaning of the

slingshot is that it leads to a path of ethical and moral righteousness. The use of the slingshot is

also an example of an allusion, as the passage of the slingshot is reflected by the battle of David

and Goliath.

A third symbol in The Kite Runner is the lamb. The Lamb symbolizes innocence and

sinless ways. However, in religious beliefs (Christianity and Islam), the lamb actually

symbolizes the sacrifice of an innocent individual. Amir states that Hassan bears a resemblance

to a sacrificial lamb as he’s being sexually assaulted.

The fourth and final symbol that will be discussed in the Kite Runner is the Lake

Monster. The Lake Monster first appeared in Hassan's dream and appears to symbolize fear and

the unknown. It can also be seen as foreshadowing, as later in the story, Assef rapes Hassan. It’s

incredibly possible that the Lake Monster was a form that ultimately represents who Assef is and

what he does.