The Kite Runner

The kite is symbolic in a few different ways. First, the kite is a symbol of youth and happiness.... a symbol of pride and familial love. Kite running is the one way in which Amir connects with his father and makes him proud. In contrast, the kite is also a symbol of guilt. Leaving Hassan to endure a brutal rape without helping him..... all to bring the kite home in one piece to show Baba left Amir with a guilt he'd carry for many years. In fact, the kite doesn't reappear until the end of the novel after Amir brings Sohrab home to the United States and relives his childhood through Hassan's son. By this time, Amir has left the past behind and moved on really living.