The Kite Runner: A Psychological Analysis of Amir

Abstract

The novel The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini shows how the main character Amir reflects a sense of self through the views of the other characters. At some point in the story, Amir’s self-conceptualization changes radically. Thus, the paper wants to make a psychological interpretation of how emotional traumas affect the self-perception, moral-development, and planned behavior of the main character by scrutinizing the plot, conflicts, and point of view of Amir. Additionally, this study applies the discourse analysis method of the qualitative approach. The gathered data is analyzed through Ajzen and Fishbein's Theory of Planned Behavior, Bem's Self-Perception Theory, and Kohlberg's Moral Development Theory as the main theories. Higgin's Theory of Discrepancy and Tajfel and Turner’s Social Identity Theory also serve as sub-theories to Bem's Self-Perception Theory. The moral developments of Amir reveal that he has reached the final stage, called stage 6: Universal Principles of the third level, the Postconventional level. Also, Amir’s self-perception throughout the story depicts a negative outlook toward oneself. Furthermore, the planned behaviors of the main character are driven by his morality and self-perception throughout the story.