The Kite Runner | Chapter 14 | Summary

Summary

Chapter 14 jumps to 2001 to pick up where Chapter 1 left off. Most of the details here that were not included in Chapter 1 focus on family. In Chapter 1 Amir seemed like he was all alone. But here, after he hangs up, his dog barks and his wife notices that he looks pale. At the park before he sees the kites, he watches a father teach his son how to throw a football. This detail is more significant now that it is known that Amir's relationship with Baba was complicated by his inability to play sports. A week after the phone call with Rahim, Amir is on a plane headed to Pakistan.

Analysis

Chapter 14 has many details identical to those in Chapter 1, but it is more developed since the intervening chapters have revealed what Amir's unatoned sins are and what he has done since then. It is easier now to understand the significance of Hassan and Rahim's words.

This buildup to Amir's decision to go to Pakistan also suggests that finally, he is going to do something significant to atone for his past.

Another sign of healing comes from Soraya's family. Most of their conflicts are due to the general's strong and inflexible nature. But when the general physically breaks down his nature softens, and he makes more efforts to connect to his wife and daughter.