This image is symbolic of Amir’s isolation of his guilt, and how redemption has the ability to revive his well-being. To begin, the rock represents Amir himself and the weight of his guilt, as he stands alone in isolation. Amir’s guilt weighs him down and returns to haunt him, serving as a constant reminder of what he has done wrong in the past. The rock’s exterior is dark, cold, and rough, acting as a barrier between Amir and redemption. His guilt isolates him, holding Amir back from sharing his grief and hardship with others; therefore, he prevents himself from seeking redemption. Additionally, surrounding Amir are bushes of blades of green leaves. The green leaves symbolize the opportunities that Amir has to redeem himself. Following his return to Peshawar, Rahim Khan has offered him the chance of redemption through taking care of Sohrab. However, the leaves do not quite reach the rock because Amir, weighed down in guilt and isolation, has yet to fully assume this role. Instead, he superficially redeems himself by beating up Assef, which Rahim Khan does not characterize as true redemption. Finally, the flowers rising above the surrounding plants represent the beauty of redemption. The flowers are full of life, just like how redemption allows one to move on and fully embrace life by living in the present. The beautiful flowers of redemption are carefree and light, contrasting against the ugliness and heaviness of Amir’s rock of guilt. Amir’s relationship with Soraya gives him the opportunity to share and lift the weight of his guilt. Sohrab also represents the possibility of Amir moving past his guilt and creating a new life. Overall, this image demonstrates how Amir is weighed down by his guilt, isolating him from the opportunity and beauty of redemption around him.
I like how you have contrasting aspects like the dark & cold rock and the green leaves. They really represent the weight of Amir's guilt & the beauty of redemption. One thing I also thought of when looking at this image is that the rock is mostly covered in the shade, and this could represent how he has been very sheltered as a child and has not yet been truly "enlightened" until after he gains redemption.
ReplyDeleteGood job analyzing and comparing the rock and leaf to Amir! It was cool how you incorporated the rock's exterior characteristics, comparing it to Amir as a whole. All of the elements like the rock, leaves, flowers help the reader gain a better understanding of Amir & his relationship with others.
ReplyDeleteI really like the metaphor of guilt being this jaded rock that is a weight on a person. I also like the part about the flowers and how people can grow. Rocks are rough and not pretty which I feel represents Amir in a good way because his redemption isn't a perfect, pretty thing since he doesn't really want to go back and do whats right at first.
ReplyDeleteGreat metaphor and analysis on the weight of the rock as well as using spacing of the rock and the bush leaf blade things to strengthen your point on isolation.
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