The Theme Of The Epic Of GilgameshAnd The Kite Runner

Throughout many centuries, there have been numerous stories that present readers with similar themes embedded throughout the writings. The Epic of Gilgamesh, The King Must Die, and The Kite Runner are all stories that contain the theme of redemption, and of one’s search for his/her identity. The theme of redemption is seen in Amir’s maturation throughout The Kite Runner. Amir grows up in Afghanistan in the later 1900’s, and is brought up luxuriously and with an education by Baba, his dad. This theme is also seen in Gilgamesh’s life story as he loses his friend and embarks on his journey to attain immortality. The theme, or concept, of missing a part of one’s identity is displayed in Hassan and Amir’s stories in The Kite Runner as well as†¦show more content†¦Amir is introduced to this opportunity to redeem himself, without knowing it, when he receives a phone call in which Rahim Kahn, a father figure to him, tells him that â€Å"the re is a way to be good again† (Hosseini 2). Rahim Khan is reassuring Amir that there is always a way to redeem oneself. In the beginning of the story, Gilgamesh is portrayed as an arrogant, selfish king who cares solely about his needs and desires, and who has little to no care for others. This is seen when the story talks about Gilgamesh forcing any woman he wants, every night, to sleep with him. He also disregards his people’s sufferings and wishes by ignoring the financial struggles they experience and not caring about their consent. Toward the middle of his life, Gilgamesh loses his friend to death and decides to embark on a journey to obtain immortality, and throughout this journey, he encounters several obstacles. The obstacles that he faces, including having his one chance at immortality taken from him, allow him to mature as a person. The emotions they bring out of him allow Gilgamesh to see outside of his selfishness and lead him to become a much more selfless and caring king. Amir’s redemption differs from Gilgamesh’s redemption. Amir makes it clear to the readers that he is aware of his cowardice, which produces within him utmost guilt that he can never surpass. On the other hand, Gilgamesh carries out his wrong doings in a forceful manner, such as when