The Kite Runner: Unpacking A Line

That was a long time ago, but it’s wrong what they say about the past, I’ve learned, about how you can burry it. Because the past always claws it’s way out.

This line is in the first paragraph of the book. I think that is an amazing, bold, and smart choice of placement. The author comes out write away with a strong statement from the main character that gives insight on the character.

This line says so much. It shows how the character has a dreaded past that he is longing to hide. When I read this line, I knew nothing about the book at all. And it was really sad to see that the young boy’s past was against him. This line immediately showed character traits, and background to he story. When I think about a child suffering, it breaks my heart. When thinking about this line, I infer that a young boy has suffered something that he doesn’t want to remember, but has to. This is the dreaded truth an it is sad, and scary, and disturbing.

This line also shows what a young boy hears, and how he is smart enough to know what he hears is lies. The main character hears that you can burry the past, and obviously knows he cannot. He knows that the past can claw It’s way out. He has to live with the knowledge of knowing that his past will never disappear. He will always remember whatever horrible memory he has, forever and ever.

I also just love how this line is beautifully worded.

Burry: “put or hide underground.”

Claw: “Scratch or tear something with the claws or fingernails.”

In general, I love the beauty and thought put into this line. In this one line I have learned so much about the book, the main character, and myself.