The Recurring Theme of Rape

                Rape is a prevalent theme in The Kite Runner.   Assef, being in the dominant position in both Hassan’s rape during the climax of the novel that onsets the flood of other events and Sohrab’s rape.  The method in which the two events tie in to the plot are very fitting.  The first rape in the story, Hassan in the alley, installs a seed of guilt into Amir.  Like all seeds, it keeps on growing and growing.  Rape surfaces again in the truck when Amir and Baba desperately try and flee Kabul, and Baba stands up for the woman.  There is also a hint at rape that Kamal’s father tells the story about.  Rape spurs multiple ideas throughout the book.  In the most typical and common sense as we know it, rape is logically viewed as the overpowering of a female by a male to attain his desires.  One thing that should be noted, is that rape is not solely attributed to physical violence and damage.  Rape in the Kite Runner symbolizes the complete and utter flexing of power and dominance by the one in the position of power to the one in lesser standing, the inferior.  Rape sends messages.  It has emotional value attached with dignity.  It’s an act by those with power on those without.  By stopping rape, it symbolically emancipates the potential victim and what he or she stands for.  This evidently relates to the class lectures and the notion of rape being a weapon of war.  The concepts seen in The Great Silence: Rape in the Congo were present in all the scenarios of rape.  I think the title of that video speaks volumes by the way, “The Great Silence..” as it is so true, that victims of rape lose all power and their voice.  As previously stated, Hassan’s rape installed perpetual guilt in Amir until, he is given the chance to “set things right” and redeem himself by stopping his son, Sohrab’s rape, which he prevails in doing.