Flashbacks- The Kite Runner

Page 76 describes a memory of Amir's that is of great importance. Flashbacks or memories are important in stories like The Kite Runner. The memories hold the story in in this novel because the adult Amir telling the story has been keeping them back for so long that memories are only left. This memory is of a sheep sacrifice that Amir's family participated in. He remembers the look of complete acceptance on the sheep's face, the look of a higher purpose. This flashback was important because it was brought on by the look on Hassan's face. Amir drew a parallel between Hassan and the sheep and the things that were happening to them. This is important because it was a sacrifice for the sheep, but Hassan was not being sacrificed, but he was sacrificing himself for Amir. He didn't want to give up the kite, the key to Baba's love for Amir, so he let himself be hurt for Amir. Everything in this book leads to the sacrifices that Hassan made for Amir and the fact that Amir never did the same for Hassan. He ran instead of helping Hassan. The flashbacks are only one technique that the author uses to portray this theme.