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Gina Saad
Mrs. Marchioni
ENG 4U1
December 19, 2016
A Change in Perspective
Success is not to be measured by the status that one reaches during
their life but by the obstacles that they overcome. In the novel Kite Runner
by Khaled Hosseini, the readers go on a journey with a troubled man named
Amir, who struggles to find acceptance in the world as a result of the
traumatic child hood memories which impacts who he is today. After twentysix years of remorse, Amir is given the opportunity to go back to his
motherland to find redemption from his past. He receives the chance to
prove himself worthy to his half-brother, Hassan, by persevering through the
many setbacks that teach him the value of selflessness. Along the way, Amir
fights his ego to save his nephew Sohrab from the wretched and defiled
Afghanistan. Comparatively, Lakshmi in the novel Sold by Patricia McCormick
goes on a quest to seek acceptance from her family as she tries to uplift her
familys social class but instead encounters many deceiving tricks along the
road. Not only is she sold into sex trafficking in India, but learns to deal with
the many discouraging pressures that surround her. Through the support of
Shahanna, her only friend, she guides her to find ways that help her deal
with hardships and aids her to find hope in the distress. As a result of the
load exerted on these two beings, it aids them to grow and make the

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righteous decision as they expand their mindset. The motives behind Amir
and Lakshmis perseverance to thrive through their circumstances are
defined by the barriers they overcome to seek prosperity.
The desire to improve is driven by the unfortunate circumstances that
the characters experience throughout their lives. The problems that they
encounter in the past causes them to pertain an introspective personality
and impacts the decisions that they ultimately take. In the novel The Kite
Runner, Amir is motivated to change his temperament and outlook on the
obstacles that he undergoes. Throughout Amirs childhood, he is longing for
the approval of his fathers acceptance, so that he may feel admired in his
eyes. As this burden becomes heavier, the thoughts of amelioration take
over his mind and create a sense of desperation for acceptance. As a result,
he is empowered to find any way to substantiate the reason for his fathers
approval. Amirs thoughts are constantly encircled by the view of others,
even when it comes down to childhood activities. He states, I was going to
win, and I was going to run that last kite. Then Id bring it home and show
him once and for all that his son was worthy (Hosseini, 64). No matter the
situation, Amirs actions are set to impress his father by assuring himself that
the only way to win his fathers heart is to take first prize in the Kite Run. The
desire to find acceptance becomes prevalent when Amir acknowledges the
fact that his father does not support any of his pastimes. As a result, Amir
strives to win this competition because he believes that it will create a bridge
between these two very different individuals.

Moreover, a fun childhood

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event turns into a commodity that creates tension within himself. The
obstacle that Amir must overcome is caused by the agony to please the
views of his father. As Amir journeys through many conflicts that he stumbles
upon, his mindset and views change based on the lessons learned from his
many predicaments. Furthermore, the past develops Amirs demeanor
especially

when

it

comes

to

the

most

difficult

and

life

changing

circumstances. The guilt that is carried upon his shoulders, is refined during
the moments where he is given the chance to atone for his past treachery.
Amir confronts his childhood bully all alone in hopes that he will receive the
retribution that he deserves. His state of contentment is shown when he
says, My body was broken just how badly I wouldnt find out until later
but I felt healed. Healed at last. I laughed (Hosseini, 289). This is a
significant turning point for Amir, due to the fact that his egoistic character is
altered to a selfless one. As a result, Amirs yearning for change becomes a
complete circle during the moment he addresses the distress of his past.
Amir concludes that the only way to be redeemed from his self is to be
placed in the same position as his brother. His physical pain compensates
for the greater misery that blocks Amir from seeking happiness. He describes
his bodily damage to be the asset of his healing, which is an eccentric
relationship between the two very different feelings. Moreover, he wants to
feel that he is becoming a congenial individual, that his late brother did not
get the chance to see. The genuine aspirations to surpass difficulties
encountered by Amir, exemplifies his developing identity.

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Similarly, Lakshmi goes through a journey of suffering, which motivates
her to change her circumstances. As a result of many unfavourable
encounters, Lakshmi strives to overcome the pressure that surrounds her, in
the same sense as Amirs mental outlook. Family becomes a significant
agent of change for the young girl. Likewise, her mothers words of
inspiration motivate Lakshmi to deal with the circumstances that test the
fortitude of an individual. Her mother, Ama, states; You will make us proud
Then you will tell us all about the world beyond this one (McCormick,51).
These couple of words demonstrate the reality of the pressure placed on
Lakshmi to prove her worth to her family. Due to the fact that her familys
financial status is not comparable to the average state, Lakshmi struggles to
find seek true happiness. In the same sense as Amirs false contentment,
Lakshmi tries to seek comfort in what lies ahead. The mother creates this
idealistic perspective of the world beyond their own, which motivates
Lakshmi to perceive the world in the same manner as her mother. The
influence of her family shapes Lakshmi to the point where she ponders about
her family before she makes the decisions needed. As Lakshmi discovers the
actuality of the truth, she learns to find hope in the pain. For instance, her
burden becomes substantial when she is placed in the sex trafficking home.
Not only does she deal with the effects of the dreadful torment, but she must
also deal with the ill-mannered owner of the house. Comparatively, Lakshmi
becomes stronger as her sorrows are changes to the strengths of her
character. She states, It seems like Auntie Mumtaz is my new mistress. She

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is a strict one but I will prove myself to her. And then my mother will have a
new dress, shoes for the cold season, my brother will have fruitAnd our
roof will be the shiniest one on the mountain (McCormick, 94). Remarkably,
this young girls persistence to find the good in what is bad aids her to find
relief. Even when one individual, like Mumtaz, deteriorates the wellbeing of
others,

the

development

of

resilience

becomes

prominent.

Lakshmi

ameliorates her frailty by experiencing the down falls that the world permits.
In both novels, the aspirations to change their personal insight results into
the growth of a steadfast individual.
The Kite Runner and Sold reveal the foundation of an unwavering
friend who goes beyond the limits to reach the definition of a true
companion. Despite the fact that trials may be placed on individuals, it is the
end result that show the strength of their walls. Amirs close friend and half
brother, goes through a terrorizing situation and proves that his friendship
with his brother can withstand any misery that pressures him. Even when the
neighbourhood bullies ridicule his loyalty to Amir, he stands strong and
places his friend as his first priority.
Assef, the neighbourhood bully says, But before you sacrifice
yourself for him think about this? Would he do the same for you?
...Dont ever fool yourself and think something more. Amir agha and I
are friends. Hassan said (Hosseini, 72).

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It is evident that Hassan, Amirs friend, has principals that can not be shaken
when they are tested. The bullies strive to create complexities in Hassans
mind so that his fidelity can be demolished. In spite of the terror the
oppressors cause, Hassan remains strong willed and does not change his
views on his friend. He answers with a couple of words to prove that their
beliefs cannot defy his love for his Amir. The words that are meant to
destruct Hassans wellbeing, only display what strength through tribulation
is. Furthermore, loyalty is the root that causes a change in disposition. As
Amir looks back to his past, it becomes increasingly apparent that Hassans
devotion is the reason he must seek redemption to find comfort within
himself. Consequently, Amir travels thousands of kilometers around the
world to become the true individual he wishes to be. He adopts Hassans son
from the appalling Afghanistan and goes through hassle to seek redemption.
It becomes clear that Hassans fidelity is the underlying reason behind the
motive to find contentment. In both novels, the power of friendship is
revealed through the actions that are taken in unpredictable encounters.
The amity between Shahanna and Lakshmi cannot be destroyed even
through jeopardizing moments. Lakshmi becomes sold into sex trafficking, a
path where many people feel alone and unstable. Similarly, during the
moments where Lakshmi can not find hope, Shahanna stands by her side
and teaches her the value of perseverance. It reaches the extent where she
puts her life at risk so that her friend may seek comfort in the hardships.

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Lakshmi describes her caring actions by saying, One day
Shahanna comes to my room, bearing a cup of tea and a leftover heel
of bread. She slips a small plastic package into my hand. Dont let
Mumtaz see though. She whispers (McCormick, 112).
Shahanna puts her life in risk by serving another girl in the home, without
Mumtazs permission. The foundation of her principals goes far beyond the
limits of loyalty and defines a genuine friendship. Shahannas concern for
wellbeing is the reason behind Lakshmis perseverance to endeavor the
challenges that fall upon her shoulders. Without the help of Shahanna by her
side, issues would be increasingly arduous. The simplicity of providing for
Lakshmi begins to develop the composition of her character. As a result of a
friend by her side, life becomes bearable. The result of friendship beyond
words motivates the characters in both novels, to endeavor the conflicts that
cause afflictions.
The agony that is built in both characters causes the conception of
deceit, due to the desire to find inner peace. Moreover, the uncertainty of
their state justifies their reasoning to exude a sense of dishonesty. Amirs
aspiration to find serenity, leads him into a life of lies which later becomes a
burden that takes a significant load on his mental wellness. During his
childhood, he uses the defense mechanism of displacement so that he may
feel superior to those around him. An individual who takes the fall for Amir, is
his servant and half-brother Hassan. No matter the situation, Hassan
becomes the resort for Amir to let out his anger and sorrow. Furthermore, he

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is treated unlawfully which causes Amir to come up with lies to hide his true
feelings in many circumstances. Amir lies to his own father and says, He
asked me to fetch Hassan, but I lied and told him Hassan had the runs. I
wanted Baba all to myself (Hosseini 82). Instead of speaking the truth and
confronting his needs to his father, Amirs ego takes over his mindset. The
desire for circumstances to surpass under his measures only create a sense
of guilt. Notably, the lies that he makes as a child, become the root cause of
his internal tension within himself. Furthermore, the flawed memories result
into a long lasting remorse of his past, which motivates Amir to change. The
falsehood of his past identity is the force which causes Amir to seek methods
of comfort. Lies and deceit create a defect in the truth, but at the same time
it is the strategy that Amir and Lakshmi take so that they may experience
their definition of tranquility. The path of lies is endless, but will often be the
way taken to overcome hardships.
Similarly, the pathway of deception is taken by Lakshmi, so that she
can endure the grief
that arises during her life. The hardships endured in Lakshmis life causes a
change in her
persona which changes the way others perceive her. The only way she can
ameliorate her state of
mind is by self-deception. The girls in the house including Lakshmi stand
their ground by finding

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ways to alter their perspective and ultimately their mindset. The home is
described by Lakshmi
as she says, The Happiness house girls clap and cheer and cackle like
henshow can they eat
and laugh and carry on as normal when soon the men will come is so
perplexing that, while they
laugh, I fight back tears (McCormick 92). The sorrow of many of the girls
present state can
only be fought back by finding the positivity in the sadness. This type of
deception becomes the
only factor that Lakshmi can fall back upon. Likewise, the load that she
carries makes it harder to find comfort and causes the pain to be more
difficult to restrain. It reaches the point where distractions of laughter and
talking, takes away from the desolation. Comparatively, the result of deceit
distorts the truth in genuine happiness, but is often the method used to seek
peace during tribulations. The outcome of deception is the moving point for
Lakshmi and Amir, which leads them to find a pragmatic way to defeat their
troubles.
The incentive to overcome tribulations is a result of Amir and
Lakshmis decision to change their outlook on the events they experience. As
a result of the circumstances that become a significant burden, the

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characters develop a sense of realization which motivates them to find hope
in the distress. Moreover, the constant support from friendships aid Amir and
Lakshmi to continue to strive throughout the hardships that they undergo. In
addition, the outcome from lies and deception pressurizes the two individuals
to search for the meaning of genuine happiness. Ultimately, the agony that
afflicts their well-being becomes a turning point for their temperament and
the perception of unfamiliar states. The despair that is caused by difficult
trials in ones life often creates a predicament which can be hard to
overcome by many. With the support and determination to refine flaws found
in ones demeanor, the moments of suffering become tolerable. The secret
for change is not by holding onto the past, but by building the new.

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Work Cited
Hosseini, Khaled. The Kite Runner. New York: Riverhead Books, 2003.
McCormick, Patricia. Sold. New York: Hyperion Paperbacks, 2011.

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