Hope and Resilience: Sohrab's Smile at the End

The theme of hope and resilience, symbolized by Sohrab's faint smile at the novel's end.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Trauma

The Trauma The Loss Sohrab loses his parents, his home, and his innocence. He is abused by Assef. He attempts suicide. His world is shattered. The Silence After the suicide attempt, Sohrab is silent. He shows no emotion. He is a shell of a child. The Darkness The novel does not shy away from the depth of Sohrab's trauma. He is a victim of war, prejudice, and abuse. The darkness is overwhelming.

The First Flake of Snow

The First Flake of Snow The Kite Flying At the Afghan New Year gathering, Amir buys a kite. He asks Sohrab to help him fly it. Sohrab follows him. They fly the kite together. The Smile When Amir cuts a kite, Sohrab's lips curl into a faint smile. It is a tiny thing, but it is a sign of life. Amir compares it to the first flake of snow melting in spring. The Hope The smile does not make everything all right, but it is a beginning. Sohrab has taken the first step toward healing. The novel ends on a note of hope, suggesting that resilience and love can overcome even the deepest trauma.

1998 to July 2001

March 2002