Contextualizing Amir’s Journey towards Individuation in Khaled Hossieni’s The Kite Runner: A Jungian Interpretation

Abstract

This study aims to analyze Khaled Hosseini’s novel The Kite Runner from a Jungian perspective, which focuses on the dual aspects of human personality. By adopting this viewpoint, the novel sheds light on several pressing social issues, such as sectarian violence and ethnic superiority. These issues often compel individuals to blindly conform to societal expectations, disregarding the undeveloped aspects of their own personality. Rather than placing blame on others for our troubles and miseries, this study encourages self-evaluation as a means of personal growth and soul development. The study's key findings highlight how psychological imbalance and lopsidedness arise from the blocking of energy flow between the conscious and unconscious mind. The objective of this research is to emphasize the lifelong process of individuation, which aims to integrate the fragmented aspects of our personality and facilitate positive and productive change. Through textual analysis, the study examines the negative effects of an imbalanced personality, specifically shadow projection and the development of a strong persona. These analyses are conducted from both psychological and Jungian perspectives.

Keywords: The Kite Runner, Individuation, Shadow Projection, Transformation, Lopsidedness