People use many different objects or events to symbolize important moments in life. An example of this would be a wedding ring, it shows a couple's love for each other. Authors may use symbols in their writing to express ideas, clarify meanings, and expand literal meaning. In Khaled Hosseini's book, The Kite Runner, he uses a kite to symbolize tradition, class differences, friendships, and guilt to show how failing to stand up for others can negatively affect the rest of us. a person's life. Every country has its own traditions that people live there, enjoy them. In Afghanistan, where The Kite Runner is set, the community enjoys organizing kite flying competitions. In these competitions, the person whose kite flew last is the winner. Meanwhile, other community members chase kites that have been cut from their strings. As time went on, “there weren't as many kite tournaments as there used to be—no one felt safe outside for too long—but” (Hosseini 212). People no longer feel safe outside because of the Taliban. Therefore, one of the many meanings of a kite is tradition because it directly shows what this country does and also shows how their country has degraded and can no longer do what they love. The fact that the Afghan community is no longer able to do what they love has to do with Amir. Amir can't enjoy life because he didn't stand up for his best friend when he was in trouble. Using the kite as a symbol expands the importance of standing up for others. The kite also symbolizes the differences between social classes. Hassan, a hazzara, is the slave of Baba and Amir. Hassan would make sure everything was okay with Baba and Amir at the start of the day. “By the time I... middle of paper... Nates and Hassan. Amir does this because he wants Hassan to blame him so he doesn't feel as bad about witnessing the rape. Another time, Amir's guilt is shown: after his birthday party, he receives many gifts. Instead of keeping them, he takes some and puts them in Hassan's room, making it look like Hassan stole them. All these situations show how guilty Hassan felt for the simple fact that he did not defend his friend. This is why the kite symbolizes guilt. Symbols can be used in everyday life but they can also be used by authors. The kite in Khaled Hosseini's book The Kite Runner, symbolizes traditions, social class differences, friendship and guilt to show how standing up for others can negatively affect the rest of someone's life. Works CitedHosseini, Khaled. The kite runner. New York: Riverhead Books, 2003. Print.