Abstract:The coming-of-age novel is an important and common type in western modern literature. The word "growth" always seems to be associated with teenagers. In a coming-of-age novel, the word "process" is important -- it should be a coming-of-age story. And the process of human growth, even in adolescence, is full of disorder and complexity. The coming-of-age novel is a very truthful account of this process. The study of coming-of-age novels is helpful for us to understand the characteristics of coming-of-age novels and is of great significance to the growth of contemporary teenagers.

The Kite Runner is a classic grow-up novel. It was the first novel by the Afghan American writer Khaled Hussany. This novel tells the growth story of Afghan teenager Amir from the first perspective, who betrayed his brother and embarked on the road of redemption. So far, many scholars have studied and analyzed novels from the perspectives of religious disputes, racial discrimination, kite image, Hassan's character analysis, betrayal redemption theme and narrative strategies. This paper attempts to analyze from the perspective of self-growth, and explore how Amir, the protagonist, has gradually abandoned the selfishness and cowardice of human nature and turned from ignorance to maturity under the promotion of external forces from the betrayal of friendship, inner redemption and self-growth. Through the exploration of the growth experience and redemption journey of the hero, this paper describes how he understands the SINS of the past and overcomes his weaknesses to achieve the dual growth of body and mind.

Key words:betrayal; redemption; personal growth

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

Introduction-1

I．Betrayal of friendship-3

A. Cowardice-3

B. Father absence-4

C. Personality clashes between brothers-5

II. Inner salvation-7

A. Sense of guilt-7

B. Evasion and deception-8

C. The road to self-redemption-9

III. Self-growth-11

A. Environmental change-11

B. An independent, mature individual-12

C. National destiny and personal growth-13

Conclusion-15

Bibliography-17

Acknowledgements-19