How does Khaled Hosseini explore the themes of friendship and loyalty, forgiveness and redemption, and the past is never over in The Kite...

Amir is forever troubled by his acts of treachery against
his friend/servant Hassan. He fails to come to his assistance when he is gang-raped by
Assef, and then plants evidence that implicates Hassan in a theft in the household. Amir
is only able to vindicate himself by returning to Afghanistan to rescue Hassan's son
from the hands of the Taliban. Amir is likewise troubled by the relationship with his
dominating father, Baba. He eases his conscience by doting over him and reviving their
love after Baba is diagnosed with cancer. The author creates a complex character in
Amir, who shows weakness and selfishness as a youth; intelligence and regret as an
adult; and a heroic streak mixed with a desire to become a true family man in the later
chapters.