Atonement

Complete atonement is something that cannot completely be achieved. Past sins and mistakes will always exist and no matter what one does to try to correct these sins, they will never be fully forgotten. I sin like murder can never be atoned as the act of murder is irreversible. In contrast, a sin like stealing can be somewhat atoned for by simply returning whatever was stolen in the same condition in which it was taken. Even so, the crime can never be reversed and therefore it can never be atoned for.

In the novel, the quote “there is a way to be good again” suggests that some degree of atonement is attainable, but to be good does not necessarily mean that you are completely without sin. Just as to be bad does not mean to be completely without good. Furthermore, Ali can make himself good again by taking the proper steps toward atonement (apology, perhaps?) but he will never fully atone for his mistake.

The main sin that I believe Amir thinks about the most is his decision not to stick up for his friend and to allow him to be raped. Amir feels guilty for this choice and he seeks atonement for this sin. I don’t really think that he can get atonement. His friend was raped and nothing he does now can make up for the fact that he ran away like a coward while it was happening. I don’t know what he can possibly do to atone for his sin however I look forward to the rest of the novel and his vain efforts to make up for his mistakes in the past.