“I regret not the things I did, but the things I didn't do” (Rory Cochrane). Life tends to have many obstacles to overcome and how they are handled depends on the person. Taking the wrong path, especially when you know it's wrong, can lead to a life full of guilt. Guilt over a troubled past is a motif in the book The Kite Runner. Khaled Hosseini uses syntax and diction to portray a story in which the characters, especially Amir, constantly accept their past and learn to move forward, while in the film it is more difficult to distinguish the growth of the characters, due to the point of view in third person. visualization; however, in both cases, readers/viewers learn to understand the importance of addressing a problem when it occurs and moving forward. Soraya and Sanabuar are the perfect examples of people who learn from their past mistakes and eventually move forward. After running away with a man, while living in Virginia, Soraya feels the need for Amir to know so they can begin their relationship: "'When I came home, I saw that my mother had had a stroke, the right side of his face was paralyzed and… I felt so guilty. He didn't deserve it'” (164). Soraya's paused syntax reveals her guilt; had a stroke. Soraya realized that what she had done was wrong and her ability to discuss her shocking past shows that she accepted it responsibly and moved on. This scene was perfectly portrayed in the film; seriousness off the topic was toned down a bit due to Khanum Taheri, Soraya's mother, following Soraya and Amir, which seemed funny at the time; viewers need to remember that it's a different culture and that some situations are handled differently. There was no mention of Sanabuar in the film, yet she played a key role in… middle of paper… an image is visible to Sohrab which brings the thought of his desire to accept his past. After struggling to forgive himself for not helping Hassan, and again with Sohrab, Amir finds that he is in a lifelong battle to learn to move forward from his past and is ready to do whatever it takes to help. himself and the people he loves. it is difficult to see the growth of the characters through the film The Kite Runner, it is visible in the book thanks to the additional scenes, which allow the audience to fully grasp the theme of having a troubled past and learning to accept it and move forward. If the characters never forgave themselves, they would live a life steeped in guilt, unable to accomplish anything without feeling unworthy; that many people seem to struggle with today. Forgiveness and growth are key to fulfillment and happiness in life. Works Cited The Kite Runner