Metacognition: Kite Runner Essay

When I started to write my essay on The Kite Runner, I believed that Khaled Hosseini wanted us to think that redemption required some degree of insanity. Although that may still hold, as I sat down to think about my thesis, my thoughts took another path.

I thought of how Amir achieved his redemption and it seemed all to clear that Hosseini was trying to say we needed to be irrational to gain peace. But upon peeling back the layers, I realized that while what Amir did was insane that wasn't the point Hosseini was trying to emphasize. Hosseini was trying to tell us that we must face our problems and take direct action to resolve them. The insanity of Amir's action were placed there for a dramatic effect, not for deeper meaning.

When I considered Baba, my thoughts furthered down this same path. When I thought of all that Baba had done to redeem himself, with all the charity that ultimately failed, I found that some could argue that Baba's actions were insane. He forced himself to live a saintly life so that he could try and find inner peace, that is a tad bit insane. I thought then, that there were holes in my original thesis. Why would insanity work for one character but not another? The answer I came up with was that Amir unlike Baba took direct actions to atone for his sins. I had a mini epiphany at that point and realized that I had my new thesis.

I was shocked at how I could change my mind so easily. For an opinionated person, such as myself, changes in thought are especially profound, not to mention rare. I was a little taken back. It also surprised me how effectively and efficiently I was able to answer one of my own questions, "Why would insanity work for one character but not another?". When I first began to question my own thesis I was worried that I would never be able to patch the holes in it, but I did.

I enjoyed how I was able to be my own critic, and play my own devil's advocate. It was a really interesting experience to be able to challenge my own thoughts; I wish I could do this more often. I would like that my thoughts were less linear sometimes. It would make the process of reaching deeper meaning much easier. My thoughts follow a pattern and flow from one related topic to the next, so if I get stuck at one point, my thoughts refuse to reach a deeper level. A little bit more randomness could help me get past those road blocks.

Blogging Around

Lindsay's Connection: The Kite Runner and Jacob I Have Loved

Lindsay wrote an entry on how trying to fill the expectations other people set for us is a dangerous practice.

I completely agree with your point Lindsay. "Expectations can destroy us if we limit ourselves by them." It is dangerous for someone to define themselves by what other people think of them or want them to be. It can lead to a plethora of negative side effects like lack of self confidence and bullying to regain the confidence. Both of your examples beautifully illustrate the destruction caused by these molds.
I wonder if they person setting the mold ever realizes that they are even creating a mold? Do they subconsciously know, or is it more of something that society sets as a whole? It could even be as simple as a parent wanting the best for you and in the process losing sight of your best interest.

Chelsea's "Best of Week: nature. nurture. or maybe a mixture."

Chelsea wrote a blog entry about the concept of nature vs. nurture and consulted experts on both sides of the issue.

I love this debate, it is so fascinating. I also love how you've pulled ideas from leading experts to back up your arguments and to better explore this question of nature vs. nurture. One point that I found really intriguing was, “If environment didn't play a part in determining an individual's traits and behaviors, then identical twins should, theoretically, be exactly the same in all respects, even if reared apart. But a number of studies show that they are never exactly alike, even though they are remarkably similar in most respects” (Powell). This simple life experiment proves that your environment must have some sort of effect on who or what you become. Your friends, family, relationships, and experiences all contribute a little part to the greater you.