The Pomegranate Tree
The pomegranate tree is a symbol of Amir and Hassan’s friendship. It displays the growth and health of their relationship, “There was a pomegranate tree near the entrance to the cemetery. One summer day, I used one of Ali’s kitchen knives to carve our names on it: “Amir and Hassan, the sultans of Kabul.” Those words made it formal: the tree was ours.” (30) The tree was a part of them, as much as they were a part of each other. As their friendship flourished, so did the tree. After Amir betrayed Hassan and attempted to avoid him, the tree was a haunting reminder of how Amir had wronged him and Amir couldn’t bare to be around it. Amir’s betrayal led to more lies and deception and ultimately, Hassan and Ali left Kabul. Shortly after, Baba and Amir also left. The tree began to die and their friendship began to slip away. This separation between them continued to deepen the gap and their intimacy faded away. Hassan wrote a letter to Amir many years later, “I dream that someday you will return to Kabul to revisit the land of our childhood. If you do, you will find an old faithful friend waiting for you.” (230) Hassan recognized that without tending, the seed of friendship wouldn’t thrive. He made the first move to repair what they had by stating his forgiveness. After the betrayal and all the lies, Hassan wanted to start afresh.
Years after leaving Kabul, Amir returned only to hear about Hassan’s death, “Hassan has said in his letter that the pomegranate tree hadn’t borne fruit in years. Looking at the wilted, leafless tree, I doubted it ever would again…I hunkered down on my knees and brushed my hands against the trunk. I found what i was looking for. The carving had dulled, almost faded altogether, but it was still there: “Amir and Hassan. The Sultans of Kabul.” (276) The pomegranate tree’s death marks the end of it’s life just like Hassan’s death also marks the end of any possible rekindling of the friendship between him and Amir. However, Amir found redemption through Hassan’s forgiveness and began to learn how to forgive himself.
Years after leaving Kabul, Amir returned only to hear about Hassan’s death, “Hassan has said in his letter that the pomegranate tree hadn’t borne fruit in years. Looking at the wilted, leafless tree, I doubted it ever would again…I hunkered down on my knees and brushed my hands against the trunk. I found what i was looking for. The carving had dulled, almost faded altogether, but it was still there: “Amir and Hassan. The Sultans of Kabul.” (276) The pomegranate tree’s death marks the end of it’s life just like Hassan’s death also marks the end of any possible rekindling of the friendship between him and Amir. However, Amir found redemption through Hassan’s forgiveness and began to learn how to forgive himself.