Institutional Repository | Satya Wacana Christian University: A Semiotic Reading on Khaled Hosseini’sThe Kite Runner

THESIS

Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of

SarjanaPendidikan

Aria BenikeWulanKuway

112009133

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT FACULTY OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS SATYA WACANA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY SALATIGA 2016

A Semiotic Reading on KhaledHosseini ’sThe Kite Runner

THESIS

Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of

SarjanaPendidikan

Aria BenikeWulanKuway

112009133

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT FACULTY OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS SATYA WACANA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY SALATIGA 2016

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Abstract

A Semiotic Reading on KhaledHosseini’sThe Kite Runner

Aria B. W. Kuway

In our lives we can find signs that represent or stand for something else. In literature, signs have become interest of many researchers to be studied through semiotic. This study aims to reveal the meaning of the four objects in the novel entitled The Kite Runner by KhaledHosseini: kite, winter, slingshot, and pomegranate tree. Despite the fact that interpretation of signs can be subjective and different from one person to another, this study attempts to interpret the four objects using semiotic approach because semiotic can be used to analyze meaning. The meaning interpretation of signs in the novel is expected to help readers gaining more and deeper understanding about the novel itself.

Keywords: semiotic, sign, symbol, kite, winter, slingshot, pomegranate tree

Introduction

In real life, we meet and face signs every day whether we realize it or not. Humans are qualified with the capability to see things beyond the way they are. As an instance, when a tree is swaying to each side we know there is something moving the tree. As we have been equipped to see thing not the way it is, even though we couldn‟t see it, we know that the wind is blowing because we can feel it. Connecting it to the swaying tree, commonly, we conclude that the tree is swaying because of the wind. The moving tree tells us: the tree is being swayed by the wind. We observe the situation or signs we see, feel, smell, touch and later we draw conclusion based on our observation. In the case of moving tree, the moving tree signifies that there is wind blowing around it (Johansen and Larsen 25). To learn more about how sign communicates meaning, semiotic approach is needed because semiotic helps us examine the meaning of a sign. The sign itself can be in form of words, pictures, symbols, etc. (Bignell 2). Therefore, in a simple definition, semiotic is the study of signs. The signs which communicate meaning are, then, analyzed. The indigenous people of American had performed the use of semiotic since a long time ago. They would read signs from the ground, plants, and their surroundings to track human or animal. In fact, human in each part of the world has performed the reading of signs in their everyday life.

Sign is everything which represents something other than itself, for instance, objects or things, colors, letters, etcetera (Danesi 7). Another example of sign is the color black. The sign black consist of signsb-l-a-c-k. Not only consists of signs in form of letters, this sign also represents color. In addition, black has another meaning beyond itself. In eastern part of Indonesia, Papua, when there is black flag hung in front of a house it means that the particular Sign is everything which represents something other than itself, for instance, objects or things, colors, letters, etcetera (Danesi 7). Another example of sign is the color black. The sign black consist of signsb-l-a-c-k. Not only consists of signs in form of letters, this sign also represents color. In addition, black has another meaning beyond itself. In eastern part of Indonesia, Papua, when there is black flag hung in front of a house it means that the particular

Two prominent figures of semiotic are Ferdinand de Saussure, the linguist from Swiss, and Charles Sanders Peirce, the philosopher from America. The term semiology is used by Saussure in his book Course in General. Peirce,on the other side, uses the term semiotic. Both semiology and semiotic comes from the Greek word semeion which means sign. Ferdinand Saussure, a Swiss linguist coins the study of sign. He refers to the term semiology instead of semiotic when deliberating the study of sign. Al-Sharafi quoted Saussure “…Since it does not yet

exist, one cannot say for certain that it will . But it has a right to exist, a place ready for it in

advance ….”(81). Here, Saussure states that signs exist “in advance”. What he means by in advance is signs have always existed before experts started to concern about it. Signs have always been there whether we realize it or not, consciously or unconsciously since very long time ago.

Wales (Wales 1989:419) cited by Al-Sharafi, explains the definition of signs, from latin word signum, as “something which stands for, or refers to something else, in a meaningful way” In other words, anything that stands for something else other than itself can be considered as sign. Some experts have also proposed the meaning of a signs as “… a meaningful unit which is interpreted as „standing for‟ something other than itself. Signs are found in the physical form of

words, images, sounds, acts or objects (this physical form is sometimes known as the sign vehicle). Signs have no intrinsic meaning and become signs only when sign users invest them with meaning with reference to a recognized code.”(86)

Based on two statements mentioned in the previous paragraph, there are two main things that need to be highlighted: firstly, a sign should have physical form. Secondly, signs will be noticed as sign if there are users or intepreter who intepret the sign. Related to the role of intepreter, according to Chandler, interpreter, indeed, performs a significant role in order to achieve meaning. A sign will be considered as sign if there are objects and there are intepreters who convey meaning based on the signs. Otherwise, the sign will be meaningless. In addition, quoted from Morris, Wales propose same idea to Chandler. Here, Wales mentioned signs

“become signs only when sign users invest them with meaning.” It means, to consider something as a sign, the role of intepreter is needed. Again, Wales stressed the important part of interpreter.

Intepreter is required to intepret that something which stand for something else. When intepreters are able to convey meaning from that „something‟, words, images, gestures, and object, odors,

thus, can be considered as signs.

Even though everything can be considered as sign, Turner as quoted by Chandler, proposed that there are three things that mark a sign to be proper as a sign. First, a sign should be something that has physical form and or has to be “…a sound (can be heard), an image (can be seen), an object or a gesture (can be tested or smelt).” Next, this sign should stand for something else other than itself. The last thing Turner proposed is sign system‟s users. To make a sign suitable as sign, the sign must be recognizabled by the users. Hence, I could conclude that when the meaning of something cannot be conveyed, then, this something cannot be called as sign. However, according to Eco as quoted by Chandler, everything can be taken as a sign (2). In my opinion, it means that everything can also be intepreted depending on the intepreter, because sign can be in everything.

In line with Peirce, Chandler mentions that we create and interpret meaning based on the signs we see. The signs can be in the form of words, images, sounds, odors, flavors, acts, or object. That is why as a meaning maker, I believe that some of things mentioned in the story have other meanings than the words themselves. In fact, there are many things in the book that can be used and considered as signs as long as it has the characteristics of signs mentioned by Peirce or Chandler. It has to have physical form, stands for something else beyond the thing itself, and other users recognized it as doing this. For an instance, I consider a kite as a sign because it can be seen and touched. Furthermore, a kite, in the story, may have meaning beyond its function as a toy usually played by children, or sometimes, by adults.Therefore, in agreement with Peirce and Chandler, as a meaning maker, questions arose when I looked at the cover and as

I read through the novel. Since we are as humans are homo significans or in other words meaning makers who think only in signs, we tend to make meaning of everything (Chandler 14).

Before going further, I would like to introduce the author of the novel which I use as the primary data of this research, cited from Mathew Spangler‟s book The Kite Runner: A Study Guide, The Kite Runner was written by KhaledHosseini, an Afghan. Hosseini was born to a

diplomat father and a mother who was a Farsi and history teacher, on March 4 th , 1965. He‟s the oldest son in the family. His family moved to Teheran and came back to Kabul in 1973 when

Afghanistan was a republic country. However, in 1976, the Hosseini family moved to Paris. Lastly, the Hosseini family moved to San Jose, California because of the political asylum given by the government of USA. Here, he continued his study and graduated from high school. After graduating from high school, he went to Santa Clara University, biology major. After that, since KhaledHosseini wanted to become a physician, he continued his study in University of

California, medical school of San Diego and got his M.D. Hosseini was working as a resident in Cedar-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles which he finally became an internist.

During his time of being a resident, Hosseini started to write The Kite Runner, in 2001. In 2003, the novel was published. Here, his personal experience is also reflected through Amir, especially his childhood experience. Through this novel, Hosseini wanted to invite all the people in the world to see Afghanistan f rom an insider‟s point of view. Not only writing novel about Afghanistan, Hosseini also helping aid organization by put their link on his personal website so that people throughout the world will be able to see the link and help the Afghans in Afghanistan. He is now living in Northern Californian with his wife and children. Some of his childhood is described in the novel however, the novel is fictional. Not only through his novel does Hosseini try to tell the world about his homeland country, but he also actively joins the foundation organization in order to help the Afghans refugees. His novel functions as the mediator between people in Afghanistan and the world outside Afghanistan (Spangler).

In the novel The Kite Runner, Hosseini as a diaspora writer, tries to portray the life of Afghanistan people in 1970s. It was the time where the sound of guns and bombs were something unfamiliar to the generation of that era. The peaceful country then started to collapse. Also, the form of government changed from the monarchy to republic. The country then invaded by the Russian, before then ruled under the regime of Taliban. Afghans‟ hatred toward Russian is represented in the novel when Baba‟s sick and need to be checked by a doctor. Baba roughly

refuses the doctor because the nationality of the doctor is Russian (Hosseini 155).

Due to the fact that everything can be considered as signs, questions arose on my mind as

I was reading through the novel The Kite Runner by KhaledHosseini. For example, why the I was reading through the novel The Kite Runner by KhaledHosseini. For example, why the

I do realize that the field of semiotic is quite broad to discuss. Therefore, it is urgent to limit the discussion of Semiotic to narrower one. Here, I use the theory of sign proposed by Peirce. Peirce recommended his triadic kind of signs. They are icon, index, and symbol. Since an object determines its sign, a sign is called icon when it shares the object‟s characters. The example given is a photograph. Here, he mention, that a photograph is an icon because it shares the characters of the object being photographed. Next, index is a sign caused by cause and effect relationship. The example proposed by him is when there is smoke emerges from a house, it indicates the possibility of fire in the house. Similar to the example I mentioned before: when a tree is swaying from one side to other side, it signifies that there is wind around the tree. The wind is the cause why the tree is moving. The third one proposed by Peirce is symbol which is signified by convention. He stated “Thirdly, by more or less approximate certainty that it will be

interpreted as denoting the object, in consequence of a habit (which term I use as including a natural disposition), when I call the sign a Symbol.” The example given by him is flag. Flags can

be a symbol. Therefore, to understand what a flag signifies, the meaning beyond the flag, the be a symbol. Therefore, to understand what a flag signifies, the meaning beyond the flag, the

In order to avoid too broadened discussion, I will limit my discussion to four objects only that mentioned in the book; kites, winter, slingshots, and pomegranate tree, which I consider to

be important. Further analysis on other elements on the book would be helpful for readers to understand the richness of the book. These four objects, which I considered as sign, have significant role to the story. Without these four objects, the story would probably be different or even meaningless. In addition, considering the richness of this novel, another research on the book The Kite Runner is highly suggested. For example, psychoanalysis could be used to analyze the character of Amir, how an act of betrayal in his childhood can affect his entire life when he grows up.

As what has been explained before, everything in the novel can be taken as signs. Nevertheless, I felt the urge to distinct which signs are important to make the story in the novel meaningful and which signs are less important and don‟t really have significant impact to the

story. Despite all the signs appear on the novel, only four objects are chosen since they appear to me as important signs for the developing of the story. Therefore, explanation proposes by Perrine helps me decide what factors are needed to consider whether an object is essential sign or not.

According to Perrine as quoted by Arp and Johnson, a literature symbol refers to something beyond the surface level, can be mean something else. It takes many forms such as a person, a situation, an action, or some other elements with literal meaning in the story but alsocharacterizes implication as well (Arp and Johnson 284). The example given by the author is literary symbol of a name. A name, in a way, appears as a merely a name but doesn‟t give According to Perrine as quoted by Arp and Johnson, a literature symbol refers to something beyond the surface level, can be mean something else. It takes many forms such as a person, a situation, an action, or some other elements with literal meaning in the story but alsocharacterizes implication as well (Arp and Johnson 284). The example given by the author is literary symbol of a name. A name, in a way, appears as a merely a name but doesn‟t give

There are two essential keys related to symbols in a story. First, there is repetition. The same thing keep appears throughout the story. For example, in the novel The Kite Runner, the word winter keeps appear throughout the story. Moreover, the author relates winter to essential part of Amir‟s life. Winter is the time when Amir is born. Winter is also his favorite time because it means a long holiday (which means he will be able to play with his servant Hassan) and kite flying tournament. Ironically, winter is as well as the time Amir witnessing Hassan being raped without does anything to help Hassan that leads to the ruined of their friendship. Another example is the pomegranate tree. The tree is mentioned many times in the book especially to describe the activity both character like to do. Author mentions the pomegranate tree is the tree where Amir and Hassan go to spend time with together. When the situation in Kabul is in chaos, this tree is the spot where Amir and Hassan go to, intentionally, to reduce their anxious by playing or reading books under the tree. Years later, when Amir comes back to Afghanistan from America to save Sohrab, he makes use of the time to visit the tree.

Second, coined by Arp and Johnson, there is accretion in the story which means there is gradual process. Here, the sign is developed with realistic details. The pomegranate tree, not only mentioned many times. The author also develops the condition of the tree with realistic detail: a natural process usually passed by a tree . For instance, when Amir and Hassan‟s friendship is still pure and close, the tree is described as fruitful. As little boys, they like to spend time under the tree: picking the ripe fruits to eat, sitting down under the tree to read books or play. However, as the plot of the story develops, gradually, the tree is described hadn‟t borne fruit in years and Second, coined by Arp and Johnson, there is accretion in the story which means there is gradual process. Here, the sign is developed with realistic details. The pomegranate tree, not only mentioned many times. The author also develops the condition of the tree with realistic detail: a natural process usually passed by a tree . For instance, when Amir and Hassan‟s friendship is still pure and close, the tree is described as fruitful. As little boys, they like to spend time under the tree: picking the ripe fruits to eat, sitting down under the tree to read books or play. However, as the plot of the story develops, gradually, the tree is described hadn‟t borne fruit in years and

Furthermore, Arp and Johnson explain that with the intention of diagnosing and pinpointing symbols, one needs to have perception and tact. The reason of this is because once the reader realizes the existence of symbols in the story, the reader will have the inclination to run wild . They mention in their book as follow: “To find symbols everywhere and to read into details of a story all sorts of fanciful meanings not legitimately supported by it. But we need to remember that most stories operate almost wholly at the literal level and that even in highly symbolic stories, the majority of the details are purely literal. A story is not an excuse for and exercise in ingenuity. It is better, indeed, to miss the symbolic meanings of a story than to pervert its meaning by discovering symbols that are nonexistent. ” (Arp and Johnson 289).

In addition, it is essential to possess the ability to interpret symbols in order to fully comprehend literature. Therefore, readers might need to be attentive to some things that might represent something else other than themselves. These following cautions are required to scrutinize whether something is represent other than itself or not (Arp and Johnson 289-291)

1. The story itself must furnish a clue that a detail is to be taken symbolically(289).

2. The meaning of a literary symbol must be established and supported by the entire context of the story (290).

3. To be called a symbol, an item must suggest a meaning different in kind from its literal meaning; a symbol is something more than the representative of a class or type (290).

4. A symbol may have more than one meaning (291).

Based on the explanation, therefore, these four objects can be considered as important symbols that has significant impact toward the story. Hence, these four objects will then be analyzed deeper.

This research is attempted to answer the question what are the meaning of kites, pomegranate tree, winter, and slingshot using the branch of semiotic. RayiKinanti in her thesis The Analysis of the Symbol of Salmon in “ManusiaSetengah Salmon” by RadityaDika, as quoted from Bignell, mentioned that semiotics is one theory that can be used to discuss signs, specifically symbol. Here, the four objects mentioned are considered as signs. Therefore, by using semiotic, signs or symbols used by the author in the novel can be analyzed to convey meaning, which make this as the aim of this research. When the meaning of these four objects (kite, winter, slingshot, and pomegranate tree) are conveyed, the reader will be able to understand and to interpret symbols in the novel. By conveying meaning behind these four symbols, reader s‟ misinterpretation or misunderstanding of the story can be avoided.

Beyond that, these specific words stand for something other than themselves. That is why this paper tries to examine what the author is trying to depict through kite, winter, slingshot, and pomegranate tree using semiotic. Through this analysis, I hope to help readers to have more and deeper understanding about what the author are trying to say in this novel. By examining the meaning behind these four particular objects, it is expected for the readers to gain better and profound understanding about the story.

Also, b y trying to look at things from insider‟s point of view, in this case from Afghans‟ point of view, and analyzing the meaning of the four objects analyzed in this research, readers Also, b y trying to look at things from insider‟s point of view, in this case from Afghans‟ point of view, and analyzing the meaning of the four objects analyzed in this research, readers

Nevertheless, by trying to view kite from an Afghan‟s point of view, readers of this book would

be able to understand why kite is important for Afghanistan people. Therefore, in order to achieve more understanding, analyzing the four object mentioned earlier will be very useful for the readers. Another thing is not only seeing Afghanistan from Hosseini‟s point of view, but also, readers will be able to reflect their own experience to what Amir and Hassan has experience such as friendship, envious, being loyal and betrayed, and finally redemption.

Method used in this research is library research. The data used in this research is qualitative data in which the data is taken based on words, phrases, sentences, or text in the primary, secondary, or additional data. The primary data for this research is taken from the novel

The Kite Runner th by KhaledHosseini, the 10 anniversary edition, based on the narration and the dialogues of the characters. The secondary data used for this research is taken from articles,

criticisms, review, and books related to the research. Then, the data is analyzed and interpreted, then, connected to the opinion of experts.

Signs are something that stands for something else. Hence, by learning semiotic approach, our awareness raises that what we see, read, taste, touch, feel, smell, is not always something we take for granted. It could be standing for something else beyond that sign itself. We live in a world where we could find signs everywhere. As stated by Chandler, reality is a system of sign. Semiotic is significant as it urges us to see things beyond reality as well as not taken the reality for granted. This is because reality is very subjective and dependent on our role as interpreter to actively put meaning into it. In order to understand those signs, also, to make the

signs meaningful, our role as interpreters plays significant part. We as interpreters must create meaning actively based on signs we see (Chandler). And to interpret, one interpretation can be different from another. In addition, we will be helped to understand and to raise our awareness that we live in a world where we could find signs everywhere. Applying the same idea, through semiotic approach, readers of the novel The Kite Runner will be able to understand and aware that the novel itself is very rich of signs. Nevertheless, the signs contain in the book will stay meaningless unless the readers attempts to see that the signs are actually standing for something else. Interpreting meaning is somehow can be subjective (Chandler). However, since we are as human function as meaning maker, in my opinion, this will be very fascinating since many subjective interpretations could lead to seeing a sign from many different points of views. In this case, by trying to interpret kite, winter, pomegranate tree, and slingshot, I try to reveal the meaning meant by the author. Hopefully, the more explicit code of signs revealed, the more this story could be understood by the readers of this novel.

Summary of the Book

The book The Kite Runner consists of three parts. The first part, tells about the close relationship between two boys who are fed from the same breasts, Amir and Hassan. Amir is the son of Baba, one of the wealthiest business men in Kabul, Afghanistan, a Pashtun and Sunni

Muslim. Hassan is a hare lipped boy, the son of Amir‟s father‟s servant, a Hazara, a minor ethnicity in Afghanistan, and a Shi‟a Muslim. Hassan‟s father, Ali, has become a servant to Amir‟s Baba since Ali was a young boy. They both, Amir and Hassan, are motherless. Amir‟s mother was bleeding to death when giving birth to him, while Hassan‟s mother left Ali and

Hassan and ran off with a group of singers and dancers in a one winter night. Amir is one year older than Hassan.

Ali and Hassan lives in a small shack next to Amir and Baba‟s big house. However, Ali loves Hassan as if Hassan is his precious treasures. In contrast, Amir has everything a little boy

is wishing for financially, except one thing: Baba‟s love. Amir and Baba can‟t get along very well. That is why Amir has always tried his best to get his Baba‟s attention. It is Rahim Khan,

Baba‟s close friend, who is always helping Amir and especially encouraging Amir to write since

he is a little boy. Sometime, Amir wishes that Rahim Khan is his father and not Baba. Only few persons close to Amir. Beside Hassan, it is Rahim Khan that Amir closes to.

Although their social backgrounds are very different, Amir and Hassan share a beautiful friendship. Both of them are fond of playing kite. Amir is very good at flying kite. Whereas Hassan, he is a very good kite runner. They are very close that wherever Amir goes, Hassan comes along with him. Hassan always brings his slingshot wherever he goes and he is deadly with this slingshot. Another activity they like to do is every day after school or whenever the boys want to, they will go to a pomegranate tree near the abandoned cemetery. Amir uses to read to Hassan bellow the tree since Hassan is illiterate. They even carve their names on the tree: Amir and Hassan, the Sultans of Kabul. Therefore, with the carving they make, there is a sense that the pomegranate tree belongs to them.

Nevertheless, the first part of the novel ends when Hassan is raped by a boy named Assef. It is told that on the other day before Hassan‟s raped, Hassan has threatened Assef with his slingshot. Hassan pointed the slingshot to Assef‟s face and threatened him that people would call

him One- Eyed Assef if he didn‟t let Hassan and Amir go. Assef holds grudge toward Hassan

because of this. As a result, one day when Hassan is going to find the blue kite Amir won from the tournament, he meets Assef and his two friends. They ask for the blue kite, but Hassan who is very loyal to Amir doe sn‟t want to give in the kite to Assef. Assef, still holding grudge to Hassan, hurts Hassan by bulling him. Amir who watches the raping from afar is unable to muster his bravery to help Hassan, who always stands for Amir and defends him whenever Amir needs help. Since the day Hassan is rapped, life is changed for the two of them. They play together, however, things don‟t go well as the way it was. Worst thing happens when Amir accuses Hassan for stealing his watch and money. Ali and Hassan finally decide to leave the house they have been living for years even though it is not Hassan who steals the watch and the money. That is the last time Amir sees Hassan, through his bedroom window. Later, it is described in the book, the betrayal act of Amir when he was a boy haunts his entire life.

The second part of the story tells about Amir and his father‟s life in California. They are fleeing to the United States of America since the invasion of the Soviet Union. The story is continued with Amir continuing his study there. He graduates from senior high school and

continues to junior college, majoring in creative writing. Amir‟s relationship with Baba gets better like he wants it to be. He meets an Afghan girl, Soraya, and marries her. They both take care of Baba especially since his health gets worse, and passes away at the end because of

cancer. One big problem Amir can‟t get rid of is no matter how far he is from Afghanistan, the quilt he bears burdens him, especially the look in Hassan‟s eyes when Hassan was being rapped. The guilty is still haunting him. Until one day, a phone call from Rahim Khan, his father‟s old loyal friend, bringing back all the past he‟s been trying to forget for decades. Rahim Khan tells

him that there is still a way to bring good again. Therefore, to fix all the mistakes Amir has done in the past.

The last part of the story is when Amir flies back to Afghanistan to meet Rahim Khan. Rahim Khan asks Amir to save Sohrab, Hassan‟s son, who is caught by a Taliban officer and bring the little boy to a better place. Why flying across the continent only to save a little boy? Eventually, from Rahim Khan, Amir knows the secret his Baba never told him; Hassan is his half step brother. The servant boy he used to play together with is his half-brother. The truth told by Rahim Khan burdens Amir‟s heart more. Thus, this makes Sohrab is his nephew. This is the

time for Amir to redeem the chaos he caused from his cowardice acts in the past. To atone for what he should have done when he was watching Hassan being raped, years ago, he risks his life to rescue Sohrab. Rescuing Sohrab brings him facing his old nemesis, Assef, who happens to be one of Taliban‟s top leaders in Afghanistan. Years ago, when Amir was still a little boy, he did nothing when Hassan was being violated by Assef. Now, after years of regret, it is the time for Amir to face Assef and rescue his half- stepbrother‟s son. Thus, to fix and wash away all the quilts he‟s been carrying his whole life.

Literature Review

Berger maintains that both semiology and semiotic have almost the same meaning. Both of them discuss about the meaning of sign. Semiotic, comes from Greek word sēmeion which means „sign‟. What makes them slightly different is semiotic refers to Peircean; while semiology refers to Saussurean. Nevertheless, semiotic is more frequently used and many Saussureans prefer to use semiotic as well. In addition, the Association for semiotic studies agreed to use the

term „semiotic‟ in January 1969. Since then, the word „semiotic‟ preferably to be used.

In literature, Umberto Eco mentions that words sometimes stand for something other than those words themselves. This is known as symbolism. Since almost everything is symbol, we as meaning makers tend to make meaning. In fact, there are some symbols people are familiar with all over the world. For example, talking about cross, Christians will definitely refer to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Another example is white usually represents goodness, pure, and holiness. On the contrary, black is connoted with evil or darkness. Therefore, symbolism can be another way of not to describing things exactly the way it is. (Murray157). Similarly, Perrine, as quoted by GalihUtomo (10) an object, a person, a situation, an action, or other items which has literal meaning in the story and represents another meaning than itself is a literary symbol. In other words, a word can have more than one meaning which is implicitly mentioned by the author in the story. This means that instead of using the vivid and direct explanation, readers are challenged to create meaning through a symbol by collecting all the evident explain in a text or literary work.

There are some definitions of semiotic stated by experts, as quoted by Chandler. The first def inition is stated by Umberto Eco „semiotic is concerned with everything that can be taken as a sign‟ (Chandler 2). „Signs‟ is one element includes in semiotic. Not only sign, semiotic also

embroils anything that refers to something else. In addition, words, images, sounds, gestures, and objects are other forms signs. Saussure mentioned that semiology as „a signs which studies the role of signs as part of social life‟. While according to Charles Peirce, semeiotic or semiotic is

„the formal doctrine of signs‟ (Chandler 3). There are two persons known as the cofounder of semiotic. They are the Swiss linguist

Ferdinand Saussure and the American philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce. Saussure‟s defines sign as:

“A linguistic sign not a link between a thing and a name, but between a concept (signified) and a sound pattern (signifier). The sound pattern is not actually a sound; for a sound

is something physical. A sound pattern is the hearer‟s psychological impression of a sound, as given to him by the evidence of hi s senses. This sound pattern may be called „a material‟ element

only in that it is the representation of our sensory impressions. The sound pattern may thus be distinguished from the other element associated with it in a linguistic sign. This other element is generally of a more abstract kind: the concept.” (Saussure 1983, 66)

Saussure proposed that a sign consists of a signifier and a signified. The signifier (the sound pattern) is the form of the sign. Or in other words can be called as sound-images. The

signified is the concept which the sign refers to. It is the „concepts generated by the signifiers‟ (Berger22). Both of them are psychological or non-material. Nevertheless, nowadays the Saussurean model of sign is not psychological but materialistic. Moreover, the signifier is form of the sign which can be seen, heard, touched, smelled, or tasted. The combination of a signifier and a signified is called the signification. This means that a sign should have a signifier and a signified. These two elements cannot be separated in order to form a sign or symbol. However,

Saussure‟s signified merely refers to concept in mind and not to a thing. Therefore, Susane Langer helps to give more explanation. She is referring sign to symbol. She stated that symbols

are not substitution for the objects, not the things themselves, but symbols are the conception of the objects (or the things). This is what symbols mean. Here, she gave example of the word

„Napoleon.‟ When one mentions the word „Napoleon,‟ we do not behave as if we were facing the conqueror of Europe. Instead, we merely think of him. Referring to Langer ‟s explanation, it is the concept of Napoleon as the Europe conqueror that comes across in our mind as we hear the

word „Napoleon.‟ (Chandler 17)

Table 1.1 is Saussure‟s concept of what makes a sign. Furthermore, based on the concept, Berger serves example related to this explanation. Star Trek is a famous science fiction movie

about a spaceship that travels in space. This movie, related to Saussure ‟s concept can be taken as

a sign. What are the signifiers and signified that make the movie a sign? According to Berger, since the movie is about starship that traveling across the space, so the signified of Star Trek is “science fiction adventure” (BergerArthur, Semiotic Analysis 9)The signifiers are the starship

that travels the universe, the outfits worn by the characters are futuristic style, they use ray light guns, etc. Grounded on semioticians opinion, everything can be taken as a sign. Similarly, another example, a signifier: yellow light of the traffic light. A signified concept: the vehicles are able to proceed with carefulness. Hence, both signifier and signified are importantly needed to form a sign.

Therefore, in my opinion, a mother can also be considered as a sign. The signified is „she is a source of life.‟ What are the signifiers that make a mother a sign? A mother carries baby in her belly for nine months, delivers the baby, feeds the baby, and takes care a ll the baby‟s need such as food, clothes, raise the baby with love until the baby grows up, becomes kid, teenage and finally and adult who is ready to be an independent person.

Another cofounder of semiotic is Charles Sanders Peirce. Peirce offers three (triadic) models; 1.therepresentamen(the form of the sign), 2. anintepretant (sense created by the sign), 3.an object (anything to which the sign refers to/a referent). In his own words, Peirce(Peirce 1931 –58, 2.228), as quoted by Chandler, explains the three parts:

A sign … (in the form of a representamen) is something which stands to somebody for something in some respect or capacity. It addresses somebody, that is, creates in the mind of that person an equivalent sign, or perhaps a more developed sign. That sign which it created I call the interpretant of the first sign. The sign stands for something, its object. It stands for that object, not in all respects, but in reference to a sort idea, which I have sometimes called the ground of the representamen. (Chandler 29)

These three elements are very important to form a sign and they cannot be separated. A sign consists of the object or what is represented, the representamen or how the sign is represented, and the intepretant or how the sign is interpreted. The relation between these three elements is called by Peirce as semeiosis (alternatively semiosis).

One more important thing that cannot be separated when we are denoting meaning is the society. According to Berger, since the relation between the signifier and the signified is based on convention, it means society is needed in order to interpret sign and symbols(BergerArthur, Semiotic Analysis). Quoting Saussure, Chandler mentions that the association between signifier and signified is conventional. The bond between these two is based on the convention or the agreement of society and cultural. A word will have its particular meaning if the society altogether reaches agreement collectively to it. In my opinion, this is because meaning of a word can only be concluded if it is connected with the society where the sign exist. For example, to One more important thing that cannot be separated when we are denoting meaning is the society. According to Berger, since the relation between the signifier and the signified is based on convention, it means society is needed in order to interpret sign and symbols(BergerArthur, Semiotic Analysis). Quoting Saussure, Chandler mentions that the association between signifier and signified is conventional. The bond between these two is based on the convention or the agreement of society and cultural. A word will have its particular meaning if the society altogether reaches agreement collectively to it. In my opinion, this is because meaning of a word can only be concluded if it is connected with the society where the sign exist. For example, to

Discussion

1. The Kite

Sadat in his essay (Sadat 1) explained the role of fictional literature. Works of literature play role as tools to show “norms, values, structures, themes, laws, basically the ideas and cornerstones that make up one‟s culture and society.” In other words, a literary work can be a

means to reflect what is valued by a society.Through The Kite Runner KhaledHoseini reflects the custom valued by Afghans since their ancestor time, to be specific, the custom of flying a kite. Kite tournament is seen as something obsessed by the nation since very long time ago even though this tradition was banned once by Taliban for being not Islamic.

Furthermore, in order to understand this work of literature, the work has to be placed in context and the society. In the fictional literature The Kite Runner, the author tries to describe how Afghans view kite, kite flying, and kite fighting. It gives the idea that kite flying in Afghan culture is viewed as something important. Podelco in his article mentions the habit of flying kite

has been „national obsession‟ since a very long time ago (Podelco 1 st paragraph). In addition, the author tries to tell the readers the meaning of kite flying for Afghans. For an instance, the author

mentioned the word „tradition‟ (Hosseini51) and „custom‟ (52) when explaining about the way

Afghans celebrate kite tournament. Here, the author attempts to tell readers, especially those who are not Afghans, about the people of Afghanistan and culture cherished by them.

Just like all the Afghans, Amir and Hassan are also fond of flying kite and also fighting it with other opponent.

“The kite-fighting was an old winter tradition in Afghanistan. It started early in the morning on the day of the contest and didn‟t end until only the winning kite flew in the sky – I

remember one year the tournament outlasted daylight. People gathered on sidewalks and roofs to cheer for their kids. The streets filled with kite fighters, jerking and tugging on their lines, squinting up to the sky, trying to gain position to cut the opponent‟s line. Every kite fighter had an assistant – in my case, Hassan – who held the spool and fed the line.” (Hosseini 51)

Winter is the time for kite-fighting, an old tradition for people of Afghanistan. In the context of Afghan culture, kite flying is not merely toys played by children and adults. Beyond that, kite flying, or gudiparanbazi, is an old custom or pastime tradition cherished by young and old people of Afghans, especially men and boys. Women and girls are not allowed to fly kites.

Kite flying or kite fighting is known as „national obsession‟, especially the obsession to win (Podelco 1 st paragraph). Kite flying is one of special traditions of Afghans that they held a

special tournament of kite flying. On the day of the contest, the tournament is started in the morning and considered end if there is one winning it. The children who are going to join the tournament choose the best spots in order to fly the kite well and to cut the opponents‟ string. In

the meantime,people will gather in places where they can watch the tournament and cheer for the fighter (Hosseini 51).

It is described in the novel that Amir always thinks the distance between him and Baba is far. As father and son, they are not close as a father-son should be. They might live in the same roof however, they are not close. The reason why Baby keeps disappointed in him is because he

doesn‟t fulfill Baba‟s expectation of an ideal son. Baba is respected by people around them. He is an athletic and strong person. Even there is some kind of folklore that once Baba has fought a

bear. The poor bear was defeated by Baba with his bare hands. Unlike Amir, his one and only son who is timid and not as athletic as Baba, Baba has always wanted a son who has athletic talents and interest in sport like Baba does. Instead of fond of sport, Amir prefers to read poems and books, and write stories. He once eavesdropped Baba saying, “If I hadn‟t seen the doctor pull him out of my wife with my own eyes, I‟d never believe he‟s my son (Hosseini 23).” To top it all, Amir has the thought on his mind: Baba hates him because his mother died when she gave birth to Amir.

On the other hand, Hassan is surprisingly very athletic. It is Hassan who fends Amir when other kids make fun of Amir. Amir witnesses that sometimes Baba would gaze at Hassan with proud look instead of look at him. T his is probably because Hassan meets Babas‟s expectation of an ideal son. Baba‟s attention is divided: half for Hassan and half for Amir. If Amir gets something from Baba, then Hassan will also be given the same thing. He wants all the attention for him, not shared with Hassan. Amir is jealous because of this. And the jealousy grows in his heart.

Therefore, Amir decides that no matter what, he must win the kite flying tournament (Hosseini 56) For twelve years old Amir, winning the tournament is not only a matter of cherished an old custom. Winning the kite fighting tournament means to mend his relationship with Baba and to cut the distance between them.

Flying kite needs two persons. The first person is the leader or the kite fighter who is in charge of controlling and flying the kite, while the other person will become a helper who is in charge of holding the charkha or the spool.In the story, Amir is the kite fighter, while Hassan‟s duty is as Amir‟s assistant in order to help him fed the line. Not only Hassan plays role as the assistant, but also he is the kite runner who will run after the loosing kite, especially the last falling as the trophy.

Where there is kite flying, there will always be a kite fighting. And when there is kite fighting, there‟s always the winner and the loser at the end of the fighting. According to Semple „The objective of the kite fight is to slice the other flier‟s string with your own, sending the

vanquished aircraft to the ground.”(1). This air fighting between these paper dragonflies will end if one‟s wire is cut by the opponent‟s which of course signified the winning (by the person who cuts his opponent‟s wire) and the losing (the person whose wire is cut).

The way I see it, Amir only has two options when he decides to join the kite tournament, whether to win or to lose. He decides to win the competition no matter what. Winning the

tournament means winning Baba‟s heart. Winning Baba‟s heart means he finally gets Baba‟s attention, not being ignored, to be listened and looked at. For other children who are joining the kite-flying tournament, winning could probably be the chance to show off or brag between other

children. However, in Amir‟s case, winning means everything to him. “I didn‟t know what the other guy was playing, maybe just bragging rights. But this was

my one chance to become someone who was looked at, not seen, listened to, not heard. ” (Hosseini 65)

Also, he is hoping that this will break the ice between Baba and him and make Baba could finally be proud of him. No wonder he does his best to be the winner. On top of it all, by winning the tournament, Amir hopes for a happily-ever-after ending; i.e. that Baba will finally acknowledge how worthy he is and embrace his presence. Moreover, winning the kite-flying tournament will lead to triumphant, vindication, salvation, and most important thing, redemption. These all are the meaning of winning the kite flying tournament to Amir. And all of these are represented by the trophy of honor or the winning kite which is won by fighting so many kites in the air one by one, blood in the palms sliced by the wire for holding the spool.