THE IMPLICATIONS OF WORD EXPRESSIONS FOR DEPICTING HUMAN CHARACTERS IN KHALED HOSSEINI’S THE KITE RUNNER
Keywords:
word expressions, characterization, stylistics, evaluative language, figurative language, identity, The Kite Runner.Abstract
This article explores the contribution of word expressions in the representation of human characters in Khaled Hosseini’s novel The Kite Runner. Using a linguistic and stylistic analysis, this research investigates how diction, figurative form, and evaluative language form the construction of characters and the emotions at play through lexical usage. Through a qualitative textual analysis, the research shows that Hosseini’s deliberate use of word expressions not only shapes readers’ perceptions of characters but also reflects broader themes such as guilt, loyalty, identity, and redemption. The results emphasize the use of expressive language as key in literary character portrayal.
References
1. Chen, Y. Interpretation of Human Nature in The Kite Runner. Lecture Notes on Language and Literature, Vol. 7, Issue 3, 2024, pp. 37–46. DOI: 10.23977/langl.2024.070305. – Retrieved from Clausius Press. – https://www.clausiuspress.com/article/11722.html
2. LitCharts. The Kite Runner Literary Devices. LitCharts, 2025. – Retrieved from https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-kite-runner/literary-devices
3. IPL.org. Descriptive Language in The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. IPL.org, 2025. – Retrieved from https://www.ipl.org/essay/Descriptive-Language-In-The-Kite-Runner-By-PJR7BXTYV
4. Metaphoric Analysis of “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini. American Journal of Language, Literacy and Learning in STEM Education, Vol. 1, No. 10, 2023, pp. 573–578. This study examines the novel’s metaphorical expressions and conceptual imagery, showing how word choice deepens character understanding. DOI available via GRN Journal. grnjournal.us
5. Ahmad, A., Batool, B., & Zulfiqar, M. Exploring Stylistic Layers in Khaled Hosseini’s 'The Kite Runner': A Thorough Analysis. Qlantic Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vol. 6, No. 1, 2025, pp. 192–201. – DOI: 10.55737/qjssh.vi i.25312. This article provides a detailed linguistic and stylistic analysis of language use and thematic expression. qjssh.com.pk
6. Ahmed, S., & Saeed, M. Linguistic Analysis of Redemption in Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner Through a Critical Discourse Approach. Humanities, MDPI, 2024. This research applies critical discourse analysis to explore how linguistic strategies depict guilt, redemption, and character identity. MDPI
7. Indarti, D., Fikri, N. A., & Manar, M. Exploring Figurative Language in the Novel The Kite Runner. Journal of Languages and Language Teaching, Vol. 11, No. 4, 2025. This paper categorizes types of figurative language and explains their semantic effects on character portrayal. DOI: 10.33394/jollt.v11i4.7867. e-journal3.undikma.ac.id
8. Hosseini, K. The Kite Runner. New York: Riverhead Books, 2003. – 371 p. (Primary source for quotations and textual analysis)
9. Simpson, P. Stylistics: A Resource Book for Students. London: Routledge, 2004. – 432 p. (Useful for theoretical framework on language and character depiction)
10. Carter, R., & McRae, J. Language, Literature and the Learner: Creative Classroom Practice. London: Longman, 1996. – 268 p. (Provides broader background on linguistic devices in literature
11. Usmonova, Z., & Nurulloyevna, I. U. (2024). THE LIGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF TERMINOLOGY RELATED TO CRAFTS IN THE STORY OF “A ROSE FOR EMILY” BY WILLIAM FAULKNER. INNOVATION IN THE MODERN EDUCATION SYSTEM, 5(46), 99-102.
12. Habibovna, U. Z., & Shukhratovna, K. N. (2023). Analysis of Feelings and Impressions of the Protagonist in the Work “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. International Journal of Language Learning and Applied Linguistics, 2(4), 130-135.
13. Usmonova, Z. (2022). СТИВЕН КИНГНИНГ “ЎЛИК МИНТАҚА”(“DEAD ZONE”) АСАРИДА «THE LAUGHING TIGER»(“СМЕЮЩИЙСЯ ТИГР”) ОБРАЗ ТАЛҚИНИ. ЦЕНТР НАУЧНЫХ ПУБЛИКАЦИЙ (buxdu. uz), 12, 12.
14. Djalilova, Z. (2022). СИМВОЛИЧЕСКИЕ ЗНАЧЕНИЯ ФИТОНИМОВ В ПОЭЗИИ М.ДРАЙТЕНА. ЦЕНТР НАУЧНЫХ ПУБЛИКАЦИЙ (buxdu.Uz), 8(8). извлечено от http://journal.buxdu.uz/index.php/journals_buxdu/article/view/4623
15. Naimova, A. M. The Connection Of Mythopoeia Narrative Genre With Historical Inversion In Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell. Best journal of innovation in science, research and development, 3(2), 494-497.
