The Many Faces of Masculinity: Wolves, Sheep and the Path to True Manhood in The Kite Runner

Abstract

In many cultures and societies around the world, men have long been expected to possess the qualities of masculine power, which include being more self-assured, resolute, responsible, and self-actualized. Scholars of gender studies contend that there are important distinctions between men and women, refuting feminist claims that gender is purely a social construct. Thus, being a man who is responsible, grounded, righteous, and courageous is not only a theoretical concept; it is a social requirement that is necessary to build a better society. The argument for social reform has frequently been strengthened through literature, with modern fiction works emphasizing the need for masculinity to be the main area of study for humanities experts. In a world that needs more high-value men, diaspora fiction authors like Khaled Hosseini emphasize the significance of males cultivating their manly qualities. Diaspora literature demonstrates how difficult situations create stronger, more moral men and how characters' pain influences their development into moral beings. By examining examples from Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner, this article employs a qualitative methodology to show that masculinism is an inspiration rather than merely a doctrine. This research investigates how Amir's transition from an average guy to a responsible masculine man in his search for redemption is represented by analyzing significant passages. This study demonstrates how literature can mirror the larger cultural desire for responsible and self-actualized masculinity in contemporary culture, providing insightful information for future academics tackling related subjects.