In the novel, Kite Runner, Khaled Hossein develops a structure where he is able to set up expectations in the beginning of the novel and the turn those expectations on their heads in the end. This is best done through the symbolism of the pomengrante tree where Amir and Hassan played as children, but also in the symbolism of Hassan's hairlip, as well as in the full-circle narrative of Amirs trip to America with Hassan's son. With each of these ideas, the reader develops an expectation in the beginning of the novel, which is then either fulfilled or corrupted in the end.
Early in Amir and Hassan's friendship, they often visit a pomegranate tree where they spend hours reading and playing. "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." In a letter to Amir later in the story, however, Hassan mentions that "the tree hasn't borne fruit in years," establishing not only the death of the tree, but also symbolizing the end of the friendship between the two men.
There are also parallels that develop between the two boys over the course of the novel. Though Hassan has a visible harelip, Amir seems to have real tangible gaps in his soul, as evident in his betrayal of Hassan. Finally, however, the novel comes full circle, and Amir is able to somewhat make up for his past behavior when he takes Hassan's son to America, fulfilling expectations that are set early on in the story.
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