EXPERIENCES AND MANIFESTATION OF LONELINESS IN "KITE RUNNER" AND "THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS

Abstrak

This article explores the themes of moral dilemmas and the motive of loneliness in Khaled Hosseini's “The Kite Runner” and “A Thousand Splendid Suns”. The paper analyzes how loneliness is not merely an emotional state but a driving force behind the characters' moral choices and actions. In “The Kite Runner”, Amir's internal struggle with guilt and the loneliness he experiences as a result of his betrayal of Hassan becomes central to his journey of redemption. In “A Thousand Splendid Suns”, the loneliness of Mariam and Laila, shaped by societal oppression and personal trauma, motivates their moral decisions, leading to acts of self-sacrifice and solidarity. The article argues that in both novels, loneliness acts as a catalyst for personal growth, moral reckoning, and the pursuit of redemption. Through a close examination of Hosseini's characters, the paper highlights how loneliness can push individuals to confront their past, rebuild relationships, and ultimately find meaning in their lives.