What does the red coat in Walsh represent? How is the use of the red coat in Walsh similar to and different from the use of the kite in The Kite Runner?
46 comments:
Anonymous
said...
You could say that the red coat in Walsh, and the kite in The Kite Runner, are both representative of a sort of responsibility.In Walsh, the red coat of the NWMP is a symbol of Walsh’s duty to his country, his responsibility to uphold the law. For Walsh, this becomes tiresome over time. He removes his “responsibility” only twice in the play, shedding his outer layer. The first of the two occasions occurs when he is sympathetic towards the efforts of the Nez Perces, removing his coat to give it to a wounded woman, only to find out that she had been shot and her baby was already dead. Realizing the pointlessness of such a thing, we see him to drop his coat to the ground in agony, as his initial responsibility has prevented him from helping in a more efficient way in the first place. He tosses aside his duty for this moment, only to have Louis remind him that he cannot do such a thing just yet. The second time we see Walsh remove his red coat, is after he has heard of Sitting Bull’s death in America on page 128. He does so almost ceremoniously, shedding himself of all his duties, while in the background we hear “the sound of the Nez Perces from Act One”. This time Walsh knows he can remove himself from his responsibility willingly, as he is no longer bound by any higher sense of loyalty to what it meant to wear the red coat. In his mind, the red coat had failed its purpose, as Sitting Bull has died, the NWMP failing in their protection of those who had once served them. Red is the color of blood, and it seems that that is all that has come from wearing it.
In relation to The Kite Runner, the kite is also seen as a type of responsibility for Amir. He feels it is his duty to win the kite tournament in the first place, and what resulted because of this, further burned into his memory a sense of responsibility, knowing that he failed Hassan, by not having stepped in to prevent what had happened, and by never bringing up the subject ever again. This lingering responsibility remains with Amir all his life, in the back of his mind. Amir holds his sense of responsibility to his past in the back of his thoughts, whereas Walsh shows his responsibility in his attire, for all to see. Amir knows that he cannot be at peace until his duty is fulfilled, yet Walsh seems to want to divest himself from his duty after it becomes too heavy a burden. Both have a responsibility to those around them, and both happen to find it a bothersome thing.. Neither can be at rest until their duties have been accomplished. Amir finds redemption, whereas Walsh’s situation only worsens with the completion of the play, knowing that in a way, his responsibility to his government was the main cause for his failing of the Sioux, his other responsibility.
I agree with Grayson on how both symbols are of responsibility, although I see the kite as more of an enjoyable and wanted responsibility, as Amir wins the competition for his fathers acceptance and eventually with Sohrab. The red coat seems more like an obligation. Walsh is obligated to the responsibilties that come with being a NWMP, but he actually wants to help the Sioux.
Oh but Grayson, how would I even come close to your level of amazingness? I have no idea!!! You are truly who I look up to in all things. I love you. dbailey out.
.. Laugh it up Stephan, but you know you Jag is wayyy to cool for you. You try pulling off a brown accent that nice. Don't even lie you know you like it
Grayson, Stephan and Dale are screwing up this whole blogging thing. Can we not have a quality discussion without someones feelings being hurt or writing for me and pretending i was crying about not being loved anymore. Ms Fowler i think you should actaully remove marks from these guys because it takes away from the responces of people who actually care about english. Like myself, persay.
hey you guys! quit playing, haha.. although reading your comment up there was super enjoyable.
anyway, i agree with Grayson and Dale on this. Like Dale said, "The red coat seems more like an obligation." It seems like Walsh is not actually happy with what he is doing when he comes to realize the prejudice that slowly befalls the indians and the maltreatment being issued to them. At one point, it also seems, that he is starting to get attached to Sitting Bull and does not merely think about the orders being issued to him (although he never fails to carry them out) but also the impact of that on Sitting Bull and his people. This is evident on page 97 when he argues with Mcleod about the Sioux "sacrifice" and says, "What do you think happens when I take off this tunic? At night, in my quarters, what do you think happens to me?"
Anyways, I think that Grayson is completely correct saying that the red coat and kite are both symbols of responsibility, and the way that they are similar in that sense is what they bring upon their holders/wearers/etc. In the play, Walsh is given the responsibility of a choice that would affect the lives of 5000 Indians, who are still people (which his double; Clarence could clearly see) and in The Kite Runner, Hassan is given the responsibility of Amir's "trophy" that he would present to his father for acknowledgement. In the beginning of both actions (Walsh before meeting Sitting Bull, simply serving his country as an NWMP Officer and Hassan before chasing the kite for Amir) both accept the possible outcomes of their actions, but in the end they are both negatively impacted by those actions.
All goes to show really that bad things happen to good people.
WOW.... i can see why Mrs. Douziech and Ms. Fowler were crying with laughter. those incredibly silly, and very crazy boys. oh man. anyway. to my comment(s).
I agree with grayson and dale that both the coat and the kite are symbols of responsibility, but they are also symbols of damnation and repentance/forgiveness. For Walsh, his coat is the symbol of the Canadian government, his obligations to the gov't, and his responsibilities. For Amir, the kite symbolizes his hopes to get along with baba, and later his betrayal of his best friend Hassan. Amir's damnation, represented by the kite, is much easier to see and identify then Walsh's, and yet it is Amir who eventually gains redemtion, while Walsh sinks down into his own little black abyss. another ironic point is that while Amir is in a wartorn, backwards, messed up country where slaughter is the norm, and Walsh is in a so-called sophisticated, modern, democratic and fair country, Amir can right his wrongs and forgive himself, and yet Walsh can't.
I'm sure someone else will come up with a whole bunch of other points as well but thats it for me for now!
Quote:Ms Fowler i think you should actaully remove marks from these guys because it takes away from the responces of people who actually care about english
oh jag, have you not looked at the amazing response at the top of the page? it's pretty gosh darn good I'd say. So yeah, definite quality discussion. and i'm afraid you haven't posted anything at all. Fool. pwnage@!!!!!@#!$#@$%#@$@#$ yee. d bailey. out.
and jag i believe you have been causeing the problemos here, this is for english learndings not 4 discuzzing your private life...jeez louise please more cheese G-ray out!
I'm as confused as a baby in a topless bar. What is going on in here?
Well anyway... Grayson, have you heard the saying "the early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese"? Well if you haven't, I 'm going to explain it to you.
You could say that the red coat in Walsh, and the kite in The Kite Runner, are both representative of a sort of responsibility.In Walsh, the red coat of the NWMP is a symbol of Walsh’s duty to his country, his responsibility to uphold the law. For Walsh, this becomes tiresome over time. He removes his “responsibility” only twice in the play, shedding his outer layer. The first of the two occasions occurs when he is sympathetic towards the efforts of the Nez Perces, removing his coat to give it to a wounded woman, only to find out that she had been shot and her baby was already dead. Realizing the pointlessness of such a thing, we see him to drop his coat to the ground in agony, as his initial responsibility has prevented him from helping in a more efficient way in the first place. He tosses aside his duty for this moment, only to have Louis remind him that he cannot do such a thing just yet. The second time we see Walsh remove his red coat, is after he has heard of Sitting Bull’s death in America on page 128. He does so almost ceremoniously, shedding himself of all his duties, while in the background we hear “the sound of the Nez Perces from Act One”. This time Walsh knows he can remove himself from his responsibility willingly, as he is no longer bound by any higher sense of loyalty to what it meant to wear the red coat. In his mind, the red coat had failed its purpose, as Sitting Bull has died, the NWMP failing in their protection of those who had once served them. Red is the color of blood, and it seems that that is all that has come from wearing it.
In relation to The Kite Runner, the kite is also seen as a type of responsibility for Amir. He feels it is his duty to win the kite tournament in the first place, and what resulted because of this, further burned into his memory a sense of responsibility, knowing that he failed Hassan, by not having stepped in to prevent what had happened, and by never bringing up the subject ever again. This lingering responsibility remains with Amir all his life, in the back of his mind. Amir holds his sense of responsibility to his past in the back of his thoughts, whereas Walsh shows his responsibility in his attire, for all to see. Amir knows that he cannot be at peace until his duty is fulfilled, yet Walsh seems to want to divest himself from his duty after it becomes too heavy a burden. Both have a responsibility to those around them, and both happen to find it a bothersome thing.. Neither can be at rest until their duties have been accomplished. Amir finds redemption, whereas Walsh’s situation only worsens with the completion of the play, knowing that in a way, his responsibility to his government was the main cause for his failing of the Sioux, his other responsibility. So Walsh is not happy.
Yeaaaa.....all completely your own work Justin.... *cough*Plagarism*cough* ehh, so sorry.
Anywho; Justin tú fallo, aprende cómo escribir tu poseer comentarios. Mi más joven primo puede escribir más creativo que ti....realmente, ella puede =D
(Translation; Justin you failure, learn how to write your own comments. My younger cousin can write more creatively than you....really,she can =D)
Justin, I don't think I've ever heard that saying before, and you did a great job of explaining it to me. So great in fact, that I might even almost believe you wrote that comment yourself... There is sarcasm dripping in this comment if you had noticed, but then, well if you haven't,I'm going to explain it to you. I'm afraid your addition to my comment was frankly, quite lame. This is my scholarly opinion.
The red coat in Walsh and the kite in The kite Runner are both symboles of duty. In Walsh, the red coat is a representation of Walsh's duty to the NWMP and his government.In the Kite Runner, the kite is a symbol of Amirs duty to his father. Both of these symbols give these characters a sense of loyalty to their government/father. Both the kite and the coat cause these characters to sacrifice something in order to prove their loyalty. In The Kite Runner Amir must sacrifice Hassan in order to please his father and in Walsh, Walsh must sacrifice the sioux in order to prove his loyalty to his government. Although, they are somewhat different because Amir was wanting to please his father and i belive that Walsh's heart lies with the sioux and that he did not want to betray them.
Justin what does this mean, "'m as confused as a baby in a topless bar". It makes no sense. Anywayz, I agree with Grayson that the kite and the coat are symbols of responsibility and with Rory in that both these symbols cause Walsh and Amir to sacrifice one thing to prove loyalty to another. But I think although the kite and coat provide guilt, regret, and responsibility for Amir and Walsh, the Coat was originally a source of joy, honour, and making a difference in the world for Walsh (in his early days as a NWMP before the play started). The kite is a source of redemption and washing away his deeds and starting over kind of thing for Amir later in the book. So, the kite and the coat both provide the same kind of feeling for both the characters but in reverse order. The kite was first a symbol of betrayal and guilt for Amir and then later as a symbol of redemption. For Walsh however, the red coat is a symbol of honour, justice, and intregrity for Walsh (when he was young) and then later on in the book the red tunic becomes a source of heavy responsibility and betrayal/regret.
Are you sure this is an IB class? I'm very disappointed in you, Shahna and Morgan. (As for you Grayson, your cluelessness was completely expected of you.)
Now, using english so well gratamicized that it should be published (call me, Readers Digest), I will explain to you in perfection the meaning of my hilarious quotes.
"I'm as confused as a baby in a topless bar" - The baby is confused because of the many... shall we say... 'sources of food.'
"The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese." - The first mouse died in the mouse trap. Sheesh.
"Atheism is a non-prophet organization. " - Note the pun on the word "prophet". Wait... I didn't even say that one. Meh.
Now Grayson, before you criticize someone (like Stephan for example), you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
Ahh... Soon thousands around the world shall hail my humerus ideas...
Okay, now back to the bloody topic.
MS. FOWLER, HERE LIES JUSTIN'S THOUGHTFUL IDEA:
I (regrettably) agree with Grayson's idea that both represent the responsibility of their respective owners. But you can also say that the kite is a privilege rather than a responsibility to Amir at the end of the play, because it gives him an opportunity to redeem himself symbolically (running the kite a thousand times over for Sohrab). Whereas, at no point does the red tunic give any asset to Walsh. It is rather the opposite, removing his ability to help Sitting Bull through the obligation to the NWMP. I hope that's good.
(Jokes are all in good fun Grayson, even when the truth may be evident in them. ;))
Justin is my intellectual hero. No one can take that belief away from me. Despite what you lot may think, Justin is actually really smart, charming, and witty, even if he is a little eccentric. So don't judge a book by its cover, you tossers.
The Symbolism of the kite and the red coat have similar meanings for both Amir and Walsh. The Kite represents freedom and a place to belong , but for Amir it is a reminder of his deardful past. Simlarily the Red coat represents Authority and respect, but for Walsh it represents the end of himself and an entire nation of peoples. both symbols should have a positive effect, but instead are symbols of what both Characters wish to forget.
The red coat in Walsh stands for many ideas such as that of Walsh’s duty and honour. He is influenced by this coat in many ways and when he is wearing it he often lacks his sense of judgment. Walsh adheres to the beliefs of the government and doesn’t follow what he himself would have chosen to do in the situation of the Souix. Inside I believe that he would have treated the Indians in a much different manner not having a liability to the RWMP. The use of the coat is similar to the kite in the Kite Runner because like Walsh , Amir had a liability to his father and then to Hassan to make up for the sins that he had committed. Yet, in Amir’s case a chance of redemption was given through Sohrab yet Walsh doesn’t get the opportunity to atone for his sins.
The red coat in Walsh represents Walsh’s obligation to the NWMP. This coat held Walsh back as it restricted him from helping the Sioux to his full extent and as he really may have wanted to. Similarly, in the Kite Runner, Amir’s need to prove himself to his father prevented him from helping Hassan. A kite itself is meant to represent freedom and Walsh’s red coat is meant to represent authority, which should in a way also go hand in hand with freedom because of the power of this authority. However both the kite and the coat act as not freedom, but limitations to Amir and Walsh as they must sacrifice because of their duties. The symbolism of the kite and coat are slightly different in ways as well. Amir’s obligation to his father seemed to be more self-inflicted, as he seemed to have more choice in the situation he was placed in with Hassan. Walsh, however seemed like he may have done more to help the Sioux if it weren’t for his responsibility to the government.
The red coat represents that one side of Walsh that is official and loyal to the Canadian government. The red coat and the kite are similar because they both represent a sacrifice for Walsh and Amir in order to prove their loyalty. Walsh must sacrifice the Sioux for the loyalty of the Canadian government. Amir must sacrifice Hassan for the loyalty of his father. The difference between the red coat and the kite is that ones more of a responsibility and the other one is more of a privilege. The red coat is a responsibility of Walsh as a NWMP. The Kite is a privilege to Amir because it allows himself the chance to be redeemed for his past.
I also believe that the red coat in Walsh and the kite in Kite Runner is a symbol of responsibility or duty for something really important in Walsh, or Amir’s life. However, the red coat symbolizes more of a responsibility that is obligated, whereas the kite symbolizes a responsibility that Amir has a choice over. The red coat was to represent who Walsh is as a NWMP, and his responsibility to his country and government, which also gives him pride and authority. The kite represents Amir’s responsibility as a child to fulfill his father’s wishes. It also gave him a sense of pride to be able to win the kite tournament. In Walsh, the red coat was to be given up by Walsh at the end as a sign of loyalty for his government, and although the coat gave Walsh authority and honor at the beginning, it left him with nothing but a broken man with regrets, wishing he could redeem himself, and that he should have done something more to help the Sioux and Sitting Bull. On the other hand, although the kite was what caused him to betray and sacrifice Hassan, there was “a way to be good again” for Amir. He was able to redeem himself, by making up what he’s done in the past and saving Hassan’s son.
like practically everyone else, i have to agree with grayson's idea a of the red coat in walsh being a symbol for responsiblity and that it is used similar in the kite runner because Amir feels that he is responsible for many things so he tries to live up to his father's aspects of winning that kite tournament, and sacrifices hassan in order to get that recognition that he had always wanted from baba. Eventually though Amir redeems himself unlike Walsh and he is able to take up the kite again which is evident at the end of the novel. The red coat is different from the kite though because it is also used to show power of being a RCMP and what power they really had, walsh sees that they have no power or influence and gives up the illusion of power at the end of the play
The red coat in Walsh and the kite in The Kite Runner both symbolize loyalty and responsibility. The red coat represents Walsh’s loyalty and duty to his government. The coat and the kite are somehow similar because both help the character to evolve and move on to their future. However, agree that the coat has more obligation than the kite because Amir in the Kite Runner has a choice whether to go back to Pakistan and find Sohrab or just ignore and if he can, forget what happened whereas in Walsh, the coat is a uniform meaning Walsh has responsibility for his government and people and really can’t choose what situation he wants to handle.
Walsh's official form of dress is his red tunic. This red tunic reveals to us Walsh's presence in the Northwest Mounted Police. But it also reveals to us, the binding that Walsh has to his duties and responsibilites, even though under the layer of the tunic, that may not be what he really wants. The red tunic can be presented as a layer that Walsh likes to have on himself, to be able to hide his true feelings of the situation. These may be one of truly wanting to help the Sioux, but then he would be going against his job and role that he is to play, which is portrayed by the mask that he puts on, which is his red tunic. The red tunic is Walsh's way to hide, maybe because he is too weak to stand up for what he believes is right. This was also portrayed in The KiteRunner, where Amir uses the red kite to put on a mask for his father. To show his father that he was capable of doing something, but we know that behind the kite, Amir is a weak character who could not stand up for his best friend. He believes the kite is the only way for his father to see him, becuase for so long his father has not looked at him for the way he was. Both Amir and Walsh use these items, to hide and mask what they truly are or believe.
Well.... then I'm a little late into this blog... but yea like everyone said... Responsibility, Loyalty, such and such. All of which I agree with, but not only that but the Red Coat and the Kite both seem to act as a weapon. In which case, the Kite was used to kill other kites during the Kite Fighting tournament since the string was glossed with glass. The Red Coat and the Kite relate because Walsh's Red Coat seems to be what killed the many Nez Perces, as seen on page 62 - 64. "He gives the tunic an ineffectual wipe, more a touch of the blood then looks at WALSH." This blood could act as the blood that is left behind on a sword. Both of which seem to be killing something, the kite in Kite Runner killing the other kites in the tournament, and the Red Coat in Walsh which killed the Nez Perces.
Also both the kite and the Red coat act as something that interferes with friendship. This is because the kite in Kite Runner is what ripps Hassan and Amir apart. If it wasn't for Amir's lust for the kite the outcome mayb have been different between Hassan and Amir. In Walsh it is the Red Coat that seperates Sitting Bull and Walsh. It is that red coat that makes Walsh a RCMP, and because of that it seperates him from Sitting Bull, but when Walsh takes off this 'red coat' he becomes the white sioux.
These two points (weapon and seperator) explain the connection between the Kite and the Red coat ^.^;;; and thus.... ending this post =D
Red has always been considered the colour of blood, war, and anger. It is the colour of fire and aggrivates the senses, which is why matadors use it in bull fights. Walsh's red coat is representative of all these things. Walsh is stained with the blood of the dead Native people and Sitting Bull. The NWMP are in a war against the Natvie people and there is anger against these people from the white settlers for no reason other than their skin. This coat is used to present the agrrivation, anger, and bloodshed all covering Walsh, burdening him throughout the play. It is used like the blue Kite in "The Kiterunner" to make Walsh feel guitly as the kite did to Amir. They are both symbolic of the guilt felt. A red coat to describe the anger he feels at the events and the blood staining his hands. A blue kite to represent the guilt ans sorrow felt, and that false sense of calm water, when really it is a hurricaine.
46 comments:
You could say that the red coat in Walsh, and the kite in The Kite Runner, are both representative of a sort of responsibility.In Walsh, the red coat of the NWMP is a symbol of Walsh’s duty to his country, his responsibility to uphold the law. For Walsh, this becomes tiresome over time. He removes his “responsibility” only twice in the play, shedding his outer layer. The first of the two occasions occurs when he is sympathetic towards the efforts of the Nez Perces, removing his coat to give it to a wounded woman, only to find out that she had been shot and her baby was already dead. Realizing the pointlessness of such a thing, we see him to drop his coat to the ground in agony, as his initial responsibility has prevented him from helping in a more efficient way in the first place. He tosses aside his duty for this moment, only to have Louis remind him that he cannot do such a thing just yet. The second time we see Walsh remove his red coat, is after he has heard of Sitting Bull’s death in America on page 128. He does so almost ceremoniously, shedding himself of all his duties, while in the background we hear “the sound of the Nez Perces from Act One”. This time Walsh knows he can remove himself from his responsibility willingly, as he is no longer bound by any higher sense of loyalty to what it meant to wear the red coat. In his mind, the red coat had failed its purpose, as Sitting Bull has died, the NWMP failing in their protection of those who had once served them. Red is the color of blood, and it seems that that is all that has come from wearing it.
In relation to The Kite Runner, the kite is also seen as a type of responsibility for Amir. He feels it is his duty to win the kite tournament in the first place, and what resulted because of this, further burned into his memory a sense of responsibility, knowing that he failed Hassan, by not having stepped in to prevent what had happened, and by never bringing up the subject ever again. This lingering responsibility remains with Amir all his life, in the back of his mind. Amir holds his sense of responsibility to his past in the back of his thoughts, whereas Walsh shows his responsibility in his attire, for all to see. Amir knows that he cannot be at peace until his duty is fulfilled, yet Walsh seems to want to divest himself from his duty after it becomes too heavy a burden. Both have a responsibility to those around them, and both happen to find it a bothersome thing.. Neither can be at rest until their duties have been accomplished. Amir finds redemption, whereas Walsh’s situation only worsens with the completion of the play, knowing that in a way, his responsibility to his government was the main cause for his failing of the Sioux, his other responsibility.
yeah what grayson said
i only read the first and last sentence but it looks good so put me down for the same thing
*thumbs up*
I agree with Grayson on how both symbols are of responsibility, although I see the kite as more of an enjoyable and wanted responsibility, as Amir wins the competition for his fathers acceptance and eventually with Sohrab. The red coat seems more like an obligation. Walsh is obligated to the responsibilties that come with being a NWMP, but he actually wants to help the Sioux.
D Bailey out
wow your smart dale i think im intimidated now! im never coming to english again for fear that my ideas will never be accepted!
Cheese Ray says PEACE
yee.
Oh but Grayson, how would I even come close to your level of amazingness? I have no idea!!! You are truly who I look up to in all things. I love you.
dbailey
out.
I love both of you. I don't know where I would be without you. please never leave me.
... i wish someone would love me... :(
lets be friends jag?
thank goodness for you stephan.
I've never said this before, but I love your oh so curly locks...*blushes*
sorry jot of all jags, but my heart lies with cheese ray and ham
Steepan Pie Head out
ahhh
how you have broken my heart stephan
weirdos
.. Laugh it up Stephan, but you know you Jag is wayyy to cool for you. You try pulling off a brown accent that nice. Don't even lie you know you like it
Grayson, Stephan and Dale are screwing up this whole blogging thing. Can we not have a quality discussion without someones feelings being hurt or writing for me and pretending i was crying about not being loved anymore. Ms Fowler i think you should actaully remove marks from these guys because it takes away from the responces of people who actually care about english. Like myself, persay.
hey you guys! quit playing, haha.. although reading your comment up there was super enjoyable.
anyway, i agree with Grayson and Dale on this. Like Dale said, "The red coat seems more like an obligation." It seems like Walsh is not actually happy with what he is doing when he comes to realize the prejudice that slowly befalls the indians and the maltreatment being issued to them. At one point, it also seems, that he is starting to get attached to Sitting Bull and does not merely think about the orders being issued to him (although he never fails to carry them out) but also the impact of that on Sitting Bull and his people. This is evident on page 97 when he argues with Mcleod about the Sioux "sacrifice" and says, "What do you think happens when I take off this tunic? At night, in my quarters, what do you think happens to me?"
Hahahaha, halarious guys.
Anyways, I think that Grayson is completely correct saying that the red coat and kite are both symbols of responsibility, and the way that they are similar in that sense is what they bring upon their holders/wearers/etc. In the play, Walsh is given the responsibility of a choice that would affect the lives of 5000 Indians, who are still people (which his double; Clarence could clearly see) and in The Kite Runner, Hassan is given the responsibility of Amir's "trophy" that he would present to his father for acknowledgement. In the beginning of both actions (Walsh before meeting Sitting Bull, simply serving his country as an NWMP Officer and Hassan before chasing the kite for Amir) both accept the possible outcomes of their actions, but in the end they are both negatively impacted by those actions.
All goes to show really that bad things happen to good people.
WOW.... i can see why Mrs. Douziech and Ms. Fowler were crying with laughter. those incredibly silly, and very crazy boys. oh man. anyway. to my comment(s).
I agree with grayson and dale that both the coat and the kite are symbols of responsibility, but they are also symbols of damnation and repentance/forgiveness. For Walsh, his coat is the symbol of the Canadian government, his obligations to the gov't, and his responsibilities. For Amir, the kite symbolizes his hopes to get along with baba, and later his betrayal of his best friend Hassan. Amir's damnation, represented by the kite, is much easier to see and identify then Walsh's, and yet it is Amir who eventually gains redemtion, while Walsh sinks down into his own little black abyss. another ironic point is that while Amir is in a wartorn, backwards, messed up country where slaughter is the norm, and Walsh is in a so-called sophisticated, modern, democratic and fair country, Amir can right his wrongs and forgive himself, and yet Walsh can't.
I'm sure someone else will come up with a whole bunch of other points as well but thats it for me for now!
ttfn!
Quote:Ms Fowler i think you should actaully remove marks from these guys because it takes away from the responces of people who actually care about english
oh jag, have you not looked at the amazing response at the top of the page? it's pretty gosh darn good I'd say. So yeah, definite quality discussion. and i'm afraid you haven't posted anything at all. Fool.
pwnage@!!!!!@#!$#@$%#@$@#$
yee.
d bailey. out.
and jag i believe you have been causeing the problemos here, this is for english learndings not 4 discuzzing your private life...jeez louise please more cheese
G-ray out!
I'm as confused as a baby in a topless bar. What is going on in here?
Well anyway...
Grayson, have you heard the saying "the early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese"? Well if you haven't, I
'm going to explain it to you.
You could say that the red coat in Walsh, and the kite in The Kite Runner, are both representative of a sort of responsibility.In Walsh, the red coat of the NWMP is a symbol of Walsh’s duty to his country, his responsibility to uphold the law. For Walsh, this becomes tiresome over time. He removes his “responsibility” only twice in the play, shedding his outer layer. The first of the two occasions occurs when he is sympathetic towards the efforts of the Nez Perces, removing his coat to give it to a wounded woman, only to find out that she had been shot and her baby was already dead. Realizing the pointlessness of such a thing, we see him to drop his coat to the ground in agony, as his initial responsibility has prevented him from helping in a more efficient way in the first place. He tosses aside his duty for this moment, only to have Louis remind him that he cannot do such a thing just yet. The second time we see Walsh remove his red coat, is after he has heard of Sitting Bull’s death in America on page 128. He does so almost ceremoniously, shedding himself of all his duties, while in the background we hear “the sound of the Nez Perces from Act One”. This time Walsh knows he can remove himself from his responsibility willingly, as he is no longer bound by any higher sense of loyalty to what it meant to wear the red coat. In his mind, the red coat had failed its purpose, as Sitting Bull has died, the NWMP failing in their protection of those who had once served them. Red is the color of blood, and it seems that that is all that has come from wearing it.
In relation to The Kite Runner, the kite is also seen as a type of responsibility for Amir. He feels it is his duty to win the kite tournament in the first place, and what resulted because of this, further burned into his memory a sense of responsibility, knowing that he failed Hassan, by not having stepped in to prevent what had happened, and by never bringing up the subject ever again. This lingering responsibility remains with Amir all his life, in the back of his mind. Amir holds his sense of responsibility to his past in the back of his thoughts, whereas Walsh shows his responsibility in his attire, for all to see. Amir knows that he cannot be at peace until his duty is fulfilled, yet Walsh seems to want to divest himself from his duty after it becomes too heavy a burden. Both have a responsibility to those around them, and both happen to find it a bothersome thing.. Neither can be at rest until their duties have been accomplished. Amir finds redemption, whereas Walsh’s situation only worsens with the completion of the play, knowing that in a way, his responsibility to his government was the main cause for his failing of the Sioux, his other responsibility. So Walsh is not happy.
That would be my completely original work.
Yeaaaa.....all completely your own work Justin....
*cough*Plagarism*cough*
ehh, so sorry.
Anywho;
Justin tú fallo, aprende cómo escribir tu poseer comentarios. Mi más joven primo puede escribir más creativo que ti....realmente, ella puede =D
(Translation; Justin you failure, learn how to write your own comments. My younger cousin can write more creatively than you....really,she can =D)
Justin, I don't think I've ever heard that saying before, and you did a great job of explaining it to me. So great in fact, that I might even almost believe you wrote that comment yourself...
There is sarcasm dripping in this comment if you had noticed, but then, well if you haven't,I'm going to explain it to you. I'm afraid your addition to my comment was frankly, quite lame. This is my scholarly opinion.
holy crap. you guys really do amaze me lol. justin that really didn't make sense... haha you guys crack me up... =D
The red coat in Walsh and the kite in The kite Runner are both symboles of duty. In Walsh, the red coat is a representation of Walsh's duty to the NWMP and his government.In the Kite Runner, the kite is a symbol of Amirs duty to his father. Both of these symbols give these characters a sense of loyalty to their government/father. Both the kite and the coat cause these characters to sacrifice something in order to prove their loyalty. In The Kite Runner Amir must sacrifice Hassan in order to please his father and in Walsh, Walsh must sacrifice the sioux in order to prove his loyalty to his government. Although, they are somewhat different because Amir was wanting to please his father and i belive that Walsh's heart lies with the sioux and that he did not want to betray them.
Justin what does this mean, "'m as confused as a baby in a topless bar". It makes no sense. Anywayz, I agree with Grayson that the kite and the coat are symbols of responsibility and with Rory in that both these symbols cause Walsh and Amir to sacrifice one thing to prove loyalty to another. But I think although the kite and coat provide guilt, regret, and responsibility for Amir and Walsh, the Coat was originally a source of joy, honour, and making a difference in the world for Walsh (in his early days as a NWMP before the play started). The kite is a source of redemption and washing away his deeds and starting over kind of thing for Amir later in the book. So, the kite and the coat both provide the same kind of feeling for both the characters but in reverse order. The kite was first a symbol of betrayal and guilt for Amir and then later as a symbol of redemption. For Walsh however, the red coat is a symbol of honour, justice, and intregrity for Walsh (when he was young) and then later on in the book the red tunic becomes a source of heavy responsibility and betrayal/regret.
Are you sure this is an IB class? I'm very disappointed in you, Shahna and Morgan. (As for you Grayson, your cluelessness was completely expected of you.)
Now, using english so well gratamicized that it should be published (call me, Readers Digest), I will explain to you in perfection the meaning of my hilarious quotes.
"I'm as confused as a baby in a topless bar" - The baby is confused because of the many... shall we say... 'sources of food.'
"The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese." - The first mouse died in the mouse trap. Sheesh.
"Atheism is a non-prophet organization. " - Note the pun on the word "prophet". Wait... I didn't even say that one. Meh.
Now Grayson, before you criticize someone (like Stephan for example), you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
Ahh... Soon thousands around the world shall hail my humerus ideas...
Okay, now back to the bloody topic.
MS. FOWLER, HERE LIES JUSTIN'S THOUGHTFUL IDEA:
I (regrettably) agree with Grayson's idea that both represent the responsibility of their respective owners. But you can also say that the kite is a privilege rather than a responsibility to Amir at the end of the play, because it gives him an opportunity to redeem himself symbolically (running the kite a thousand times over for Sohrab). Whereas, at no point does the red tunic give any asset to Walsh. It is rather the opposite, removing his ability to help Sitting Bull through the obligation to the NWMP.
I hope that's good.
(Jokes are all in good fun Grayson, even when the truth may be evident in them. ;))
When I said "play", I meant "novel". I just got confused because I tend to act out everything I read.
haha I enjoyed the mile away with the shoes thing
good stuff
Justin is my intellectual hero. No one can take that belief away from me. Despite what you lot may think, Justin is actually really smart, charming, and witty, even if he is a little eccentric. So don't judge a book by its cover, you tossers.
i cant tell if thats sarcasm.. which is really scary. justin, has your mom been here lately?
Actually, 'anonymous', or whatever your real name is, it was probably Mrs. Douziech.
Do you people honestly think that Mrs. Douziech would use a phrase like "you tossers" in ANY form of communication? I thought not....
Anything could happen.
The Symbolism of the kite and the red coat have similar meanings for both Amir and Walsh. The Kite represents freedom and a place to belong , but for Amir it is a reminder of his deardful past. Simlarily the Red coat represents Authority and respect, but for Walsh it represents the end of himself and an entire nation of peoples. both symbols should have a positive effect, but instead are symbols of what both Characters wish to forget.
"(Jokes are all in good fun Grayson, even when the truth may be evident in them. ;))"
HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!
just kidding.
I find your jokes in bad taste.
Which is probably why Readers Digest won't ever call you.
But hey, just remember, jokes are all in good fun, are they not? Or are you simply as confused as a baby in a topless bar?
That made little sense. You may have got lost in thought. I mean after all, it is unfamiliar territory for you.
Don't take that too seriously.
The red coat in Walsh stands for many ideas such as that of Walsh’s duty and honour. He is influenced by this coat in many ways and when he is wearing it he often lacks his sense of judgment. Walsh adheres to the beliefs of the government and doesn’t follow what he himself would have chosen to do in the situation of the Souix. Inside I believe that he would have treated the Indians in a much different manner not having a liability to the RWMP. The use of the coat is similar to the kite in the Kite Runner because like Walsh , Amir had a liability to his father and then to Hassan to make up for the sins that he had committed. Yet, in Amir’s case a chance of redemption was given through Sohrab yet Walsh doesn’t get the opportunity to atone for his sins.
The red coat in Walsh represents Walsh’s obligation to the NWMP. This coat held Walsh back as it restricted him from helping the Sioux to his full extent and as he really may have wanted to. Similarly, in the Kite Runner, Amir’s need to prove himself to his father prevented him from helping Hassan.
A kite itself is meant to represent freedom and Walsh’s red coat is meant to represent authority, which should in a way also go hand in hand with freedom because of the power of this authority. However both the kite and the coat act as not freedom, but limitations to Amir and Walsh as they must sacrifice because of their duties. The symbolism of the kite and coat are slightly different in ways as well. Amir’s obligation to his father seemed to be more self-inflicted, as he seemed to have more choice in the situation he was placed in with Hassan. Walsh, however seemed like he may have done more to help the Sioux if it weren’t for his responsibility to the government.
The red coat represents that one side of Walsh that is official and loyal to the Canadian government. The red coat and the kite are similar because they both represent a sacrifice for Walsh and Amir in order to prove their loyalty. Walsh must sacrifice the Sioux for the loyalty of the Canadian government. Amir must sacrifice Hassan for the loyalty of his father. The difference between the red coat and the kite is that ones more of a responsibility and the other one is more of a privilege. The red coat is a responsibility of Walsh as a NWMP. The Kite is a privilege to Amir because it allows himself the chance to be redeemed for his past.
I also believe that the red coat in Walsh and the kite in Kite Runner is a symbol of responsibility or duty for something really important in Walsh, or Amir’s life. However, the red coat symbolizes more of a responsibility that is obligated, whereas the kite symbolizes a responsibility that Amir has a choice over. The red coat was to represent who Walsh is as a NWMP, and his responsibility to his country and government, which also gives him pride and authority. The kite represents Amir’s responsibility as a child to fulfill his father’s wishes. It also gave him a sense of pride to be able to win the kite tournament. In Walsh, the red coat was to be given up by Walsh at the end as a sign of loyalty for his government, and although the coat gave Walsh authority and honor at the beginning, it left him with nothing but a broken man with regrets, wishing he could redeem himself, and that he should have done something more to help the Sioux and Sitting Bull. On the other hand, although the kite was what caused him to betray and sacrifice Hassan, there was “a way to be good again” for Amir. He was able to redeem himself, by making up what he’s done in the past and saving Hassan’s son.
like practically everyone else, i have to agree with grayson's idea a of the red coat in walsh being a symbol for responsiblity and that it is used similar in the kite runner because Amir feels that he is responsible for many things so he tries to live up to his father's aspects of winning that kite tournament, and sacrifices hassan in order to get that recognition that he had always wanted from baba. Eventually though Amir redeems himself unlike Walsh and he is able to take up the kite again which is evident at the end of the novel. The red coat is different from the kite though because it is also used to show power of being a RCMP and what power they really had, walsh sees that they have no power or influence and gives up the illusion of power at the end of the play
The red coat in Walsh and the kite in The Kite Runner both symbolize loyalty and responsibility. The red coat represents Walsh’s loyalty and duty to his government. The coat and the kite are somehow similar because both help the character to evolve and move on to their future. However, agree that the coat has more obligation than the kite because Amir in the Kite Runner has a choice whether to go back to Pakistan and find Sohrab or just ignore and if he can, forget what happened whereas in Walsh, the coat is a uniform meaning Walsh has responsibility for his government and people and really can’t choose what situation he wants to handle.
Walsh's official form of dress is his red tunic. This red tunic reveals to us Walsh's presence in the Northwest Mounted Police. But it also reveals to us, the binding that Walsh has to his duties and responsibilites, even though under the layer of the tunic, that may not be what he really wants. The red tunic can be presented as a layer that Walsh likes to have on himself, to be able to hide his true feelings of the situation. These may be one of truly wanting to help the Sioux, but then he would be going against his job and role that he is to play, which is portrayed by the mask that he puts on, which is his red tunic. The red tunic is Walsh's way to hide, maybe because he is too weak to stand up for what he believes is right. This was also portrayed in The KiteRunner, where Amir uses the red kite to put on a mask for his father. To show his father that he was capable of doing something, but we know that behind the kite, Amir is a weak character who could not stand up for his best friend. He believes the kite is the only way for his father to see him, becuase for so long his father has not looked at him for the way he was. Both Amir and Walsh use these items, to hide and mask what they truly are or believe.
Well.... then I'm a little late into this blog... but yea like everyone said... Responsibility, Loyalty, such and such. All of which I agree with, but not only that but the Red Coat and the Kite both seem to act as a weapon. In which case, the Kite was used to kill other kites during the Kite Fighting tournament since the string was glossed with glass. The Red Coat and the Kite relate because Walsh's Red Coat seems to be what killed the many Nez Perces, as seen on page 62 - 64. "He gives the tunic an ineffectual wipe, more a touch of the blood then looks at WALSH." This blood could act as the blood that is left behind on a sword. Both of which seem to be killing something, the kite in Kite Runner killing the other kites in the tournament, and the Red Coat in Walsh which killed the Nez Perces.
Also both the kite and the Red coat act as something that interferes with friendship. This is because the kite in Kite Runner is what ripps Hassan and Amir apart. If it wasn't for Amir's lust for the kite the outcome mayb have been different between Hassan and Amir. In Walsh it is the Red Coat that seperates Sitting Bull and Walsh. It is that red coat that makes Walsh a RCMP, and because of that it seperates him from Sitting Bull, but when Walsh takes off this 'red coat' he becomes the white sioux.
These two points (weapon and seperator) explain the connection between the Kite and the Red coat ^.^;;; and thus.... ending this post =D
Red has always been considered the colour of blood, war, and anger. It is the colour of fire and aggrivates the senses, which is why matadors use it in bull fights. Walsh's red coat is representative of all these things. Walsh is stained with the blood of the dead Native people and Sitting Bull. The NWMP are in a war against the Natvie people and there is anger against these people from the white settlers for no reason other than their skin. This coat is used to present the agrrivation, anger, and bloodshed all covering Walsh, burdening him throughout the play. It is used like the blue Kite in "The Kiterunner" to make Walsh feel guitly as the kite did to Amir. They are both symbolic of the guilt felt. A red coat to describe the anger he feels at the events and the blood staining his hands. A blue kite to represent the guilt ans sorrow felt, and that false sense of calm water, when really it is a hurricaine.
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