Amir cries at the end of chapter 7 of The Kite Runner because he is overwhelmed by shame and guilt over his cowardice and inaction during a traumatic event involving Hassan.
The Burden of Witnessing
Upon returning home after the kite tournament, Amir is met with his father's proud embrace, a moment he had long yearned for. However, despite this external validation, Amir is internally shattered by what he has just witnessed and his own failure to act.
His tears are a profound manifestation of:
- Shame for Cowardice: Amir is deeply ashamed of himself for being a coward. He stood by and watched Hassan being brutalized by Assef and his friends, and instead of intervening or trying to help, he ran away. This feeling of utter powerlessness and self-reproach crushes him.
- Guilt of Betrayal: He carries immense guilt for abandoning Hassan, his loyal friend and half-brother, during a moment of extreme vulnerability. His inaction is a profound betrayal, a choice that prioritizes his own fear and desire for self-preservation over Hassan's safety and well-being.
- The Weight of Silence: The incident is a heavy secret that Amir now carries, knowing he failed Hassan in the most critical way. This secret, compounded by his deep shame, becomes a defining burden that will haunt him for years.
This emotional breakdown signifies a critical turning point for Amir, highlighting the deep moral wound that will drive much of his subsequent actions and his eventual quest for atonement.
