In the novel The Kite Runner, why is violence essential to the plot and development of the story?

One of the significant themes throughout the novel deals with violence, in particular, rape. Khaled Hosseini uses violence to not only illustrate the negative effects individuals can inflict on one another, but also displays how countries like Afghanistan become ravaged and destroyed by war. It is the violent act of rape that essentially ruins Amir's relationship with Hassan. It is also the violent fighting among tribal groups, as well as the invasion of the Russian army which forces Baba and Amir to leave for America. When Amir travels back to Afghanistan, he is faced with the challenge of saving Sohrab from the violent members of the Taliban. Violence also parallels emotional pain. Characters who experience or witness physical pain, are emotionally scarred. Self-sacrifice is also associated with the theme of violence. Hassan, Baba, Sohrab, and Amir all risks their lives and physical well-being to save others throughout the novel. The threat of violence makes their sacrifices even more significant and meaningful. Hosseini suggests that only love and sacrifice can defeat the threat of violence.