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Foreshadowing
Explanation and Analysis—Profoundly Happy:
When Amir speaks with an old beggar who once knew his mother, he learns about Sofia's somewhat fatalistic approach to things. As the old man tells a story about her to Amir, he uses situational irony and foreshadowing to illustrate her mixed feelings about happiness. As he recounts it, Amir’s mother once said:
I'm so afraid. Because I'm so profoundly happy. Happiness like this is frightening [...] They only let you be this happy if they're preparing to take something from you.
The situational irony in this quote by Amir’s mother comes from the reversal of expectations it contains. Amir’s mother ironically feels fear because she is deeply happy. Instead of feeling secure or content, her happiness triggers dread because she’s afraid it could be taken from her. This emotional reaction runs opposite to what the reader might expect. Sofia is anxious that her happiness is a warning sign rather than a permanent state. Her total joy feels dangerous when she’s sure it will be followed by sorrow.
The foreshadowing in her statement is uncanny; especially as the old man is telling Amir this story when his mother is already dead. Within the story’s larger arc, this moment also hints at the many losses Amir will face. Her words plant the idea that any fulfillment in this world comes with hidden costs. Being “profoundly happy” should also make one profoundly afraid.
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