Hosseini uses irony to tie the links between past and present. The author shows how ironic it is that Amir was finding it funny that he faced in Assef’s onslaught. In this scene, the picture depicts a confrontation between two boys. In the novel, Amir finds it ironic (and thus hilarious) that he is finally facing the physical punishment he deserved. The feeling of being healed comes as a form of redemption as he is finally able to cleanse himself of his sins by saving Hassan’s son. Essentially, Amir is realizing the consequences of his actions, and receives an emotional cleansing for his past sins. Because he failed to prevent Hassan’s rape, Amir demonstrates his redemption by trying to fight Assef.