Would either of these make a good thesis for The Kite Runner?I was told to write a thesis for a summer reading project on the Kite Runner. The...

On reading both your options - my advice is to choose one
- then take the characters/plot out completely.  Typically - any essay or project
thesis needs to be a statement of truth, based on the plot of the
novel - not a statement of plot.  Try to tweak this statement to sound more like a
theme statement - then back it up (or illustrate it) with
events from the plot.

In this way - you can use both the
examples you have written as support - and broaden the perspective of the thesis.  I see
you have basically two subjects to play with here: loyalty and guilt.  You need to ask
this question: "Based on events in the novel The Kite Runner, what
is the author trying to say about loyalty and guilt?"  Answer that question specifically
- but without any plot details.  Then support it with plot details.  Looking at what you
have so far - I might say something like, "Loyalty is often strengthened by guilt." 
-or- "Forgotten loyalty is often remembered and remedied through
guilt."

As a teacher, this is more what I would be looking
for.  Hope that helps.