A Long Way Gone
Chapters 5 through 8
Ishmael Beah
How does he feel throughout this ordeal?
He is...
- Hungry--hungry enough beat up a little boy and steal his food.
- Terrified and paranoid--he's constantly under the threat of being killed by rebels and often runs away from his own shadow.
- In need of reassurance/support--in these trying times, he is constantly looking for support and reassurance, but is unable to find any.
- Frustrated and desperate--after a rebel attack, he leaves his friend Kaloko and sets out on his own to try to stop living in fear and to try to find a hospitable community where he can live.
- Heartbroken--he has been separated from his friends and family and may not see them ever again.
Setting
Situations Similar to Ishmael's
Nigerian Military vs. Boko Haram
Ishmael is caught in the middle of a war very similar to this one going on right now. Thousands upon thousands have been killed in the crossfire between the terrorist group and military, and Boko Haram is recruiting civilians and siphoning off the trust from the population, much like what the RUF is doing to Sierra Leone.
Afghan Civil War
Common Theme
Conflicts
Number One
Number Two
Man vs. Self: Ishmael is constantly thinking about the horrors that he's been through and what dangers lie ahead--he is never able to relax and is constantly under pressure. He doesn't want to think about what happened to him, and, as a result, he spends all of his time trying not to think about it and bottling up his emotions, which can be harmful in the long run.
Important Words
Torment:
To afflict with great bodily or mental suffering; pain
Paralyze:
To bring to a condition of helpless stoppage, inactivity, or inability to act.