Plot

by Stephen H.

A Long Way Gone follows Ishmael Beah, a young boy turned fugitive turned soldier, on his journey through war-torn Sierra Leone as he attempts to outrun the death and destruction wrought by both rebel and government forces alike during his country’s civil war.

More, including a full plot summary and 10 related questions, after the break.

Character

by Nicky D.

Summary of the characters
Ishmael Beah, born in Sierra Leone had told his own story of his memories as a boy solider. Many Tragedies had taken place in the life of Ishmael and his brother Junior. The two brothers had gone away to perform in a rap group with friends, when a civil war had broken out in Sierra Leone and they were unable to return home. Leaving their families behind had been their only choice. Though it was difficult for Ishmael to handle with constant flashbacks of his family, Ishmael had been very understanding and strong. Throughout the novel Ishmael had also been very caring, selfless, hopeful, courageous, passionate, pliable and outgoing. Later on in the novel after Ishmael had lost his family, he had been put into the government army and the army had slowly become his family. Ishmael had become easily influenced and had followed and believed what they had taught him to, Ishmael had begun to commit terrible acts, acts many would not have thought of.
Junior, Ishmael’s brother had demonstrated many different characteristics throughout the novel, junior had been very protective towards Ishmael, much like a father figure. Junior had also been very caring, sensitive, and had his moments of being very quiet, though junior had tried being very strong for his little brother. Many tragedies had a large impact on the lives of the young boys though the relationship between the boys was inseparable.

Questions related to the characters
1. “Blood was running down her dress and dripping behind her, making a trail. Her child had been shot dead...” “Junior, Talloi and I looked at each other and knew that we must return to Mattru Jong, because we had seen the Mogbwemo was no longer a place to call home and that our parents could possibly be there anymore...” What does this quote tell you about Ishmael Beah?
2. “Junior gave me his bucket, took my empty one, and returned to the river.” What does this quote tell you about the relationship between Ishmael and Junior?
3. How old is Ishmael Beah?
4. How many brothers does Ishmael have? What are their names?
5. How old is Ishmael?
6. Why does Ishmael not go to school?
7. Why does Ishmael not speak to his father?
8. What did Ishmael do to kill time when he was alone for over a month? Who became his new "friend."?
9. How does Laura Simms help Ishmael?
10. Who is the officer in charge of training the boy soldiers under Lieutenant Jabati?

Setting

by Madison J.

Summary of the setting

The story “A long way gone” by Ishmael Beah takes place in 1993 Sierra Leone. A civil war has broken out across the country. The once peaceful scenic land has melted into a rebel infested battle ground. Corps', blood and filth cover the streets. With the absence its of people in the streets of towns, life seems to to have turned on itself; night become darker, the world becomes scary and the silence is agitating.

Questions related to the setting

1)Name at least two neighboring towns to Ishmael's town?

2)What's the name of of Isameal's grand mother's village?

3)What's located on the east side of Isameals grand mothers village? The west?

4)Briefly describe what Ishmael sees when he's carrying a dead corps to the cemetery?

5)How does the absence of people and the threat of attach effect the tone of life in Mattru Jong?

6)How does the tone change after ten days in Mattru Jong with no attach?

7)What's the only escape route from the town of Mattru Jong?

8)when the six boys return to Mattru Jong after the first attach to get money, why does Ishmael describe it as unfamiliar?

First Post

by Stephen H.

Hello, world!

Welcome to A Long Way Gone, a blog studying the novel of the same name by Ishmael Beah. Over the next 4 weeks, we will be posting updates focusing on 4 elements of the novel:

• Setting
• Character
• Plot
and
• Theme

Until the next time!