A Long Walk to Water Analysis

Why does Nya's mother tell Nya to take Akeer to the pond?

Why doesn't Nya want to take Akeer to fetch water?

What does Nya's action of taking Akeer with her to the pond show about Nya?

Nya makes two trips every day to fetch water. How much time does this take?

How many months of the year does Nya have to fetch water?

How can Nya best be described based on her water-fetching routine?

Why didn't the second Dinka group want to take Salva with them?

Is their attitude similar to or different from the first Dinka group that left Salva in the barn?

How is Salva feeling when he thinks they would leave him behind again?

What does the woman who convinces the man to take Salva with them show about her?

What question does Salva ask over and over again?

Why does Salva fall behind the group during this journey?

How are Salva and Buksa the same?

How are Salva and Buksa different?

What does Buksa discover with the help of the honey guide?

Nya's Responsibilities

Nya's mother believes it's essential for Akeer to learn fetching water, as this task primarily falls to women and girls.
Nya is reluctant to take her younger sister Akeer to the pond due to Akeer's small size and slow pace.

Nya's Work Ethic

Despite her reluctance, Nya respects her mother’s wishes and takes Akeer, demonstrating her obedience and responsibility as a daughter.
Nya makes two water-fetching trips daily, consuming nearly an entire day of walking.
For seven months each year, fetching water is a daily obligation for Nya, showcasing her hardworking nature.

Salva's Journey

The second Dinka group is hesitant to take Salva with them, fearing he will slow them down and become an additional burden for food.
This group's attitude mirrors that of the first Dinka group, both seeing Salva as a liability.

Emotional State of Salva

Salva feels sad and hopeless, worried about being left behind by another group, as indicated by the phrase "Salva hung his head."
His primary concern is the whereabouts of his family, which he repeatedly asks.

Changes in Group Dynamics

A woman in the group manages to persuade a man to allow Salva to join them, indicating her influential role and authority within the group.

Salva and Buksa

Salva and Buksa share a youthfulness, both being young boys navigating their challenges.
They belong to different ethnic groups; Salva is Dinka, while Buksa is Jur-chol.

Discovery through Nature

Buksa, aided by the honey guide bird, finds a beehive, showcasing resourcefulness and connection to nature.

This quiz explores the themes of responsibility, hard work, and emotional struggles in the book 'A Long Walk to Water'. It examines the characters Nya and Salva, highlighting their challenges and personal growth. Engage with the insights on gender roles and resilience in the face of adversity.