A Long Walk to Water Themes and Choices

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Why is Nya worried about her little sister Akeer?

She is sick and often small children die from this illness.

What choice is Nya's family faced with?

To stay where they are

To let her try to get well at the camp with no medicine (correct)

To move to a different camp

To take Akeer to a doctor 2 days away to get medicine (correct)

What does Salva think happened to Marial?

Salva thinks Marial was killed by a lion.

What does Salva's group have to do to get to Ethiopia?

Cross the Nile River to get to Ethiopia. Signup and view all the answers

What does the group do to get across the Nile?

They make boats out of reeds. Signup and view all the answers

How does Salva help in the task of making boats?

Salva gathers reeds and brings them to the boat builders. Signup and view all the answers

What choice does Nya's family make about Akeer's illness?

To take her to a medical clinic. Signup and view all the answers

What must the family do so Akeer does not get sick again?

Boil the water so it is clean and she will not get sick again. Signup and view all the answers

Why will it be difficult to boil water while the family is at the lake camp?

Because they only get a little bit of water and it will evaporate when boiled. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Salva's group stop on their journey across the Nile River?

On an island where fishermen live. Signup and view all the answers

What food does Uncle share with Salva?

Sugar cane, fish, and yams. Signup and view all the answers

What does Salva remember his father bringing him as a treat from the marketplace?

His father brought him mangoes. Signup and view all the answers

How did his father bring these treats home?

He put them in the spokes of his bicycle to get them home since he could not carry them. Signup and view all the answers

What happens after all the fishermen go into their tents?

Salva and his group are attacked by thousands of mosquitoes. Signup and view all the answers

What warning are Salva's group given about crossing the desert to get to Ethiopia?

To take a lot of water since they are crossing the desert. Signup and view all the answers

Chronologically list the four challenges that happen to Salva as he starts to cross the Akobo desert in Chapter 9.

<ol> <li>His shoes (made from tires) were so worn out, he had to go barefoot. 2. Thorns pierced his feet. 3. He stubbed his big toe and lost the toenail. 4. He came across a group of men who were dying.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What was Salva's main enemy when he crossed the Akobo desert?

Nature Signup and view all the answers

Who helped Salva when he was at his lowest to start walking across the desert?

Uncle. Signup and view all the answers

How did Uncle help Salva walk across the desert?

Uncle spoke Salva's full name and told him to walk to the nearest landmark, and then when they reached the landmark, would tell him to walk to the next nearest landmark. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the only one in the group to offer water to the group of dying men they find in the desert?

A woman. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nya's Concerns

Nya is worried about her sister Akeer due to her illness, which is often fatal for small children.
A vital choice is faced by Nya's family regarding Akeer's treatment: walk two days to a doctor or stay at the camp without medicine.

Salva's Journey

Salva speculates that Marial, his companion, was killed by a lion while they are separated.
To reach Ethiopia, Salva's group must cross the Nile River.
They construct boats using reeds to facilitate the crossing.
Salva actively participates by gathering reeds for the boat builders.

Health and Safety

Nya's family decides to take Akeer to a medical clinic for treatment.
To prevent Akeer from falling ill again, they must boil water for cleanliness.
The family struggles with boiling water at the lake camp due to limited water supply, which may evaporate during the process.

Crossing the Nile

The group halts on an island inhabited by fishermen during their journey across the Nile.
Salva's uncle shares food, including sugar cane, fish, and yams, with him.

Childhood Memories

Salva reminisces about his father bringing him mangoes as a treat from the marketplace, transported in the bicycle spokes for convenience.

Challenges in the Desert

At night, after the fishermen retreat to their tents, Salva and his group face an onslaught of mosquitoes.
A crucial warning is given to Salva's group: carry ample water for the desert crossing.

Overcoming Obstacles

Salva encounters several hardships while traversing the Akobo desert: he must go barefoot due to worn tires, suffers cuts from thorns, injures his toe, and discovers dying men in need of assistance.
Nature presents the greatest challenges, including heat, sun, and treacherous terrain.

Support and Encouragement

During his lowest moments, Salva receives support from his uncle, who encourages him to focus on reaching nearby landmarks.
His uncle uses Salva's full name to instill confidence and motivate him through the difficult journey.

Acts of Kindness

Among the group of dying men found in the desert, a woman is the only one who offers them water, highlighting the importance of compassion in dire situations.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the central themes and critical choices faced by Nya and Salva in 'A Long Walk to Water'. Analyze the challenges of survival, health decisions, and the journey to safety as highlighted by their respective narratives. Delve deeper into the implications of their experiences and the importance of family and resilience in difficult times.