A Long Way Gone: Chapter 10 Questions

Questions and Answers

How is Ishmael feeling about the situation?

He feels like his life is an endless cycle of walking and gathering food and water. He can find moments of happiness but remains sad and always expects the worst to happen.

What was Ishmael's goal?

To survive each passing day.

After escaping another attack, what does Saidu say to the others?

He tells the boys that he is waiting for death to take him.

Upon their arrival at a new village, how did the village react?

The boys were welcomed, and the men invited Ishmael and his friends to hunt. Signup and view all the answers

On the hammock, what does Ishmael find himself thinking about?

He thinks about times with his grandmother and other happy family moments. Signup and view all the answers

What animal did his grandmother compare him to?

The spider. Signup and view all the answers

After a feast of dancing, food, and music, where did the boys head to?

They left the village at early sunrise. Signup and view all the answers

What story does Musa tell after arriving in a small village?

The Bra Spider. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the tale of the Bra Spider.

It's about a spider that ties himself to attend every feast but misses all of them. Signup and view all the answers

How does this tale explain the spider's tiny waist?

The ropes the spider tied to himself were pulled tightly by the villagers. Signup and view all the answers

What is Ishmael's memory about his grandmother?

He remembers a story about the day he was named during a ceremony. Signup and view all the answers

How was the naming ceremony performed?

Everyone in the community participated, with food prepared, and an imam officiating. Signup and view all the answers

As they found their food to be gone, who was the culprit?

A stray dog. Signup and view all the answers

What is Musa's story?

Musa's family was attacked by rebels while he was with his father, and his mother went missing. Signup and view all the answers

What is Alhaji's story?

He returned home from getting water to find his family gone. Signup and view all the answers

What is Kanei's story?

He escaped with his parents but lost his siblings in a rebel attack on their boat. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jumah and Moriba's story?

Their houses were destroyed, and they went to search for their parents without success. Signup and view all the answers

What is Saidu's story?

He was stuck in an attic while rebels attacked his family, who were taken away. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the raven the boys found while traveling?

The boys cooked and ate the raven despite the warnings. Signup and view all the answers

How does the book foreshadow that something bad might happen?

Ishmael notices the breeze, clouds, and trees have stopped moving. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during their night journey?

The boys encounter ghostly figures, and Saidu fainted. Signup and view all the answers

Once they discovered another welcoming village, why does Ishmael want to leave immediately?

He was informed that his family might be in the next village. Signup and view all the answers

After spending the night in the village, what did they discover?

They learned that Saidu had died during the night. Signup and view all the answers

How does Saidu's death affect Ishmael?

Ishmael is left to ponder who will be next to die and develops a fear of the dark. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ishmael's Feelings and Goals

Ishmael deals with a cycle of survival, constantly seeking food and water while grappling with sadness and the anticipation of worst-case scenarios.
His primary aim is to survive each day amidst the chaos around him.

Saidu's Perspective on Death

After an attack, Saidu admits to the group his waiting for death, expressing how each escape feels like a part of him is lost.
Ishmael internalizes Saidu's sentiments, reflecting on the heavy burden of survival.

Reception in the New Village

Upon arrival, the boys are warmly accepted by the villagers who invite them to join in a hunting expedition.
The village celebrates their catch with a feast, showcasing community spirit through singing, cooking, and joyful collaboration.

Memories and Longing

While resting on a hammock, Ishmael reminisces about cherished moments with his grandmother, enhancing his sense of longing for family ties.
His grandmother compared him to a spider, highlighting his playful, trickster nature.

Departure and Storytelling

After a joyful night of feasting and dancing, the boys leave the village at dawn, following an uncertain path but embracing their fleeting happiness.
Musa entertains them with a tale about the Bra Spider, symbolizing the desire to be part of every celebration.

The Bra Spider's Tale

The story narrates a spider's ambitious quest to feast with all surrounding villages, ultimately leading to its failure and suffering due to its inability to manage expectations.

Ishmael's Naming Ceremony

Ishmael recalls a significant community event where he was named, emphasizing cultural belonging and communal responsibility.
The celebration involved the whole town, showcasing rich traditions of food preparation, dressing, and rituals.

Challenges and Loss of Supplies

Tension arises when the boys discover their food has disappeared, initially blaming each other until realizing a stray dog is responsible.

Personal Histories of Escape

Musa shares the trauma of losing his mother during a rebel attack while fleeing, illustrating the dangers civilians faced.
Alhaji's story involves returning home to find his family missing, while Kanei recounts losing siblings during an escape.
Jumah and Moriba describe their house destruction and failed search for their parents.
Saidu’s backstory reveals the horrors endured by his family under rebel control, heightening the sense of loss among the group.

Raven Incident and Supernatural Tensions

The boys cook a raven they find during their travels, despite dire warnings, which foreshadows impending danger.
As they journey through the night, they encounter mysterious figures that amplify their fears, leading to a troubling incident where Saidu faints and expresses belief in ghosts.

Urgency of Family Search

Ishmael's desire to leave a welcoming village immediately is fueled by a woman’s claim of seeing his family in the next village, intensifying his desperation.

Loss and Fear after Saidu's Death

After spending the night, the boys awaken to the tragic news of Saidu’s death, which deepens Ishmael's anxiety about future losses within the group.
This event instills a paralyzing fear of the dark in Ishmael, symbolizing the ever-present threat to their survival and mental state.

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Description

Explore the complexities of Ishmael's feelings and survival goals in Chapter 10 of 'A Long Way Gone'. This quiz will help you comprehend the emotional and psychological aspects Ishmael faces in his harrowing journey. Test your understanding of the key themes and insights from this chapter.