A Long Way Gone Chapters 9-14 Quiz

Questions and Answers

What information does the group gain from listening to the rebels?

They overhear the rebels boasting of the killings, but there is uncertainty as to whether some villagers may have escaped.

What ultimately happens to Gasemu and how?

Gunshots begin again and the boys run deeper into the forest with bullets at their back. When the boys finally stop, they realize that Gasemu has multiple gunshot wounds. They take him to the wahlee outside the village, where he dies.

What happened to Gasemu in the end?

Gasemu had been shot while they were running away from the rebels.

Where did Gasemu tell the boys to go?

Gasemu told the boys to go to the wahlee. Signup and view all the answers

How did the boys grieve Saidu's death?

The boys all cried except for Ishmael, who was trying to hold back tears by covering his face with the palm of his hands. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Gasemu?

Gasemu used to be one of the notorious single men in Ishmael's town. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gasemu say about his family?

Gasemu told Ishmael that his parents and brothers will be happy to see him. They have been talking about him every day and pray for his safety. Signup and view all the answers

How did Ishmael feel when he thought of seeing his family again?

Ishmael felt happy at the thought of seeing his family again. Signup and view all the answers

What happened as Ishmael was going down the hill?

As Ishmael was walking down the hill, he heard gunshots, dogs barking, people screaming, and crying. He then saw thick smoke rising from the village. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the village after the gunshots.

After the gunshots, the village was completely on fire and bullet shells covered the ground like mango leaves in the morning. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Gasemu start screaming?

Gasemu started screaming because he saw more than twenty people lined up laying facedown in the earth. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the house Ishmael's family stayed at?

The house where Ishmael's family stayed at burnt down, burning the door and window frames. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Ishmael have a guilty feeling?

Ishmael felt guilty because there was nothing he could do to help his family. If they hadn't waited on the hill, he would’ve seen his family. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the 10 rebels they saw, how were they acting?

The 10 rebels were laughing and giving each other high fives. Two of them looked slightly older than Ishmael. They had blood on their clothes. Signup and view all the answers

What were the rebels boasting about?

The rebels were boasting about what they had done that day. They had burnt three villages that same day. Signup and view all the answers

How do you think it made Ishmael feel seeing a familiar face and being recognized?

Ishmael felt glad seeing a familiar face and being recognized. Signup and view all the answers

What feeling do you think they were feeling knowing they were close to seeing their families?

I think the boys felt happiness and excitement knowing they were close to seeing their families. Signup and view all the answers

Do you think any of the boys' families made it out of the village?

I think the boys' families made it out of the village. Signup and view all the answers

What was the affiliation of the group of men who took the boys at gunpoint?

They are stopped by two government soldiers with rifles who take them to another village. Signup and view all the answers

How is life different for the boys in Yele than it had been in previous villages?

The village seems an oasis of normalcy in the war, but it is flooded with orphans. The boys assist in daily work routines and believe they have found a safe haven. Signup and view all the answers

What were Ishmael's symptoms that weren't detected by the village doctor?

Beah's nightmares and migraines increase in intensity, but he makes no mention of it to the village doctor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Beah's music being destroyed in this chapter?

The rap tapes symbolize Ishmael's childhood and happier days; they are destroyed as he joins the military. Signup and view all the answers

What did they use the banana tree for?

The boys were taken to a banana farm where they practiced stabbing the banana tree while visualizing it as rebels. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lieutenant Jabati tell the boys to get them to see what the rebels have done?

Lieutenant Jabati showed them some gruesome bodies, reminding them of the dangers of the rebels. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Lieutenant Jabati.

Lieutenant Jabati was a tall man with barely any hair. His eyes were big and complemented his full cheekbones. Signup and view all the answers

Was the lieutenant's speech inspiring? Why?

I think the lieutenant's speech was inspiring, because he inspired the men to kill the rebels for what they've done. Signup and view all the answers

What was the training regime like?

During the training, they had to run around the building for a few minutes, then began to learn to crawl in the bushes nearby. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the men they encountered as they walked.

The men they encountered had dark faces, as if they bathed them in charcoal, and they had extremely red eyes. Signup and view all the answers

Who ambushed the boys?

Fisherman Signup and view all the answers

What did the fishermen do to the boys?

They jabbed the boys with their weapons, made them drop to the ground, sat on top of them, and tied their hands. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the fishermen attack the young boys?

Because they thought they were rebels. Signup and view all the answers

Why was it a bad punishment taking their shoes from the boys?

Their feet were getting burnt from the 120-degree floor. Signup and view all the answers

What did the strange man do for the boys?

He heated some type of grass and placed it underneath their feet. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Musa and how is he described?

Musa was a student with a round face, short and bulky stature, and big eyes. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Kanei.

Kanei had a long and calm face, was skinny and short, with well-maintained dark hair. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Alhaji.

Alhaji spoke with elaborate gestures and was friends with Jumah. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Jumah.

Jumah often nodded along in agreement and kept his hands crossed behind his back. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Saidu and Moriba.

Saidu had big ears and Moriba played with his hands, examining the lines on his palm. Signup and view all the answers

What happened when twelve men ran after their group of seven?

They wrestled the boys to the sand and tied them up. Signup and view all the answers

What saved Ishmael and the boys from being killed?

A tape cassette. Signup and view all the answers

How did the boys repay the kind fisherman who helped them?

They returned his kindness by not identifying him as an accomplice. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the man with the fishing hut help the boys?

He was moved by their wounds and showed them hospitality and kindness. Signup and view all the answers

What sounds did the boys hear?

They heard water hitting the rocks, loud engine roars, and rolling metal drums. Signup and view all the answers

How does the ocean help Ishmael remain at peace during war?

He admires the waves and finds calmness in watching the ocean. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the clusters of huts on the beach.

The village was empty, with mortars, jerry cans leaking water, and fires left on cooking huts. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the boys crying without sound?

They were too thirsty to even make a sound. Signup and view all the answers

Which one of these boys would you most likely identify with?

I would likely compare myself to Saidu and Moriba. Signup and view all the answers

After Ishmael finds out more about the host, describe him.

The host treated the boys kindly, bringing them water and food. Signup and view all the answers

What did Ishmael do to surprise the chaser?

He gave up and let the chaser tie him up. Signup and view all the answers

What did the chief of the village call the boys?

The chief called the boys 'devils' and 'rascals.' Signup and view all the answers

What specific things did Ishmael miss about his family?

He missed his grandmother's hands, his mother's embrace, and his father's laughter. Signup and view all the answers

What does the description of the naming ceremony tell you about Ishmael's village?

The villagers cared for each other like family and were happy together. Signup and view all the answers

Whose story do you think is the worst circumstance among the boys?

I think Saidu's story was the worst, as he witnessed terrible acts against his sisters. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think made Saidu sick and ultimately killed him?

Saidu was slowly dying due to the attack and subsequent trauma. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Ishmael's mood in the beginning of Chapter 10.

Ishmael found some happiness but always anticipated something worse. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ishmael compare his journey with?

He compares it to that of the moon, facing thick clouds along the way. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Musa's family?

Musa's family was left behind when rebels attacked their village. Signup and view all the answers

What was Alhaji doing during the attack?

Alhaji was fetching water when the attack occurred. Signup and view all the answers

What is Kanei's story of the attack?

Kanei lost his parents and siblings during the attack while trying to flee. Signup and view all the answers

Tell me Jumah and Moriba's story.

Jumah and Moriba ran to find their parents after the RPGs destroyed their houses. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Saidu's family unable to leave town during the attack?

The rebels broke into their home and raped his sisters, taking everything. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Saidu's sister?

Saidu's sisters were repeatedly raped during the attack. Signup and view all the answers

Which boy in the group died, and what did they do for him?

Saidu died, and they held a burial for him. Signup and view all the answers

How do you think the boys felt when invited hunting and to stay for the feast?

The boys felt happy and grateful for the invitation. Signup and view all the answers

What did Ishmael's grandmother call him when he played tricks?

She called him 'carseloi.' Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't they want to hear the story about Bra Spider?

They already knew the story very well and didn't want to hear it again. Signup and view all the answers

Who or what took their meat?

A dog took their meat. Signup and view all the answers

Do you think the people passing by were ghosts?

False Signup and view all the answers

What do you think the dogs crying means?

The dogs could sense something wrong. Signup and view all the answers

Have you ever experienced feelings like Ishmael describes at the burial?

Yes, feeling disbelief and sorrow when my grandmother passed away. Signup and view all the answers

What is the unsettling thing about Ishmael's journey?

He wasn't sure when or where it would end. Signup and view all the answers

Why are the boys always on the move?

They don't have a permanent place to live. Signup and view all the answers

What does Saidu mean by 'I feel like each time I accept death, part of me dies'?

He feels numb and empty from continuously facing death. Signup and view all the answers

What do spiders symbolize in his culture?

Spiders symbolize a character that tricks others but faces consequences. Signup and view all the answers

Tell me one of your fondest memories with your family.

Spending time together, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to their meat?

Their meat was stolen by a dog. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think of the crow falling out of the sky?

It may signify hunger or that something bad might happen. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the dogs crying?

They sensed that something was wrong. Signup and view all the answers

What customs exist in your culture when someone dies?

We hold a funeral and a family gathering with food. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think was a foreshadow of death?

Their journey was a foreshadow of death. Signup and view all the answers

After finding himself in the middle of a thick forest, what does Ishmael do to adjust?

He cleared away dead leaves and marked his path. Signup and view all the answers

Whom do the boys come across and how does Ishmael know him?

They encounter Ngor Gasemu, who has seen Ishmael's family. Signup and view all the answers

What change does Gasemu notice in Ishmael?

Gasemu recognizes Ishmael's impatience and concern for his family. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ishmael attack Gasemu?

He attacks out of anger due to the delay caused by carrying bananas. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 9 Highlights

Fishermen ambushed the boys, mistaking them for rebels, and restrained them using weapons and nets.
The misunderstanding reflects fear and suspicion in times of conflict; villagers believed young boys could be rebels.
A fisherman ultimately helped the boys by applying heated grass to soothe their burnt feet.

Character Descriptions

Musa: Short and bulky with a round face and expressive eyes; he became a reliable companion.
Kanei: Skinny and meticulous about his hair, showcasing a calm demeanor.
Alhaji: Communicative with expressive gestures and friends with Jumah.
Jumah: Group's agreeable member, often nodding in approval during conversations.

Group Dynamics

Saidu and Moriba: Reserved and introspective; Moriba often absorbed in his own thoughts.
The group's fear was heightened when twelve men chased them, eventually capturing some and tying them.
A tape cassette played by Ishmael impressed a village chief, sparing their lives momentarily.

Moments of Kindness and Reflection

The boys showed gratitude to the fisherman who helped them by keeping his identity secret.
The ocean subsequently provided Ishmael with solace amidst the chaos of war, invoking calmness.
Despite the friendly gestures from individuals, the villagers showed brutality when collective safety was threatened.

Chapter 10 Insights

Ishmael profoundly misses his family's physical presence and the comfort they provided.
The naming ceremony depicted a strong sense of community and familial bonds among villagers.
Saidu's narrative about witnessing his sisters’ trauma exemplifies the harsh realities of war.

Thematic Developments

The boys' emotional states fluctuate; they yearn for safety and comfort while grappled by the trauma of their experiences.
Saidu's and Ishmael's discussions highlighted critical themes of loss, acceptance of death, and the haunting nature of their past experiences while navigating through war.

Chapter 11 Developments

Ishmael tries to find comfort in a familiar space after feeling lost, clearing a campsite for rest.
Meeting Gasemu, who brings news of Ishmael's family, temporarily sparks hope among the boys.
Tension rises when Ishmael attacks Gasemu, blaming him for their delays, symbolizing how frustration can manifest destructively during dire circumstances.

Tragic Outcomes

Gasemu sustains gunshot wounds while fleeing, illustrating the relentless danger surrounding the boys.
The group's grief over Saidu's death underscores the loss that permeates their journey, though they feel compelled to keep moving.
Gasemu reaffirms the love and concern of Ishmael's family, emphasizing the enduring connections that persist despite physical distance.

Cultural Reflections

Themes of community support contrasting with fear and violence are evident throughout the narrative, showcasing its impact on relationships and individual identities.
Customs around grief and loss play a significant role in understanding the boys' emotional landscape within the larger context of war.### Family & Emotional Turmoil
Ishmael's older brother returned searching for him, feeling guilt for the family's circumstances.
The thought of reuniting with his family filled Ishmael with happiness.

The Scene of Crisis

As Ishmael descended a hill, he was overwhelmed by the sounds of gunfire, barking dogs, and cries of distress, along with smoke emerging from the village.
The aftermath of the gunfire left the village in flames and littered with bullet shells.

Grief and Trauma

Gasemu's scream was triggered upon discovering numerous bodies lying facedown, amplifying the emotional damage.
Ishmael's family house was destroyed, with remnants of its structure diminishing.

Guilt and Anger

Ishmael struggled with guilt for not assisting his family, feeling anger directed at Gasemu for not acting sooner.

Rebels' Presence

A group of ten rebels displayed brazen behavior, relishing violence and bloodshed while playing cards and using drugs.
The rebels boasted about their destruction of three villages in one day.

Illusions of Safety

Upon arrival in Yele, the boys experienced a temporary sense of normalcy amid the chaos of war.
The village, bustling with life, allowed children to play and families to coexist, giving the illusion of safety and happiness.

Internal Struggles

Ishmael suffered from debilitating migraines and nightmares due to trauma but did not disclose this to the village doctor.

Tension and Dread

Increased tension in Yele arose as rebels surrounded the area and the military's hold weakened.
The atmosphere darkened with the approach of war as gunfire sounded nearby.

Manipulation and Recruitment

The lieutenant displayed the dead bodies of a father and son to instill fear and rally the villagers against the rebels.
Boys were prompted to seek revenge for fallen family members as part of their indoctrination into military service.

Emotional Responses

The villagers reacted fiercely to the lieutenant's speech, expressing a desire for vengeance against the rebels.
Ishmael and his friends felt a storm of emotions following the speech, shifting from determination to fear.

Destruction of Innocence

Ishmael’s loss of rap tapes in a fire symbolized the destruction of his childhood and the impending shift towards violence and military life.

Training Regimen

The boys underwent rigorous soldier training, reminiscent of bootcamp, involving physical conditioning and combat preparation.

Actions Against the Rebels

Ishmael joined the fight due to the threats posed by rebels, motivated by retribution for his family's losses.
Lieutenant Jabati's speech galvanized the boys into action, highlighting the brutal realities of their reality.

Visual Manipulation

Lieutenant Jabati effectively employed emotional appeals to steer the boys' sentiments toward hostility against the rebels.
The boys' training included visceral exercises that deepened their desire for revenge against their oppressors.

Physical Descriptions

The men encountered by the boys exhibited frightening physical characteristics, suggesting their harsh realities.

Reflection on Safety

Despite initial appearances of safety in Yele, Ishmael felt compelled to distance himself from recreational activities due to his psychological trauma.

Nightmares

Ishmael's dreams were haunting and vivid, indicating deep-seated trauma and fear that plagued his thoughts, including visions of violence and helplessness.

Summary of Lieutenant

Lieutenant Jabati was a commanding presence, invoking respect and fear among his men, embodying authority in his demeanor.

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Test your knowledge on Chapters 9-14 of 'A Long Way Gone'. This quiz includes important events and characters, helping you recall critical moments and themes from these chapters. Perfect for reviewing key details and understanding the progression of the story.