Questions and Answers
What village do the four boys travel to for the talent show?
Mattru Jong
At whose house are they when they hear of the attack on Ishmael's town?
Khalilou's house
Describe the scene from Ishmael's eyes as he tries to return to the village. List at least three disasters he witnesses.
VW van with murdered family and a sick man. A man carrying his dead son promising to save him. A mother whose baby was dead and too sad to cry, she just rocked the baby.
What was Ishmael fascinated with and was advised to 'strive' like?
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Where did the boys get the guns to shoot the armed group in the soccer field?
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What does 'Mogbweno' refer to?
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By what means of transportation did Ishmael escape in Chapter 21?
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Describe how Ishmael's uncle died.
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Describe the children's UN conference. What was the point of the conference?
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Describe the goodbye that Ishmael had with his friends the day he left rehab.
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Describe the other children that attended the conference.
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Describe the scene when Mohamed and Ishmael went to get food in Chapter 21.
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Describe the Vanderbilt YMCA and Ishmael's first night there.
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Describe what Ishmael did when he got back home to Sierra Leone.
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Did Ishmael enjoy the food in America?
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How many checkpoints did Ishmael have to go through before getting to Conakry?
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How was Ishmael treated when he started school after speaking at the UN conference?
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Leslie invites Ishmael to speak to the UN about his experiences. Describe his experience at the interview.
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Summarize Ishmael's speech to the UN.
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Two things - the cold and snow - really shocked Ishmael. Why?
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What did Ishmael think people did in New York City?
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What did Laura do for Ishmael and Bah?
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What did the immigration officers take from the passengers so they could cross the country? Why was this so upsetting to Ishmael and others?
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What fears does Ishmael have about being repatriated to his uncle's home?
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What happened on May 25, 1997?
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In Chapter 21, what happened to the people who could not pay the bribes?
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What reason did Ishmael give as to why he should be chosen to speak at the UN?
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What was his answer to the monkey riddle?
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What was Ishmael's family's response to him leaving for New York City?
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In Chapter 21, what was the name of the town the bus took the passengers to?
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Where did Allie take Ishmael? How was the experience for Ishmael?
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Where did Ishmael end up at the end of the chapter?
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Who are the members of Ishmael's extended family?
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Who was Laura Simms? Why did Ishmael like her so much?
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Who was now living with Ishmael?
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Who was the new government?
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Why did Ishmael stop dating Zainab?
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Why did the lady at the UN want to be assured that Ishmael would not stay in the United States, and what did she ask as for proof that Ishmael would return to Sierra Leone?
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Why does Ishmael try to leave Sierra Leone?
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Why was Ishmael's uncle skeptical about Ishmael's trip to the UN in New York?
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What would Ishmael's grandmother give him to eat when he awoke in the hammock at her farm?
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What would Ishmael's grandmother call him because of his tricks?
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How would Ishmael's father try to get him to take a shower?
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In Chapter 10, when the boys left the village that had been so kind to them, what did they carry?
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What folk tale did Musa fall in Chapter 10?
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In the story Musa told, what dish did Bra Spider's village make?
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What was slaughtered to eat for Ishmael's name-giving ceremony?
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What did the older women call Ishmael at his name-giving ceremony?
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What took the boys' meat in Chapter 10?
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Where was Musa's mother when Mattru Jong was attacked?
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What was the sound in the beginning of the chapter? What did Beah appreciate about it?
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What rumor did the villagers hear? Why is this significant?
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What did the villagers do to the boys?
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What happened to the boys as a result?
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Whose hut did they go into?
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How did the man help the boys?
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Why is the man so significant?
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Describe Kanei's demeanor.
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Describe the amount of talking done by each boy.
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Why does the woman tell the boys to get out of her hut?
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Why does the man not tell the boys their names?
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Describe the scene where the boys were caught by the fishermen.
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Describe the reference to the title: 'A Long Way Gone.'
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What is the significance of the chief calling the boys 'devils'?
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Explain how the rap tapes helped the boys. What do they represent?
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Explain how this time, dancing was different for Beah.
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Describe Beah's emotions during the war.
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Where did Beah live for the majority of Chapter 8? What was it like?
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Why did Beah pick up a stick in the woods?
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What is the dilemma that Beah faces regarding the fruit? What does he do? Why?
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Describe the nameless fruit.
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How was the medicine that helped with brain power made?
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How did the medicine help him?
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How does Beah take a bath? What does this show us about him?
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What was the worst part about being in the forest?
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Why was being lonely hard for Ishmael?
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What happened during Beah's encounter with the wild pigs?
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What was the story behind the Wild Pigs and Humans? Who told him this story?
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What did Ishmael's father say? What does it mean?
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How long did Beah spend in the forest?
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Who were the people in Beah's new group?
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Why was being in a group of 7 a problem?
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What did a month of isolation do to Beah?
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What did the Old Man say to the boys? What does it mean?
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Where are the boys going to?
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What was the man afraid of? Why is this significant?
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Describe the encounters with villagers the boys have.
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Describe the rebel attack on Kamator.
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How did Ishmael separate from the group?
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During Ishmael's return to the village, what did he find?
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What thoughts invaded Ishmael's mind?
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How does the memory Ishmael has of his family moving to Mogbwemo contradict his current situation?
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What did Ishmael decide to do after having built up frustration from living with fear? How did the first day go?
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How did the next 5 days go?
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Describe his coconut experience.
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How did the 6th day go?
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What 3 other boys is Ishmael with as the story opens?
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What is the name of Ishmael's village?
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Study Notes
Transportation and Escape
- Ishmael escaped via a bus in Chapter 21, continuing on foot to reach the next bus.
Family and Loss
- Ishmael's uncle became gravely ill and died due to a lack of medical assistance.
Children's UN Conference
- The conference aimed to address and find solutions for issues faced by children globally.
Farewell from Friends
- Ishmael's friends bid him farewell after rehab; emotional moments included hugs and exchanged addresses.
Other Conference Attendees
- Many children at the conference came from troubled backgrounds, risking their lives to attend.
Market Violence
- During a food run, Ishmael and Mohamed witnessed market-related violence, including soldiers killing civilians.
First Night at Vanderbilt YMCA
- Ishmael spent his first night watching TV and struggling with the room's temperature controls.
Return to Sierra Leone
- Upon returning, Ishmael shared stories of his experiences with his family.
Cultural Shock with Food
- Ishmael found American food unfamiliar, longing for traditional African dishes like cassava leaves.
Conakry Checkpoints
- To reach Conakry, Ishmael navigated through a challenging 15 checkpoints over 50 miles.
School Experience after UN Speech
- Ishmael felt like an outsider after his experiences were revealed, facing discrimination due to his past.
UN Interview Comparison
- Ishmael was awed by the UN building; he felt out of place compared to the wealthier, better-dressed boys.
UN Speech Summary
- Ishmael highlighted the war's impact on family separation and the loss of childhood for affected children.
Snow and Cold
- Ishmael was shocked by his first experiences with snow and cold weather in New York.
Preconceived Notions about NYC
- Ishmael feared New York City would be violent after hearing it associated with rap music.
Care from Laura
- Laura provided Ishmael with essential winter clothing upon his arrival in America.
Immigration Process
- Immigration officers exploited refugees by collecting bribes, causing distress among passengers.
Fears of Repatriation
- Ishmael worried he might seem ungrateful living with his uncle after long independence and struggles.
Political Turmoil
- On May 25, 1997, a coup by the AFRC and RUF led to government overthrow and violence.
Bribe Consequences
- People unable to pay bribes risked deportation and faced confiscation of their belongings.
Justification for UN Speech
- Ishmael believed his suffering and involvement in war made him a suitable candidate to speak at the UN.
Monkey Riddle Answer
- The answer addressed the cycle of violence, emphasizing the need to protect others from similar fates.
Family's Reaction to NYC Trip
- Ishmael's uncle remained skeptical of his trip to America, dismissing it as a likely deception.
Bus Destination
- Ishmael’s bus took passengers to Conakry, Guinea.
First Dance Experience
- At a dance, meeting Zainab triggered painful memories for Ishmael of his time as a child soldier.
Ishmael's Final Location
- By the end of the chapter, Ishmael was at the Sierra Leone Embassy, seeking safety.
Extended Family Dynamics
- Ishmael's family included his uncle, aunt, and raised cousins, reflecting a network of support.
Laura Simms' Role
- Laura Simms, a storyteller and co-facilitator, became a crucial figure in Ishmael's life, acting as a parental figure.
Mohammed's Influence
- Mohammed became a significant companion to Ishmael, continuing their bond beyond struggles.
New Government Intricacies
- The AFRC and the SLA/RUF were recognized as the new governing bodies, often violent in nature.
Relationship with Zainab
- Ishmael's romantic relationship with Zainab ended due to her probing questions about his past.
UN Officer's Concerns
- An immigration officer questioned Ishmael’s intentions in the U.S., reflecting deeper skepticism about refugees.
Motivation to Leave Sierra Leone
- Fearing for his life and inspired by Laura’s invitation, Ishmael sought a way out of the war-torn country.
Uncle's Reservations
- Ishmael's uncle doubted the promises of safety, warning him against misplaced hopes.
Grandmother's Offerings
- Ishmael's grandmother would offer cucumbers as a morning snack, highlighting familial warmth.
Grandmother's Nickname for Ishmael
- She affectionately called him "Carseloi" due to his mischievous behavior.
Father's Bathing Tactics
- Ishmael's father playfully chased him with cold water to encourage hygiene.
Departure with Supplies
- When leaving the village that supported them, the boys took essential supplies, indicating survival instinct.
Musa's Tale
- Musa shared Bra Spider stories, a folk tale reflecting cultural narratives during their journey.
Name-Giving Ceremony
- A sheep was sacrificed during Ishmael's name-giving ceremony, marking cultural significance.
Treatment at the Ceremony
- Ishmael was referred to as "Little Husband" by older women, highlighting familial roles.
Loss of Food
- In Chapter 10, a dog stole the boys' meat, symbolizing their continuous struggle for sustenance.
Musa's Mother's Absence
- Musa's mother was away at the market during the attack, illustrating vulnerability during conflict.
Sound Perception
- Beah appreciated the ocean’s sound, contrasting it with the surrounding chaos of war.
Villagers' Distrust
- Villagers reacted with hostility towards the boys, showcasing the war's effect on community trust.
Festival Threat
- Killing of boys was considered as a preemptive action against perceived threats by villagers.
The Unknown Man's Help
- A kind man provided the boys relief for their injured feet, representing humanity amidst violence.
Kanei's Character
- Kanei displayed stoicism and leadership qualities, differing from Timid peers in the group.
Group Dynamics
- Group loquacity highlighted personalities; while some were vibrant, others reflected trauma and restraint.
Woman's Warning
- The woman kicked the boys out to protect herself and her son, revealing self-preservation instincts.
Identity Concealment
- The man chose not to reveal the boys’ names to avoid potential repercussions.
Fishermen Encounter
- Ishmael confronted danger as the boys were pursued by fishermen, intensifying the narrative's tension.
Title Significance
- "A Long Way Gone" symbolizes Ishmael’s journey from innocence to loss, reflecting his complex emotions.
Dehumanization Perspective
- The chief’s labeling of boys as "devils" illustrates the psychological impact of conflict on these children.
Rap Tapes as Innocence
- The boys’ rap tapes were a tool demonstrating their remaining childhood innocence to the chief.
Forced Dancing Experience
- Ishmael experienced dance as a compelled act of fear, contrasting previous joyful connotations.
Emotional Struggle
- War brought on sadness and paranoia in Ishmael, deeply affecting his mental health.
Living Conditions
- Beah's forest environment was deprived of comfort, highlighting the harsh realities of displacement.
Survival Mechanism
- Ishmael picked up a stick for protection, illustrating his instinct for survival amidst danger.
Dilemma of Yum
- Beah faced a choice to eat potentially poisonous fruit, emphasizing a struggle between fear and hunger.
Description of Fruit
- A nameless fruit displayed appealing features but lacked palatability; it became essential for survival.
Medicine for Memory
- A unique medicine was crafted using prayer and ink, showcasing cultural practices.
Bathing Resourcefulness
- Beah's bathing technique with grass reflects ingenuity and adaptability in hardship.
Loneliness Factor
- Loneliness in the forest deeply affected Ishmael by augmenting thoughts of loss and fear.
Encounter with Wildlife
- Ishmael’s attempt to escape wild pigs showcased survival instincts amidst unexpected threats.
Grandma's Tale of Conflict
- The story of wild pigs represented deeper narratives of betrayal and loss in familial ties.
Father's Wisdom
- His father’s advice offered hope and resilience, pushing Ishmael to persevere through despair.
Forest Duration
- Beah spent a month in isolation, indicating extensive challenges faced in the aftermath of war.
Newfound Companionship
- Ishmael's new group included notable figures such as Alhaji and Saidu, enhancing collective survival.
Group Risks
- A seven-member group posed risks as it could easily be perceived as a raiding party by villagers.
Isolation's Impact
- A month alone distanced Beah from social interactions, underscoring psychological trauma he endured.
Old Man's Insight
- The old man's words reflected a loss of humanity in society, expressing fears of violence and distrust.
Destination Plans
- The boys aimed to reach Yele, signaling a desire for safety amidst turmoil.
Concern for Kids' Futures
- The man's fears about the boys' prospects echoed societal anxieties regarding children in conflict zones.
Villager Encounters
- The hostile interactions revealed widespread fear and the prevailing mistrust of children in war.
Rebel Attack on Kamator
- The attack was sudden, causing devastating casualties, highlighting the unpredictable violence.
Ishmael's Separation
- He lost the group during a conflict, reflecting the chaotic dynamics of fleeing violence.
Desolation of Home
- Upon returning to his village, Ishmael discovered the remnants of his former life, emphasizing loss.
Psychological Strain
- Memories of familial loss haunted Ishmael, representing his emotional turmoil throughout his journey.
Contradictory Memories
- Ishmael's past family recollection starkly contrasted his current isolation, underscoring deep-rooted pain.
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