A Long Way Gone - Flashcards for All Chapters

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?

The moon Signup and view all the answers

Where did the boys get the guns to shoot the armed group in the soccer field?

He was remembering when he was in Sierra Leone and in the rebel army who gave them all AK-47s. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Mogbweno' refer to?

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By what means of transportation did Ishmael escape in Chapter 21?

Bus - then walked to the next bus. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how Ishmael's uncle died.

He became sick and had a fever. They couldn't find a doctor that would come to their house to help him. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the children's UN conference. What was the point of the conference?

Discuss solutions to the children of the world's problems. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the goodbye that Ishmael had with his friends the day he left rehab.

Mohammed hugged him, then Mambu grabbed both of them. Alhaji shook his hand and said goodbye squad leader. Esther gave him a huge hug and her address. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the other children that attended the conference.

Ishmael describes many of the other children as having difficult childhoods. He said that many risked their lives to attend the conference. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the scene when Mohamed and Ishmael went to get food in Chapter 21.

Most food had been taken by the government. People were beginning to get to the market to buy food. As they were there, soldiers came into the marketplace and killed people. On their way back home, they witnessed protesting people being shot and other violent crimes. They had to wait until night and then try to sneak back home. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Vanderbilt YMCA and Ishmael's first night there.

He watched TV all night and sweated because the heater was on full blast. He did not understand how to adjust the heat in his room. Signup and view all the answers

Describe what Ishmael did when he got back home to Sierra Leone.

He told his family about the trips. Signup and view all the answers

Did Ishmael enjoy the food in America?

He did not understand the food of America. He wanted Cassava leaves and other African foods. Signup and view all the answers

How many checkpoints did Ishmael have to go through before getting to Conakry?

50 miles to the capital and 15 checkpoints. Signup and view all the answers

How was Ishmael treated when he started school after speaking at the UN conference?

Like an outsider because the other students learned that Mohammed and he were child soldiers. Signup and view all the answers

Leslie invites Ishmael to speak to the UN about his experiences. Describe his experience at the interview.

He marveled at the tall building. The other 20 boys were better dressed than him and were probably from the city. They laughed at him because he was not sure how to use an elevator. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize Ishmael's speech to the UN.

He told that the war has caused families to separate. Children forced into wars and their childhoods are lost as soldiers and orphans. Signup and view all the answers

Two things - the cold and snow - really shocked Ishmael. Why?

They had never seen or experienced snow and the cold temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

What did Ishmael think people did in New York City?

Ishmael was afraid that it would be violent. From listening to rap music, he believed people shot each other every day on the streets. Signup and view all the answers

What did Laura do for Ishmael and Bah?

Gave him a winter jacket, hat, and gloves. Signup and view all the answers

What did the immigration officers take from the passengers so they could cross the country? Why was this so upsetting to Ishmael and others?

300 Leones. They were benefitting from people fleeing war. Signup and view all the answers

What fears does Ishmael have about being repatriated to his uncle's home?

He may not seem grateful to his uncle. He had been on his own for so long. He was also worried about how to hide his migraines and nightmares from his cousins. Signup and view all the answers

What happened on May 25, 1997?

The AFRC and the RUF overthrew the current government (President Tejan Kabbah) in gunfire and revolts. Signup and view all the answers

In Chapter 21, what happened to the people who could not pay the bribes?

Risked being sent back to the city if refused. Those who could not pay the bribes would have valuables taken. Signup and view all the answers

What reason did Ishmael give as to why he should be chosen to speak at the UN?

He suffered from the war and he also participated in it. Signup and view all the answers

What was his answer to the monkey riddle?

Shoot the monkey (kill his mother) and never put other hunters in that predicament again. Signup and view all the answers

What was Ishmael's family's response to him leaving for New York City?

His uncle still seems to not fully believe that Ishmael is going to America. He told Ishmael that he would see him for dinner. Signup and view all the answers

In Chapter 21, what was the name of the town the bus took the passengers to?

Conakry, Guinea. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Allie take Ishmael? How was the experience for Ishmael?

He took Ishmael to a dance where he met Zainab. The dance triggered a memory of an attack when he was a boy soldier. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Ishmael end up at the end of the chapter?

Sierra Leone Embassy. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the members of Ishmael's extended family?

His uncle, uncle's wife, Auntie Sally, with no children of their own, he raised his family members' children - Allie - oldest boy, 21 years-old, Matilda, Kona, Sombo - 6 years-old, Ishmael - 15 years-old. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Laura Simms? Why did Ishmael like her so much?

Laura was a storyteller. She was also a co-facilitator. She later became Ishmael's adoptive mother. Signup and view all the answers

Who was now living with Ishmael?

Mohammed. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the new government?

AFRC & SLA/RUF 'sobels'. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Ishmael stop dating Zainab?

She asked too many questions, and he would not answer, so she broke it off. Signup and view all the answers

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?

It is her job to ask these questions. She asked him if he had a bank account or property. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ishmael try to leave Sierra Leone?

He was afraid that he would be killed or become a soldier again. Additionally, Laura Simms told Ishmael that he could come and live with her if he could make it out of Sierra Leone. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Ishmael's uncle skeptical about Ishmael's trip to the UN in New York?

He said people were always lying to others with such promises, 'do not get your hopes up, my son.' Signup and view all the answers

What would Ishmael's grandmother give him to eat when he awoke in the hammock at her farm?

Cucumber. Signup and view all the answers

What would Ishmael's grandmother call him because of his tricks?

Carseloi (spider). Signup and view all the answers

How would Ishmael's father try to get him to take a shower?

Chased him with a cold bowl of water. Signup and view all the answers

In Chapter 10, when the boys left the village that had been so kind to them, what did they carry?

Smoked meat and a gallon of water. Signup and view all the answers

What folk tale did Musa fall in Chapter 10?

Bra Spider stories. Signup and view all the answers

In the story Musa told, what dish did Bra Spider's village make?

Okra soup with palm oil and fish. Signup and view all the answers

What was slaughtered to eat for Ishmael's name-giving ceremony?

Sheep. Signup and view all the answers

What did the older women call Ishmael at his name-giving ceremony?

'Little Husband.' Signup and view all the answers

What took the boys' meat in Chapter 10?

A dog. Signup and view all the answers

Where was Musa's mother when Mattru Jong was attacked?

At the market to buy fish. Signup and view all the answers

What was the sound in the beginning of the chapter? What did Beah appreciate about it?

They heard a sound like thunder or like tanks. However, it was only the Atlantic Ocean. Beah appreciates the ocean as it has remained beautiful despite the madness around it. Signup and view all the answers

What rumor did the villagers hear? Why is this significant?

They heard 7 boys coming into the village and they decided to defend themselves. This is significant as it shows that the country has stopped trusting innocent children. Signup and view all the answers

What did the villagers do to the boys?

They tied them up and took away their shoes. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the boys as a result?

The boys walked on hot sand for miles. This peeled off the soles of their feet and hurt them very badly. Signup and view all the answers

Whose hut did they go into?

An unknown man's hut. Signup and view all the answers

How did the man help the boys?

He heats grass to put their feet on. He also gives them an ointment to apply on their feet. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the man so significant?

The man is significant as it shows the very small part of society that trusts children and still believes in innocence within humans. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Kanei's demeanor.

Kanei is a very stoic person. He had a soft yet authoritative voice and knew how to handle situations better than the other boys. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the amount of talking done by each boy.

Jumah, Musa, Kanei, and Alhaji spoke a lot and were the lively members of the group. However, Saidu, Moriba, and Ishmael spoke very little. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the woman tell the boys to get out of her hut?

Because the villagers have realized the boys are still in the village. They are attacking the boys, and the woman doesn't want herself and her son to be caught helping them. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the man not tell the boys their names?

Because he doesn't want to risk being thrown under the bus by the boys. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the scene where the boys were caught by the fishermen.

There were 12 men running after the 7 boys. Beah knew that he was going to get caught. Therefore, he gave up. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the reference to the title: 'A Long Way Gone.'

The words 'A Long Way Gone' in the book symbolize that Beah has come a long way since where he began. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the chief calling the boys 'devils'?

It shows that the war has dehumanized the boys. They aren't seen as children. Rather, they are seen as devils or something too bad to be considered human. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the rap tapes helped the boys. What do they represent?

Playing the rap tapes showed the chief that the boys were not soldiers but were just children. The rap tapes show the chief the innocence that the boys possess. This is exactly what the tapes represent. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how this time, dancing was different for Beah.

It was forced and done by fear, not love and passion. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Beah's emotions during the war.

He was sad because of the family he lost and paranoid about dying at the hands of the rebels. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Beah live for the majority of Chapter 8? What was it like?

He lived in a forest that had thick trees. He found a tree that had woven branches that made a hammock for him. It was very uncomfortable. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Beah pick up a stick in the woods?

He wanted to defend himself from snakes and other animals. Gave him a sense of security. Signup and view all the answers

What is the dilemma that Beah faces regarding the fruit? What does he do? Why?

He questions whether he should eat the fruit or not since it could be poisonous. He decides to eat it as he would have died of hunger if he didn't. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the nameless fruit.

It was shaped like a lemon and was red and yellow. It was crusty, watery, and fruity and had a tiny seed. It smelled like mangos and oranges, and something that was inviting. It didn't taste good, however. Signup and view all the answers

How was the medicine that helped with brain power made?

It was made by writing a special Arabic prayer on a slate with ink from another medicine. The writing was washed off the slate, and the water (Nessie) was put into a bottle. Signup and view all the answers

How did the medicine help him?

It helped him have photogenic memory and helped him throughout his life. Signup and view all the answers

How does Beah take a bath? What does this show us about him?

He went to the stream and used grass as soap. This shows us that he is very resourceful. Signup and view all the answers

What was the worst part about being in the forest?

The loneliness. Signup and view all the answers

Why was being lonely hard for Ishmael?

Being lonely made him think about the family he lost and the war. Signup and view all the answers

What happened during Beah's encounter with the wild pigs?

He ran for half a mile and jumped on a tree. Signup and view all the answers

What was the story behind the Wild Pigs and Humans? Who told him this story?

Ishmael's Grandma told him the story of how a hunter pretended to be a pig and killed many boars. This led to hatred between the two animals. Signup and view all the answers

What did Ishmael's father say? What does it mean?

Ishmael's father states: 'If you are alive, there is hope for a better day and something good to happen. If there is nothing good left in the destiny of a person, he or she will die'. This makes Beah push forward and keep on living. Signup and view all the answers

How long did Beah spend in the forest?

One month. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the people in Beah's new group?

Alhaji, Saidu, Temne, Kanei, Jumah, Musa, and Moriba. Signup and view all the answers

Why was being in a group of 7 a problem?

Child soldiers are a threat as they are used extensively in war. A group of 7 boys could mean a raid on the village. Therefore, people were hostile. Signup and view all the answers

What did a month of isolation do to Beah?

He became disconnected from humans and couldn't interact. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Old Man say to the boys? What does it mean?

The old man says: 'My children, this country has lost its good heart. People don't trust each other anymore. Years ago, you would have been heartily welcomed in this village. I hope that you boys can find safety before this untrustworthiness and fear cause someone to harm you.' This means that the war has made people not trust anyone. Signup and view all the answers

Where are the boys going to?

They are going to Yele, Bronthe. Signup and view all the answers

What was the man afraid of? Why is this significant?

He is afraid of the boys' future. This is significant because it symbolizes the idea that the old man is afraid of the future of the country. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the encounters with villagers the boys have.

They are all hostile toward the boys and try to kill them before realizing that they are not a part of the war, rather they are running away from it. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the rebel attack on Kamator.

The attack was a surprise. During the imam, the rebels attacked and caused a serious loss of life. Signup and view all the answers

How did Ishmael separate from the group?

Beah was outside while Junior and the others were inside. Because of this, Beah had to run away rather than find them. Signup and view all the answers

During Ishmael's return to the village, what did he find?

Kaloko. Signup and view all the answers

What thoughts invaded Ishmael's mind?

How his family is being stripped away from him, one by one. Signup and view all the answers

How does the memory Ishmael has of his family moving to Mogbwemo contradict his current situation?

In the memory, his family was unified. Now, however, Ishmael is alone. Signup and view all the answers

What did Ishmael decide to do after having built up frustration from living with fear? How did the first day go?

Ishmael decided to leave the bushes alone, only carrying oranges with him. He said his goodbyes and instantly found himself crying due to the anxiety of what was to come. He had encountered no one on his way. Signup and view all the answers

How did the next 5 days go?

He met no one for 5 days. Signup and view all the answers

Describe his coconut experience.

Due to his hunger, he climbed up a coconut tree with ease. However, after he was nourished and rested, he simply couldn't get up. Signup and view all the answers

How did the 6th day go?

He met a family in a river. This family refused to trust Beah. Signup and view all the answers

What 3 other boys is Ishmael with as the story opens?

Junior, Talloi, Mohammed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of Ishmael's village?

Mogbwemo. Signup and view all the answers

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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