Questions and Answers
Who did the boys encounter after days of walking?
They met two men that put them at gunpoint. They looked as if they were bathed in charcoal and had red eyes.
As Ishmael became sick at the sight of the four dead men on the ground, what did the soldier say?
You will get used to it, everybody does eventually.
Where were the boys taken to?
They were placed on a boat to Yele, a military-controlled village.
How was the atmosphere of the town?
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What was Ishmael suffering from, and why didn't he tell anyone?
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What was one nightmare Ishmael had?
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Why does the community seem tense?
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What book does Lieutenant Jabati and Ishmael recite from?
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How come Shakespeare's Julius Caesar is important to Ishmael?
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What happened to the soldiers?
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After the battle, how did the few returning soldiers react?
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As more soldiers returned, prepared, and left for war, what did that signify to the village?
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After being notified that the rebels surrounded the village, what does the lieutenant order for the village to do?
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What did Ishmael and his friends decide to do?
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How did the lieutenant further push his point for the war?
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What is the lieutenant's perception of the rebels?
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On the first day of training, what were the boys given?
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As they were given a new set of clothing, what did Ishmael forget in his old clothes that was eventually burned in the fire?
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Explain how their first day of training went.
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What was eventually added to their training?
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What would the corporal say to fire the boys up?
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As they became more familiar with the gun and training, what ignited in Ishmael?
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Study Notes
Encounter and Initial Impressions
- Ishmael and his friends encountered two men armed with guns, described as having red eyes and charcoal-like skin.
- The sight of four dead bodies affected Ishmael, prompting a soldier to dismiss his reaction by saying, "You will get used to it, everybody does eventually."
- The boys were taken to Yele, a military-controlled village.
Atmosphere of Yele
- The town displayed a facade of happiness, filled with chatter, laughter, and smiles, contrasting sharply with the presence of orphans.
- "Life was not lived in fear during the day" in this village, suggesting a temporary sense of normalcy despite underlying tensions.
Personal Struggles
- Ishmael suffered from migraines but felt unable to disclose his condition to the community, isolating himself instead.
- Nightmares plagued Ishmael, one involving a graphic vision of his head being shot and blood being licked by a dog.
Military Tension
- An unidentifiable tension permeated the community, exacerbated by Lieutenant Jabati’s lengthy addresses to soldiers.
- Jabati and Ishmael recited Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, which Ishmael used to engage with adults in discussions, signifying the blending of culture with wartime realities.
Effects of Warfare
- Only ten soldiers remained in the village after many left to fight, creating an eerie quietness.
- Returning soldiers displayed signs of distress, with one soldier rocking back and forth and Lieutenant Jabati expressing anger by breaking a radio.
- The village braced for impending conflict, particularly when rebels surrounded them.
Call to Arms
- Lieutenant Jabati rallied men and boys to fight, asserting that staying in the village while refusing to fight was unacceptable.
- Ishmael and his friends resolved to remain in the village, equating departure with death.
Justifications for Violence
- The Lieutenant illustrated the grim fate of individuals who resisted fighting by showing the bodies of a slain father and son.
- He expressed a dehumanizing view of rebels, believing they had forfeited their right to live, framing their destruction as a necessary evil.
Training for Combat
- The boys received AK-47 rifles on their first training day, urged to overcome their fear by their commander.
- In the chaos of training, corporal Gadafi instilled a sense of urgency, pushing the boys to improve their speed and efficiency.
Rising Hatred
- As familiarity with the weapons increased, Ishmael's feelings morphed into deep hatred towards rebels, igniting a desire for vengeance.
- The phrase "The rebels are responsible for everything that has happened to you" intensified Ishmael's animosity, fueling his violent thoughts and fantasies.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Chapter 12 of 'A Long Way Gone' with these flashcards. This quiz covers key events and powerful statements from the chapter, providing insights into the characters' struggles. Ideal for reinforcing your understanding of the material.
