Redemption Road: Themes and Analysis
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of Bendu Lewis in the novel?

  • She faces difficulties and overcomes them. (correct)
  • She is a cowardly character.
  • She avoids forming romantic relationships.
  • She is indifferent to her family's struggles.

What significant event occurs during Bendu and her granny's visit to Sumoville?

  • Catherine May Lewis passes away. (correct)
  • Bendu gets married.
  • They discover treasure.
  • Bendu has a vision about the war.

What represents Catherine May Lewis' remains at the memorial program?

  • Her body is displayed in a casket.
  • A grand funeral procession.
  • A symbolic representation of her favorite items. (correct)
  • A photo slideshow of her life.

Why did Siatta Terrence not participate in the war effort in Liberia?

<p>She was in America during the war. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is Granny May characterized by those who attended her memorial?

<p>She had a sense of humor and was generous. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main theme explored in 'Redemption Road'?

<p>Redemption and the human capacity for hope (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is the protagonist of 'Redemption Road'?

<p>Bendu Marie Lewis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which historical period is 'Redemption Road' set?

<p>After Liberia's civil wars from 1989-2003 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does Bendu Lewis take on to aid her community?

<p>A founder of an NGO for traumatized war survivors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What motivates Bendu to seek justice for her community?

<p>Her personal healing and the voiceless victims' suffering (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which character is known as Granny May?

<p>Catherine May Tyler (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge faced by Bendu Lewis in 'Redemption Road'?

<p>Counseling traumatized survivors while recalling her own experiences (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting of 'Redemption Road'?

<p>The streets of Monrovia during a time of war (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Bendu Lewis

The protagonist of the story, she is a courageous woman who faces many challenges. She deals with her rebellious husband Solomon after being captured and taken to a camp.

Granny May

Bendu's paternal grandmother, known for her kindness and sense of humor. She dies while fleeing a war, leaving behind cherished memories.

Rebecca

A character who witnessed the war's impact firsthand and experienced the loss of her loved ones.

Siatta Terrence

Bendu's elder sister, with light skin inherited from their mother. She lives in the United States and relies on others for information about the war in Liberia.

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Terrence Clarke

Siatta's husband, part of the Liberian government. This adds a layer of complexity to their family dynamic.

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Themes of "Redemption Road"

The exploration of forgiveness, inhumanity, child abuse, the trauma of war, and death amidst adversity, with the main focus on the power of redemption and the enduring human capacity for hope and transformation.

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Setting of "Redemption Road"

Set in post-civil war Liberia, the story highlights the ongoing struggle for peace and justice within a nation scarred by conflict and social inequalities.

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Who is Bendu Lewis?

A young Americo-Liberian woman who is both a victim and perpetrator of war crimes. Driven by a desire for justice, she founds an NGO to counsel war survivors and seeks to reclaim her lost daughter.

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The quest for justice in Liberia

The quest for justice and reconciliation in Liberia after the civil wars from 1989-2003.

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What is PIP?

Bendu's organization that provides counseling and support to traumatized Liberian civil war survivors.

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Bendu's Personal Journey

Bendu's emotional journey as she confronts her own war-time experiences to find healing for herself and others while working to find justice for the victims.

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The Theme of Redemption

The idea that even in the darkest of times, hope and the possibility of redemption can exist. This idea is conveyed through Bendu's quest for justice and healing.

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Bendu's Character

Bendu's character reflects the resilience and strength of people who have been through difficult experiences. Her dedication to helping others despite her own struggles highlights the power of human spirit.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Redemption Road

  • Novel by Elma Shaw, published in 2015
  • Explores themes of forgiveness, inhumanity, child abuse, war trauma, and hope for transformation
  • Novel focuses on the aftermath of Liberia's civil war (1989-2003)

Background of the Novel

  • Deals with the quest for peace and justice in Liberia following the civil war
  • Protagonist, Bendu Lewis, is a victim and perpetrator of war crimes
  • Bendu founds an NGO to help those affected by the war and seeks justice for her community

Setting

  • Story takes place in Monrovia, Liberia, during the administration of Charles Taylor
  • Nation plagued by conflict and inequalities since its founding by freed American slaves
  • Focuses on recovery, atonement, and continuing quest for peace and justice

Plot

  • A troubled detective investigates the murder of Bendu Lewis's mother
  • Bendu confronts violent past and trauma of the war
  • Bendu establishes an NGO and works with survivors of the war
  • Solomon, Bendu's husband, captured and taken to Duluma camp. Bendu escapes

Characters

  • Bendu Lewis: Protagonist, young woman, Americo-Liberian, war survivor
  • Catherine May Tyler (Granny May): Bendu's grandmother
  • Mr. and Mrs. Lewis: Bendu's parents
  • Agnes: Collaborates with Bendu in her NGO
  • Solomon: Bendu's rebel husband
  • Other characters: victims of war and survivors of the war, including children and the elderly

Themes

  • Redemption and transformation
  • Collective and individual justice
  • The trauma of war and its lasting effects

Key Issues

  • Inequalities
  • Conflict
  • Trauma and healing

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Description

Explore the profound themes in Elma Shaw's novel 'Redemption Road', which delves into forgiveness, trauma, and the quest for justice in post-civil war Liberia. This quiz analyzes key elements such as the protagonist's journey and the societal impact of war on individuals. Test your understanding of the narrative and its significance.

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