Forgotten Fire
Character development through the struggle of survival How would a 12 year old boy who watched his family die around him be able to escape the extermination of his kind? Forgotten Fire, a compelling historical novel by Adam Bagdasarian, follows the journey of Vahan Kenderian as he tries to survive the Armenian genocide. Vahan watches the world he knew collapse around him as those he cared about leave him due to the horrific circumstances placed on them. During his time the young boy meets many people who help Vahan on his journey to safety. Vahan develops his character through the people he meets during his journey, ultimately becoming the son his parents had envisioned. Vahan’s father, Sarkis Kendarian, is the first character to have
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Altoonian is the second major character to have an impact on Vahan during his journey. Mrs. Altoonian is a family friend of the Kendarians because her son, Patoi Altoonian, is a good friend of Vahan. Mrs. Altoonian takes Vahan into her home and gives him food, water, and a safe space to stay during that time. He is very grateful for the generosity of Pattoo and Mrs Altoonian during this time. After staying with the Altoonians for a week, Mrs. Altoonian is forced to have Vahan leave, “On the evening of the seventh day, as Pattoo was taking his bowl to the kitchen, she looked at me and said, “I think it's time for you to go.” She said it so calmly, so matter-of-factly, that for a moment I thought that she wanted me to go upstairs. But I knew better. I looked at Pattoo, who was standing in the hall, his back to the table. “The gendarmes can come anytime,” Mrs. Altoonian explained. “And I can't take that chance.” Pattoo turned to his mother. “Forgive me,” she said.” Vahan then leaves and is caught by gendarmes and has to make his way out once again. After escaping he makes his way towards the Altoonian household once again and is greeted with open arms. The generosity and loyalty shown by Mrs. Altoonian to Vahan shows him that generosity can save a person's life, just as she saved his by keeping him
Altoonian is the second major character to have an impact on Vahan during his journey. Mrs. Altoonian is a family friend of the Kendarians because her son, Patoi Altoonian, is a good friend of Vahan. Mrs. Altoonian takes Vahan into her home and gives him food, water, and a safe space to stay during that time. He is very grateful for the generosity of Pattoo and Mrs Altoonian during this time. After staying with the Altoonians for a week, Mrs. Altoonian is forced to have Vahan leave, “On the evening of the seventh day, as Pattoo was taking his bowl to the kitchen, she looked at me and said, “I think it's time for you to go.” She said it so calmly, so matter-of-factly, that for a moment I thought that she wanted me to go upstairs. But I knew better. I looked at Pattoo, who was standing in the hall, his back to the table. “The gendarmes can come anytime,” Mrs. Altoonian explained. “And I can't take that chance.” Pattoo turned to his mother. “Forgive me,” she said.” Vahan then leaves and is caught by gendarmes and has to make his way out once again. After escaping he makes his way towards the Altoonian household once again and is greeted with open arms. The generosity and loyalty shown by Mrs. Altoonian to Vahan shows him that generosity can save a person's life, just as she saved his by keeping him