A Long Way Gone Approach Paper
Approach Paper
A Long Way Gone
Katyana Nguyen
9 January 2012
Honors World History
I.Summary
A Long Way Gone tells the true story of Ishmael Beah, a boy turned child soldier during a civil war in Sierra Leone. The violence and hardships of war throw Ishmael and a group of his friends in a struggle for survival, committing acts that they never knew they were capable of. Ishmael and his friends are transformed into violent, brainwashed soldiers to kill rebels. After some time, they are taken by UNICEF to a rehabilitation center where the boys are treated for their traumatic experiences. Ishmael is invited to New York to speak in front of the UN, but upon returning to Sierra Leone, the war catches up with Ishmael once again. He flees to Guinea and makes a new life in the US.
II. Character Descriptions
Ishmael Beah- conflicted, trustworthy, conscientious, reserved
Esther- compassionate, considerate, amicable, caring, genuine
Uncle Tommy- benign, indubitable, affectionate, rational
Laura Simms- benevolent, understanding, generous, sympathetic
III. Discussion Questions
1) In what ways does war affect the children of Sierra Leone physically and emotionally? How does being captured as a child soldier erase all trace of innocence?
2) Compare the civil war in Sierra Leone to a war fought by the U.S. Although all war is tragic, what makes this civil war in Sierra Leone especially devastating?
3) Is war ever justifiable? Take into account the wars fought all over the world in the past by international community. Is it political or personal reasons, or both? Evidence?
IV. Key Passage
“Every time people come at us with the intention of killing us, I close my eyes and wait for death. Even thought I am still alive, I feel like each time I accept death, part of me dies. Very soon I will completely die and all that will be left is my empty body walking with you. It will be quieter than I am.” –Ishmael Baeh
V. Key Passage Explanation In
A Long Way Gone
Katyana Nguyen
9 January 2012
Honors World History
I.Summary
A Long Way Gone tells the true story of Ishmael Beah, a boy turned child soldier during a civil war in Sierra Leone. The violence and hardships of war throw Ishmael and a group of his friends in a struggle for survival, committing acts that they never knew they were capable of. Ishmael and his friends are transformed into violent, brainwashed soldiers to kill rebels. After some time, they are taken by UNICEF to a rehabilitation center where the boys are treated for their traumatic experiences. Ishmael is invited to New York to speak in front of the UN, but upon returning to Sierra Leone, the war catches up with Ishmael once again. He flees to Guinea and makes a new life in the US.
II. Character Descriptions
Ishmael Beah- conflicted, trustworthy, conscientious, reserved
Esther- compassionate, considerate, amicable, caring, genuine
Uncle Tommy- benign, indubitable, affectionate, rational
Laura Simms- benevolent, understanding, generous, sympathetic
III. Discussion Questions
1) In what ways does war affect the children of Sierra Leone physically and emotionally? How does being captured as a child soldier erase all trace of innocence?
2) Compare the civil war in Sierra Leone to a war fought by the U.S. Although all war is tragic, what makes this civil war in Sierra Leone especially devastating?
3) Is war ever justifiable? Take into account the wars fought all over the world in the past by international community. Is it political or personal reasons, or both? Evidence?
IV. Key Passage
“Every time people come at us with the intention of killing us, I close my eyes and wait for death. Even thought I am still alive, I feel like each time I accept death, part of me dies. Very soon I will completely die and all that will be left is my empty body walking with you. It will be quieter than I am.” –Ishmael Baeh
V. Key Passage Explanation In