A Long Way Gone Post 2

In this section of the book, Ishmael and his group has run into more conflicts resulting from the rebel attacks. With every village they go to they are being captured or harassed more and more from the people of the village. No one in any of the villages they go to trust them. They walk for days and days trying to get to the coast.

The boys still follow how their ancestors would live, even in these desperate times of the story. Like their ancestors, the boys rely on oral tradition and storytelling to both entertain and to explain the world around them. To pass the time one night, Musa tells the story of Bra Spider who also struggled for food and survival. Listening to Musa's story reminds Ishmael of similar evenings listening to stories around his grandmother's campfire. Oral storytelling also plays a key role in the ceremonies of the village, and Ishmael is reminded of the tales told the night of his name-giving ceremony. The power of nature is a constant force on Ishmael's journey. He spends his evenings walking and feels that the moon is a constant companion. On moonless nights he is uncomfortable and frightened. Because the boys often walk in silence, their senses have become keener. The noise of nature is pervasive, and the forest both protects them from attacks and hides their attackers. They listen to the leaves for danger. They assess the wind for threats. They seek cover in the forest during thunder and lightning storms. The theme of the chaos of war is prevalent in this chapter. The boys are filled with excitement and hope at the possibility of seeing their families, only to have the village go up in flames before their eyes. The threat of violence is constant. The uncertainty of the rebels' next move creates a terrible tension and fear. Because the attack happens just as the boys are approaching the village, Ishmael blames Gasemu, a banana farmer, who delayed their arrival by asking for their help carrying bananas. Ishmael is furious and tries to strangle Gasemu.