1.) A memorable moment in chapter 14 & 15 was on page 124, chapter 14. This scene was when Ishmael Beah and a few other guys raided a village, and took there supplies including food, water, clothes, and even drugs. The group shot there guns at anything that moved. After all of that, Beah and the group then tied a few people up that lived in the village. Beah then relates in his head about why his lieutenant gave them tasks without an explanation given. He just wanted the job done right once, and quick. Shifting back into the tied up people, lieutenant made up a competition for the group. This competition isn’t a normal one either. The goal was to slice the tied up civilians once, and wait till they die. The first person to drop was the winner. Lieutenant shot in the air to start the competition. Beah sliced his person across the neck, slicing his Adam’s apple with his bayonet on the gun. “The prisoner leaned his weight on me as he gave out his last breath” (Beah 125). Beah won the challenge, and everyone cheered him on. He was then givin a higher rank, and celebrated with doing drugs and watching war movies one again.
I belive that this memorable moment for the readers due to its visual explanation, and Beahs reaction. This reveals that Beah now isn’t scared of death, he wants to kill and survive. Back then, Beah would never shoot a gun. He would run away from the shots and be independent. With all of that being said, I feel disgusted. I understand that every human being has to change for war, but to make it a game was foul and unnecessary.
2.) The second bullet point is talking about “How does this transformation of character change your perspective of Beah?” I believe that deep down inside Beahs heart, he is still the young, innocent boy he was always meant to be. I understand that war changes everyone in every way, but this is to far. He participates in a killing challenge that is brutal, and it has no bad effects on him. By Beah winning, it makes him better, and feels like he is the best. I want to feel sorry for Beah, but i just cannot. I feel confused but disgusted.
I completely agree with you that it was a bad idea to have the kids participate in this competition. They are fifteen years old and shouldn't be competing to see which prisoner dies first. I also agree with you that this could cause some issues for Beah in the future. At this point he is so used to killing people and is going to act that way for the rest of his life.
ReplyDeleteI agree that once Beah wasn't scared of death he could go out to different villages and raid them and not be afraid to kill if he has too.
ReplyDeleteI can understand why you feel no sorrow for Beah. ultimately the boy has changed from an innocent boy into a cold hearted killer. although I personally feel sorry for him because I feel like he commits reckless acts because he looks up to an improper remodel. Ultimately with his family gone he has no other person to get advice from than his lieutenant and he only incites violence into his mind. This is why Beah has become a monstrous killer and I feel sorry for him
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