A Long Way Gone - LC#3

Ethan Chan

Blog Post #3 – A Long Way Gone

Quote #1

“I went to the river, dove into the water, and sat at the bottom, but my thoughts followed me.”

-Ishmael, Page 72

I thought this quote was very powerful because it has a strong metaphor. Even without the wording, I think this is very significant, because it shows how thoughts will follow you everywhere. His thoughts are very sad, and it's hard to let go of sad thoughts. I would never be able to let go of a sad memory of family if they had died.

I think this quote connects to me very well because sometimes, some sad things happen in my life and it's hard to let go. For example, one time, I had a nightmare 3 years ago, and I haven't forgotten. When you face something important in your life, it's very hard to forget.

Quote #2

“To this day, I carry the pain that my sisters and parents felt. When I climbed down after the rebels were gone, I couldn't stand and my tears froze in my eyes. I felt like my veins were being harshly pulled out of my body. I still feel like that all the time, as AI can't stop thinking about that day. What did my sisters do to anyone?”

-Saidu, Page 80

I think this quote tells us how terrible the rebels are. To have the pain of watching your sisters be raped and not be able to do anything, to not see them again, is a very saddening experience. It's hard to believe Saidu could put up with this. You simply can't forget things like that.

I think Saidu has had a lot of worries. I feel sorry for him, having to carry all of those painful memories. I think that Saidu should have lived longer, because through all the hardships he has suffered he deserves a break.