1. CHAPTER 9

`This time we were a long way from Mattru Jong. A long way gone…’

i) What were the boys a long way gone from:

• • Literal meaning: from home, family, warmth, comforts…
  • Figurative meaning: from civilization, dignity, compassion, safety, love…

ii) Irony and ambivalence of situations:

• • the joy and resulting pain of the sea and the sand. 
  • the healing qualities of the sea.
  • the compassion of the man vs lack of compassion of his people.
  • little devils or boys? Children forced to grow up through situations not chosen by them.

iii)  Saved by his music, again.

iv) His connection with nature

`In the middle of the madness…that true and natural beauty… took my mind away…  I marveled at this sight.’

Learner Preparation for LESSON 21 & LESSON 22:

1. Learners to read CHAPTER 10.

2. Learners to consider the following for discussion:

i) imagery of impending death.

ii) the challenge of dealing with death, for 13-year-olds.