`We didn’t know we were leaving home never to return.’

1. Sets the story:

i) Tells the stories of refugees arriving in areas.

ii) Mogbwemo is untouched by the war.

iii) The Horror of the War: they do not experience it, but only hear about it.

‘Apart from their fatigue and malnourishment, it was evident they had seen something that plagued their minds that we would refuse to accept if they told us all of it.’

iv) Foreshadowing of the destruction to come: Rambo and Liberia

2. The boys’ journey to Mattru Jong:

i) Why do they set out to Mattru Jong? Their preparation.

ii) Stop in Kabati. Interaction with his grandmother.

iii) Arrive in Mattru Jong. News of the attack.

iv) Return to Kabati. Horror of what once was.  

v) Return to Matru Jong. They are lost boys, without hope or direction.

3. Significance and HISTORY OF RAP: (Educator’s Notes)

i) Gives him a sense of style:  dress, behaviour, dance moves.

ii) Creates a sense of belonging: peer group.

iii) Lyrics: unite teenagers searching for meaning in their lives.

iv) An expression of self, freedom, dreams, philosophy. A sense of harmony.

v) Blacks in America – idols for blacks in Africa.

vi) A connection with a world and a life still to come.

vii) It will be his salvation – separates him from rebels. The poetry, vocabulary and dance moves save his life.

4. Indications that they will not return: Irony of comments:

i) `The running man’

ii) `we didn’t know we were leaving home never to return’

iii) `but we told her that we will be back the following day’

iv) `she would wave us off with her right hand, a sign of good luck.’

5, Description of nature

i) Beah’s understanding of the world and nature is simplistic and beautiful.

ii) Nature becomes complicated as his life becomes complicated.

iii) He clings to his earlier memories for solace.

6. How is Beah just a little boy? What do we learn about Beah?

7.  Link this chapter with New York City, 1998

i) Reality vs fiction.

ii) We know he survives because he tells us so. There is no attempt to create suspense and to sensationalise. 

iii) His intention is to tell his story.

Learner Preparation for LESSON 8:

1. Learners to read CHAPTER 2 & CHAPTER 3.

2. Learners to consider the following for discussion:

i) CHAPTER 2

• • How does Ishmael Beah’s past, present and future come together ?

ii) CHAPTER 3

• • What is the value of money/material things to the boys?