1. CHAPTER 6

`The only time I enjoyed were the afternoon breaks.’

i) The consequences of the war:

• • How are the 6 boys seen?
  • People are driven by suspicion and fear.
  • The senselessness of the boys’ hard labour.

ii) Rap music:

• • The unknown heroes who have helped the boys.
  • `He saved our lives.’

iii) Memories:

• • These give details of Beah’s life circumstances. 
  • They assure him of his identity, which he is slowly losing. 
  • The poignant relationship with Junior prepares us for their separation. 

iv) The duality of nature:

• • Nature gives a sense of surety and solace.
  • Nature links to his past. 
  • The harshness of nature is brutal to the boys when farming. 

2. CHAPTER 7

`I felt as if I was always waiting for death to come to me…’

i) Institutions of civilisation are destroyed by rebels: 

• • killing of the Imam
  • Beah’s memories of religious blessings
  • his father’s prayer
  • the significance of elders
  • the institution of the family.

`I was glad to experience … other faces and …disappointed the war had destroyed the enjoyment … of meeting new people.’

ii) People’s intense fear of young boys robs Beah of his identity. 

iii) `There weren’t footprints of any kind.’

iv) His journey on his own: `I made my own fate….. ‘

Personal Essay First Draft: Refer to LESSON 7. 

Learner Preparation for LESSON 16:

1. Learners to read CHAPTER 8.

2. Learners to consider the following for discussion:

i) The importance of Beah’s recollection of the past.

ii) How does Beah justify his good memory, and the fact that he could recall events for the novel?