On: A Long Way Gone - 10-12-2012 Exposition

After having pondered as to what made Ishmael's experience in such heavily traumatic situations it would appear that, given the context of what A Long Way Gone has presented the reader through the first four chapters, the thought behind ordinary cycles of life are what allows Ishmael to keep calm and in a state of mental tranquility. To equip this claim properly is quite easy, as Ismael is frequently humanized by the tranquil experiences he finds himself in. For example, as in reference to this idea of a "moon", and it's role in preserving the peace of mind of Ishmael during times of such profound uncertainty, it would appear that, more than anything else, nature safeguards Ismael. Ishmael made strong and emotional note on page sixteen that an older gentleman, who merely sat by his place of residence told Ishmael that "we must strive to be like the moon". This was inherently confusing for Ishmael; hearing such intellectual and knowledgeable advice judgement from this older gentlemen. Ismael, after hearing his grandmother's explanation of what this man was disclosing to him, then understands that the moon is a universal symbol of both appeal and appreciation; in that, the display of a beautiful moon is a raw symbol of beauty that is inherently all-inclusive to humanity. Using this now newfound knowledge, Ismael was able to carry on a sense of well-being while observing the moon; he became fascinated with the moon, altering its image into differing "appealing and likable" moods and make-ups, such as a sailor, or even a woman cradling a newborn child. It was this escape from reality for Ishmael, for even a short cycle of time, that gave him the undoubtably awe-inspiring ability to console himself, even given the harsh circumstances presented in the ongoing and nearby civil war. On a less luminous note, there are certain methods or familiar surroundings that people, such as myself, use to cope with adverse periods of time or fortune. Although as obvious as it is that my fortune is exponentially greater in size than that of Ishmael Beah's, a good video game has never wronged me whenever I may be sad or glum. Familiar surroundings, such as New Jersey's Atlantic shore, also are ideal places to think of when adverse times may strike in my lifestyle. All of this being said, Ishmael and I, in addition to the vast majority of humanity, have put to use the natural and unnatural environment's that surround themselves with to accomplish a common goal: to escape whatever given destructive themes that plague the sense of progress and prosperity in society.