After reading chapters 1-9 I have learned and absorbed the sort of life Emmanuel Jal has been living, starting in the village of Tonj located in Southern Sudan. Emmanuel had come from 2 tribes; his father was a member of the Proud Neur tribe and his mother was half Dinka half Neur. We have learned thus far in the book that coming from 2 different tribes is similar to coming from 2 different worlds meaning that there are different celebrations, traditions, rules etc.
While reading we learn that Emmanuel was just a young boy at age 7 when the Civil War broke out. His father (often referred to as Babba) joined the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). His father always told him that the SPLA “is fighting for freedom” (pg 8). This quote is significant because it supports Emmanuel’s reasoning and thoughts for why the SPLA is good. Emmanuel’s mom would say to him that because of the SPLA “one day we will all live peacefully together in heaven” (pg. 8) which made Emmanuel think that the SPLA was out there to promote peace and make harmony. Emmanuel’s mother was a very firm believer in religion and god. After the devastating death of Emmanuel’s Mother, he boldly decided do join the thousands of other children traveling to Ethiopia where they had been told they would receive education. “We’ve been sent to get you; your father wants you to come with us. You’re going to school.” (pg. 39). Once Emmanuel arrived in Ethiopia he was recruited by the SPLA along with many of the other young children who were also told they would be going to school, and were taken to training camp. This camp was located deep “in the bush” of Ethiopia. From the outer look at this camp, it appears as a school, but secretly it was a facility that was meant for training in war combat.
After what I’ve read this far in War Child I am realizing the miserable truth of what can happen to young Emmanuel Jal. I am realizing that Emmanuel’s life can be ended before it really even gets a true chance to begin. War is a serious, remorseful, dangerous and fatal activity that is soon to be a horrifyingly memorable, heartbreaking and dreadful period and part of his life.
The life of Emmanuel sounds tragic in comparison to the lives we live today. This blog is a great way of introducing the story of War Child by introducing the character himself. It enables us to learn more about what Emmanuel is overcoming and what he must overcome in the future (war). War is definitely a serious matter and the fact that Emmanuel has to deal with it at such a young age is even worse. I think this character anaylsis can be seen as a comparison to our lives as well as a outline of what his life is like and what the future has in store. GREAT JOB SPEN :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great summary of Jal's life to date. Your blog could be improved by taking some of your points and analyzing them in more depth, rather than just summarizing the plot. For example, your observation of how Jal believes in the SPLA because his father told him is a good point that could be expanded on. You could argue that his unconditional faith in his father shows the naivety of his youth and that as the story progresses, he slowly looses this innocence and becomes increasingly angry. Overall, a great start for you blog!
ReplyDeleteFROM JORDAN:
ReplyDeleteThis is a great first introductory bog about Emmanuel Jal’s character and lifestyle. You mentioned some strong points and back them up with good quotes and page numbers from the book. This allows your audience to understand in further detail how Jal lives, and what he must go through everyday. You explained the aspects of War very well in your blog and you chose a good first topic to write on. Great Start MATE!!