Essay Questions

Using Psychoanalytic theory, deconstruct this sentence: “She didn’t want to call the name of that home, not even in her mind.”

Beah elucidates, “When the breeze came about, as it did frequently, it shook the skulls, causing them to rotate slowly, so it seemed they were turning their hollow eye sockets at her as she hastened past them. Despite such sights, she had refused to commit her mind to the possibility that her town would be charred.” Due to the appalling and desolate scenery, Kadie endeavors to suppress the memories of her home. Repression is the scheme which aids her to overwhelm fears vis-à-vis the prospect of a scorched home.

What is the import of Moiwa’s resolution to clear the bones?

Moiwa affirms, “I am doing this work to make sure that when people return to this town, they may not see this. I know their eyes have recorded worse, but still I will spare them one last image of despair.” Clearing the bones corresponds to eradicating the remembrances of the conflict. Beholding the bones can straightforwardly provoke loud memories of departed folks who were not fortunate to dodge death. Hence, it offers closure to the survivors, a state which is contributory to a new beginning in their lives.