Symbolism In A Long Way Gone: Memoirs Of A Boy Soldier

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Freedom and Oppression in “A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier” Symbolism is used in literature to enhance the mood, emotion, or themes present within a novel. In his literary work, “A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier”, Ishmael Beah uses symbolism to underscore his central theme of freedom and oppression. Beah symbolizes the cassette tapes he listened to as a child. Also, he symbolizes the guns that were used throughout the war in Sierra Leone. Furthermore, he used the moon as a symbol on multiple occasions.
In his novel, Beah symbolizes the rap cassette tapes that he, his brother, and friends would listen and sing along to as children. Prior to joining the army, his cassettes were an escape from the harsh reality of the war. …show more content…
Also, the power that came with owning a gun allowed innocent people to be robbed of their safety and freedom. According to Beah, “The gunshots didn’t cease for the next five months; they became the new sound of the city. In the morning, families sat on their verandahs and held their children close, staring at the city streets where gunmen roamed in groups, looting, raping, and killing people at will.” (Beah, 248) In addition to his freedom and childhood, Beah’s AK-47 stripped him of his innocence. When one of his friends is killed he loses all remorse and becomes angry, killing everything he …show more content…
The moon symbolizes both freedom and oppression. According to Beah, “. . . the thick clouds kept trying to cover the moon, yet it would reappear again and again to shine all night long." (Beah, 89) Despite being hidden by the clouds, the moon still came out to shine for the rest of the night. The moon is also a reminder of his childhood. After arriving in Kabati, Beah says, “whenever I get a chance to observe the moon now, I still see those same images I saw when I was six, and it pleases me to know that that part of my childhood is still embedded in me.” (Beah, 29) As a child, he would always look up and marvel in the beauty of the moon. Growing up, Beah strived to be like the moon and it inspired him to keep fighting. He described his journey as being “like that of the moon—although I had even more thick clouds coming my way to make my spirit dull . . . Even though our journey was difficult, every once in a while we were able to do something that was normal and made us happy for a brief moment.” (Beah, 89-90) The moon reminded Beah to keep going regardless of the circumstances. The theme of freedom and oppression is accentuated in the novel with the symbolic use of the moon.
In conclusion, in his novel, “A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier”, Beah uses symbolic elements such as the rap cassette tapes, guns, and the moon. By using these symbols, he underscores the theme of freedom and oppression.
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