What is the What Reflection 3/18/10

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-Can we let such treason go unpunished?

-No! we yelled............. The shots went through them men and dust rose from the earth. I screamed. A thousand boys screamed. They had killed all these men. - Achak and the other lost boys listing to a SPLA officer speak.

Significance: These boys are still too young to make decisions and yet they are required to grow up quickly in their camp. They were caught in a moment and the SPLA officer took advantage of the fact that they were boys and they didn't know a lot. He took the chance and executed men right before a thousand boys eyes. They didn't really realize what they were saying until they heard the gunshots. They want to grow up and fight but they don't fully realize what it requires and what they saw was a cold reality that pleasing someone may not be correct.

Personal Connection: I believe that man took advantage of the fact that they were just little boys and didn't realize what the repercussions of say something like that would be. They killed those men. Maybe they didn't hold the gun but because they were trying to please someone, that in their mind, could be the answer to their problems they said something that they didn't know would be bad until they saw the actions that went with it.

Quote Question: Do you think the man took advantage of the kids and the fact that they didn't know any better?

Page: 392

Paragraph: 6

-Hello! he yelled.

She turned her head to him and gave him the kind of disgusted look reserved for drunkards and the raving mad. -Achak watching as Gop sees his family for the first time in years.

Significance: It has been years since Gop and his family has seen each other. They have both changed and they didn't even recognize him at first. They thought he was just some lunatic that was jumping around. But not seeing your family for years and then not being recognized immediately was almost normal. People would go on for years and years without seeing or hearing their families. Achak doesn't even remember what his parents look like anymore. Most people here might think that is impossible but for the Lost Boys it was normal. The war separated so many families. Most interrogated who ever came to the camp for news of their loved ones. But most never heard anything. That was the way life was.

Personal Connection: I felt so terrible for Gop. He kept waiting and waiting for his family and he was so excited but when they first got there they didn't recognize him at all. I was happy he could see his family but I kept thinking how I would feel if my family didn't recognize me. I can't even imaging something like that happening. But most people at the camp never thought ten years ago that they would be refugees living in fear and hunger.

Quotes Question: Do you think you would forget your family if your main goal was to survive through each day? Why or why not?