At the end of A Long Way Gone, Ishmael Beah, the memoir's author and protagonist, recounts a significant dream that encapsulates his journey and profound reflections. The book concludes with a powerful image of him confronting a moral dilemma concerning a monkey, ultimately deciding to protect others from a similar, impossible choice.
The Final Act: A Difficult Choice
The memoir culminates with Ishmael's deeply symbolic dream. In this dream, he encounters a monkey, and faces the harrowing choice between killing it to save others or allowing it to live, potentially causing harm. This dream serves as a poignant representation of the brutal, no-win scenarios he, and many child soldiers like him, faced during the Sierra Leone Civil War.
His decision regarding the monkey is not just a dream sequence; it is a profound declaration of his new perspective and his determination to prevent future generations from experiencing such trauma.
Understanding the Ending's Significance
The conclusion of A Long Way Gone is a powerful commentary on the lasting effects of war and the struggle for rehabilitation and peace. Ishmael's final act in the dream carries immense weight:
- Protecting Innocence: By deciding to kill the monkey himself, Ishmael expresses a deep desire to shield others from the impossible moral quandaries and forced atrocities he endured. It symbolizes a commitment to breaking the cycle of violence and difficult choices imposed on children in conflict zones.
- Confronting Trauma: The dream highlights the persistent psychological scars of his past. Even after rehabilitation and finding a new life, the difficult choices of war continue to haunt him, manifesting in such vivid and disturbing scenarios.
- Hope for the Future: Despite the grim nature of the choice, Ishmael's decision implies a will to take on the burden himself, rather than pass it on. This signifies a resilient spirit and a move towards preventing future suffering, offering a glimmer of hope for a different future, free from the horrific dilemmas of war.
Here’s a summary of the key elements at the book's close:
| Key Element | Description |
|---|---|
| The Dream | Ishmael dreams of a moral dilemma involving a monkey and an impossible choice. |
| His Decision | He resolves to kill the monkey himself, rather than let anyone else face that difficult decision. |
| Symbolism | Represents his commitment to preventing future generations from enduring the same horrific choices he did. |
| Overall Theme | Reinforces the lasting psychological impact of war and the powerful desire for protection and peace. |
This ending powerfully underscores the memoir's core message about the lost innocence of child soldiers, the atrocities they witness and commit, and their arduous journey toward healing and finding their humanity again. Ishmael’s choice embodies a profound act of taking responsibility and a will to forge a path where such choices are no longer necessary.
