Evidence #2: Although Beah does not tell anyone his answer, he says, “I concluded to myself that if I were the hunter, I would shoot the monkey so that it would no longer have the chance to put other hunters in the same predicament” (Beah 218). Analysis: Beah’s answer to the monkey story is well-thought and is selfless, since he is sacrificing saving his mother to help many other people. He chose this solution because he does not want other children like him to suffer the loss of their mother if they chose to kill the monkey. His choice shows that he has a good nature.
His culture plays an important part in shaping this trait in Beah because he is raised in a culture where the children are taught to be well behaved and be kind. Beah’s decision, which reflects on his moral character, shows that he thinks it is better to make sacrifices for the greater good instead of allowing violence to continue. His solution to the monkey problem provides significance to the memoir by showing the theme of hope. It shows Beah as a voice to child soldiers worldwide. Just as he is reluctant to let his mother die if he chooses to shoot the monkey, he does not want to become a child soldier. Beah does not want other children to have to decide between life and death, or family and military.
He uses his own experience as a child soldier to educate many nations about the horrors and provide hope for more children by preventing their participation as child soldiers.
