Question

Ishmael Beah's use of language—his word choice and syntax—establishes an individual voice and tone. Describe the essay's voice and tone, citing examples from the selection.

Answer 1

Beah's voice is described as observant and sophisticated, he was sarcastic at times (paragraph 67 and paragraph 23). His tone was described as detached (paragraph 31) and wishful when he wished that he had their innocence (paragraph 95)

Answer 2

Beah's voice in the story was personal and his tone, sad, depressing, and emotional.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the story A Long Way Gone, we learn of Ishmael Beah who was a victim and survivor of the harsh realities meted on the people of Mogbwemo by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). A voice in the story refers to the aspect of writing that makes the writer's choice of words unique to him. The tone refers to how the message is conveyed to the reader. Beah's voice in the story was personal, not formal because the story had a natural flow which the reader could relate to. This excerpt from the story highlight that:

" These days I live in three worlds: my dreams and the experiences of my new life, which trigger memories from the past."

The tone in the story refers to the effect the story had on the readers. The tone in this story is sad, depressing, and emotional. This is reflected in his harsh experiences, and on this excerpt:

"One of the unsettling things about my journey mentally, physically, and emotionally was that I wasn't sure when or where it was going to end. I didn't know what I was going to do with my life, I felt that I was starting over and over again."