STRUCTURE ANALYSIS

The plot is divided into sections beginning with a Preface explaining the author's purpose in writing the book, followed by sections named with seasons and years. It begins with Summer of 1987 and ends with September 29, 1989. Each section is then divided into 31 separate chapters. There is also an Epilogue, which does its job by tying up the loose ends of the narrative at least as far as how the family is fairing in the fall of 1989.


THEMES - THEME ANALYSIS

Parts of America are War Zones

The theme of parts of America are war zones is so important to the purpose of Kotlowitz's story. Just as if a reporter had gone to Beirut or Gaza City or Kosovo or Darfur, he would find the same kind of children that he could find in the projects of Chicago, Illinois, USA. These children have lived through so much.......

The Ravages of Poverty

The theme of the ravages of poverty runs throughout the narrative. Those who are its victims are trapped in a vicious cycle from which they cannot seem to escape. Most of the people in the projects have dropped out of school and have few skills that would make them desirable employees. As a result, they must.....

Racism

Another theme, racism, is a devastating characteristic of the lives of people in the projects. It is defeating enough to live in poverty and .......

The Deferral of the Dream

The theme of the dream deferred is so important to understand what motivates Kotlowitz. After spending two years in Pharoah and Lafeyette's lives, he sees.......

 

The complete study guide is currently available as a downloadable PDF, RTF, or MS Word DOC file from the PinkMonkey MonkeyNotes download store. The complete study guide contains summaries and notes for all of the chapters; detailed analysis of the themes, plot structure, and characters; important quotations and analysis; detailed analysis of symbolism, motifs, and imagery; a key facts summary; detailed analysis of the use of foreshadowing and irony; a multiple-choice quiz, and suggested book report ideas and essay topics.

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Clapsaddle, Diane. "TheBestNotes on A Long Way Gone". TheBestNotes.com.

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