how did Ishmael beah's grandmother explain the local adage taht "we must strive to be like the moon" (p.16)? And why has Ishmael remembered this saying ever since his childhood? What does it mean to him?
"We must strive to be like the moon.” (pg, 16) When Ishmael asked his grandmother what the old man meant by this quote, she said it was an adage that served to remind people to always be on their best behavior and to be good to others. People complain when there is too much sun and the again when it is too cold. However, no one grumbles when the moon shines, because a lot of happy things happened in the moonlight. The cultural significance is the close connection these people had with the elements. Often without electricity, much of the time is spent outdoors. The changes in day and night take on greater significance than they do in the West where people shut there doors and seldom look at the sky.
