Book Analysis: A Long Walk To Water

A Long Walk To Water Thematic Essay

In the dual narrative, A Long Walk To Water by Linda Sue Park, Salva, the main character, shows perseverance even through challenges and hard situations while traveling across the Akobo Desert. Salva is traveling through the Akobo Desert and to the Itang refugee camp because of the distress and violence that the Sudanese Civil War has brought to his town, Loun Ariik. The Sudanese Civil War is a fight between the Dinka tribe and their rivals for land. It is very difficult for Salva to survive because he isn’t with his family and has a lack of resources like water or food. He shows perseverance by living through these challenges.

Salva goes through many emotional and physical challenges and struggles throughout

For example, on page 52, it says, “Even breathing became an effort: Every breath Salva took seemed to drain strength rather than restore it.” This is a physical challenge because the text explains how exhausting and draining just simply breathing is in a scorching desert. Then, more text explains the more physical challenges that Salva goes through. For example, “No one shared anything with him, neither food nor company. Uncle had always shared the animals and birds he shot with everyone in the group.” Many of the people he is traveling with are grown adults, who think that Salva will whine or slow them down on their journey. They are reluctant to interact with Salva too much for these reasons. Then, another example of a physical challenge that Salva endures can be found on page 53, which says, “The worst moment of the day happened near the end. Salva stubbed his bare toe on a rock, and his whole toenail came off.” On top of Salva’s long and difficult journey in the sweltering desert, he experiences emotional pain as well. For example, on page 53, the text says, “Salva tried to bite his lip, but the awfulness of that never-ending day was too much for him. He lowered his head, and the tears began to flow.” Salva had

On page 65, there is an example of Salva’s perseverance. The text says, “Marial and Uncle were no longer by his side, and they never would be again, but Salva knew that both of them would have wanted him to survive, to finish the trip and reach the Itang refugee camp safely.” This shows that even though Salva’s journey is strenuous, the beliefs of Uncle and Maria for Salva to get to the Itang refugee camp are his inspiration to keep moving along. Then, another example of Salva’s perseverance can be found where it says, “Salva would think of his family and his village, and he was somehow able to keep his wounded feet moving forward, one painful set at a time.” Salva’s motivation to keep on his journey comes from his village and his family. Salva expresses a strong need towards wanting to see his family again, because they are so close to his heart. Finally, the last example of perseverance can be found on page 65, where it says, “But there was no doubt: Beneath his terrible sadness, he felt stronger.” This shows that while Salva may be deeply mourning over Uncle’s death, he feels stronger in knowing that Uncle would have wanted him to keep going, not just to the Itang refugee camp, but to every successful place in his life. Overall, Salva learns to persevere through his hardships during his voyage to the Itang refugee