Comparing Salva's A Long Walk To Water

Imagine two stories with multiple parallels, twists and turns, ups and downs, but yet at the end, both conclude with a happy ending. These journeys are shown in an incredible book called A Long Walk to Water. The novel expresses many important aspects of life, family, safety, growth, and belonging, mainly through the characters Nya and Salva. Nya is shown struggling due to her daily sixteen-mile walk to dirty water and her lack of an education. On the other hand, Salva struggles as he was separated from everyone he knew during the war in South Sudan. He has to walk alone for a very long time. Although they experience different events, they are able to emphasize their connection to important and basic human needs. The claim presented that deeply

In this camp, 3,000 boys were chosen to go to America. One day, Salva finds out he was placed on the list and was being sent to Rochester, New York. He was given many essentials that he did not have before, like clothes. He then met his wonderful family and was welcomed into their shelter with food, water, heat, and more which he never had (96). When Salva found out he was going to New York, he was gifted necessities that provided him with a stable foundation, ensuring his well-being and safety as he was in a new country. Having these essentials met will allow him to focus on other aspects of his life, so he makes the best of America. Later, in Nya’s story, a quote states “After the excitement of seeing that first spray of water, the villagers went back to work to build the well. Several men gathered in front of Nya’s house with tools,” (97). When the villagers work to build the well, they are symbolically building a well of stability. The idea is supported as they will have access to clean water, which is essential for survival. By coming together and taking action, they are ensuring a stable source of water for their

He began to provide clean water for the poor villagers of Sudan, in doing so, Salva helped provide opportunities for children, even Nya. Salva’s stability in America allowed him to join activities, learn a language, and pursue education, which led to his impactful work in Sudan. By coming to the United States, Salva opened a world of opportunities. This is similar for Nya, her father states “ ‘With the well here, no one will have to go to the pond anymore. So all the children will be able to go to school’ ” (103). The new well allows the children to focus on school as they will have more time in their days. They can all begin a journey of growth and learning. The quote expresses how access to stability, in this case water, can affect the way people progress in life. Overall, Nya and Salva’s journeys highlight the role of stability in personal growth. When Salva learned he was going to New York, he was provided a stable foundation with essential items and a supportive family. This stability allowed him to focus on other aspects of his life and make the most of his fresh start in America. Similarly, building a well in Nya’s village showed how stability and access to basic needs brought Nya security and enabled her to